A11
11.1
GEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FIELD WORK
General
A Code of Conduct has become essential if opportunities for field work in the future are to be
preserved. Field studies in recent years has tended to concentrate attention upon a limited number
of localities so that sheer collecting pressure is destroying the scientific value of irreplaceable
sites. At the same time the volume of field work is causing concern to many site owners.
Geologists and Biologists must be seen to use the countryside with responsibility. To achieve
this, the following general points should be observed:
(a)
Obey the Country Code and observe local bylaws. Remember to shut gates and leave no
litter.
(b)
Always seek prior permission before entering private land.
(c)
Do not interfere with machinery.
(d)
Do not litter fields or roads with rock fragments which might cause injury to livestock or
be a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
(e)
Avoid undue disturbance to wildlife. Plants and animals may inadvertently be displaced
or destroyed by careless actions.
(f)
In coastal areas, consult the local Coastguard Service whenever possible to learn of local
hazards such as unstable cliffs or tides which might jeopardise excursions possible at
other times.
(g)
When operating in "Wild Country," leaders must ensure that the County Regulations for
those activities are observed (see Section B).
(h)
When intending to explore underground, all activity must conform to County
Regulations for caving and potholing (see Section B2.2).
(i)
Do not take risks on insecure cliffs or rock faces. Any work which involves scrambling,
climbing or movement above sheer faces must be led by a leader qualified within County
Regulations for rock climbing (see Section B2.3).
11.2
11.3
11.4
(j)
Beware of fast-flowing or deep water in rivers, ponds and lakes. Suitable rescue
equipment must be available and young people must be closely supervised at all times.
Staff must also be familiar with this equipment and how to use it effectively.
(k)
Be considerate. By your actions in collecting, do not leave any exposure untidy or
dangerous for those who follow you.
Field Parties
(a)
Rock collecting: students should be encouraged to observe and record but not to hammer
indiscriminately. Safety goggles must be worn when using geological hammers.
(b)
Keep collecting to a minimum. Avoid removing in situ fossils, rocks or minerals unless
they are genuinely needed for serious study.
(c)
For teaching, the use of replicas is commended. The collecting of actual specimens
should be restricted to those localities where there is a plentiful supply or to scree, fallen
blocks and waste tips.
(d)
Never collect from walls or buildings. Take care not to undermine fences, walls, bridges
or other structures.
(e)
The leader of a party must ensure that the spirit of this Code is fulfilled and should
remind his/her party of the need for care and consideration at all times.
Collecting Biological Specimens
(a)
Students should be encouraged to observe and record. Do not take biological samples
indiscriminately. Wild plants cannot be collected. Many plants and animals are
protected under the Countryside Act.
(b)
There are strict regulations on capturing wild animals and vertebrates. Wild animals –
dead or alive cannot be brought into school.
Visiting Quarries
(a)
The leader of a party must obtain prior permission to visit. Many quarry owners are
reluctant to admit school and student groups because of their potential liability for
damages in the event of personal injury. Quarry owners are responsible for the safety of
persons lawfully on their land and under the Unfair Contract Terms 1977 were unable to
exclude liability for personal injury claims arising from the state of the premises. The
Occupier's Liability Act 1984 modified the position so as to enable the occupier of
business premises to permit visits for recreational or educational purposes and to include
terms in the permission which restrict or exclude its liability to such visitors in respect of
the dangerous state of the premises.
Accordingly, you should not be surprised to receive an initial refusal but you should be
prepared to offer a form of indemnity now permitted by the 1984 Act. (You must check
any form of words with the Risk Management department.)
As a precautionary measure you should ensure that there is a group insurance in
existence which covers the situation and if necessary advise the insurers that the visit is
proposed.
11.5
(b)
The leader should be familiar with the current state of the quarry. He/she should have
consulted with the Manager as to where visitors may go and what local hazards should
be avoided.
(c)
On each visit, both arrival and departure must be reported.
(d)
In the quarry, the wearing of safety hats and stout boots is essential.
(e)
Keep clear of vehicles and machinery.
(f)
Be sure that blast warning procedures are understood.
(g)
Beware of rock falls. Quarry faces may be highly dangerous and liable to collapse
without warning.
(h)
Beware of sludge lagoons.
Health and Safety at Work Act
Since the introduction of this Act, safety measures are more strictly enforced on sites including
quarries. Protective clothing, particularly safety helmets, must be worn by employees, so visitors
are expected to observe the same precaution, often as a condition of entry. Suitable helmets are
readily available, cheap to purchase and should be part of the necessary equipment of all
geologists. They must be worn at all times in quarries.
11.6
Disused Quarries
Access to disused quarries is often deceptively easy since they may be close to public footpaths
or on open fell land. Although many have been used as ‘playgrounds’ in the past they may have
inherent dangers - from rock falls and steep drops in particular. It is usually best to avoid disused
quarries.