DEPARTMENT OF LAND, AIR AND WATER RESOURCES
FIELD RESEARCH SAFETY TRAINING
SECTION I
FOR EACH FIELD RESEARCH PROJECT, THIS AREA MUST BE FILLED OUT BY THE
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR IN COLLABORATION WITH THE RESEARCHER INVOLVED. If
safety concerns specific to the project were addressed in the project proposal on file, please
transfer that information to section II.
Brief description of the research project:
Standard Operating procedures relevant to this field project: Attach or reference all SOPs for this
field project. Make sure to document all SOP training with a signature from each trainee. Have the
SOP(s) available in case you need to refer to them.
SECTION II
Section IIA contains the most common potential hazards that may be encountered while conducting
field research, but are not inclusive of all the potential hazards. These guidelines are intended to be
used in conjunction with specific guidelines associated with individual projects. It is the responsibility
of the principal investigator to note, in detail, any unique hazards of each situation and what
precautions are needed to mitigate any potential loss or injury in this and include this in section IIB.
The PI should also provide access to appropriate safety items as necessary. If you have multiple
field research projects with similar hazards, you may want to have this section available as an
APPENDIX to the field research training and have all members of the different research teams sign
off on a cover sheet stating that they are aware of the these hazards.
SECTION IIA – COMMON POTENTIAL FIELD RESEARCH RELATED HAZARDS
EXPOSURE TO SUN/WEATHER
Wear hat and sunscreen
Maintain adequate liquid intake
Wear other protective clothing if needed (raincoat, gloves, etc)
ACCESS TO FIELD SITES
Use defensive driving tactics and avoid driving when tired (Please read the section pertaining
to various safe driving issues contained in a binder available in each administrative office)
Be prepared for delays; carry adequate food, water, clothing, first aid equipment and
tools
FIELD ACTIVITIES
Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you are going through rough and rocky terrain
If you need to use power equipment, make sure you are properly trained in each piece of
machinery
Use ear protection when working around noisy equipment
If you are going to be working in agricultural fields where pesticides are used, be sure you
have received the fieldworker pesticide safety training from Mike Mata (2-1005)
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Do not use electric power equipment while standing in water or on wet ground
Unplug equipment before repairing it
FIRE HAZARDS
Turn off the generator or any gasoline-powered equipment before filling the gas tank
Keep the fire extinguisher nearby
SECTION IIB
In addition to the general guidelines provided above, the following are some project specific tasks and
associated hazards and precautions to be taken with each task. For each task or procedure, there is
a written Standard Operating Procedure available that the employee has read. A copy of the
Standard Operating Procedures should be kept in a readily accessible place.
If some steps or procedures can be dealt with in table form, fill in form below.
Task or procedure
Associated hazards and precautions to be taken
Section IIC – SITE SPECIFIC HEALTH HAZARDS
Pick from the LAWR hazard evaluation page the health hazards that are relevant to this field project.
For any health hazards not covered on that list, make sure you include them here.
SECTION III: EMERGENCY PROVISION PLAN
MEDICAL CARE INFORMATION:
Know where to get medical help in the area where the field research is conducted. Read information
sheet on preparing for Emergencies during Field Research and Off-Campus Activities.
1. Determine which county your research site is
2. A form is available in the LAWR link for you to fill out and choose the emergency responder
and closest medical facility information and phone numbers for your worksite. Add to this
form any other information needed for your specific project.
3. Take a first aid kit filled with adequate first aid materials with you on every trip. Replenish
supplies as needed.
4. “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials,
suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within
the work area for immediate emergency use.” Bring a container of water with you if this
applies.
5. Have maps available so that you know how to get to nearest medical facility
6. In remote research sites where ambulance service is not available within 30 minutes under
normal conditions, have blankets or other adequate warm covering with you.
7. Also for remote research sites, researcher should have training “equal to that of the American
Red Cross or mining enforcement and Safety Administration.” Outdoor Adventures do offer a
first aid class.
8. Take a copy of the form generated in step 2 with you on EVERY trip. Complete checklist at
the start of each trip. Leave a copy of the form with your PI or other suitable lab personnel.
INJURY NOTIFICATION:
If there are any incidents encountered during the field work that warrant first aid or medical care,
notify the principal investigator as soon as possible and the principal investigator should complete an
incident report.
 8 Hour notification: For serious injuries or death, the injuries must be reported to EH&S
(530-752-1493) as soon as “practically possible but no longer than 8 hours after the employer
knows or with diligent inquiry would have known of the death or serious injury or illness.” See
Safety net #121 for more information.

24 Hour notification: All injury claims that does not fit the category above, but does involve
more than simple first aid should be filed within 24 hours in the business office.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS:
Try not to work alone. If this is not possible, inform other personnel of your planned location(s) and
return time. Carry a cell phone in case of an emergency. If your project does not have a cell phone,
there is one available for checkout in the PES admin office.
NON-UCD EMPLOYEES, VISITORS, AND VOLUNTEERS
 UCD waiver, Release and Indemnity Agreement – if you have guest(s) that is not a student or
a UCD employee, print out this form and have them sign. The date and location of the field
research should be noted.
 Volunteers without Salary – For anyone who is volunteering to help with the research and is
not on LAWR or UCD salary, have them sign the Volunteers without Salary form so that they
are coved by Workers Compensation if they are injured during the project.
 Keep both of these forms on file for 3 years
SECTION IV
In addition to this orientation, the employee has received training (i.e., pesticide safety training, safe
driver awareness, neutron probe usage, tractor driving, compressed gas usage, tower climbing, etc)
in the following areas:
Training topic
Date training
received
Signature of trainer (If attended EH&S class,
please note where certification is kept.
I have read the contents of the Field Research Hazard Evaluation and Safety Rules, understand
them, and agree to abide by them. I understand that failure to take necessary and advised
precautions for my personal safety may result in my being dismissed from the research due to safety
concerns. This training is to be reviewed on a yearly basis.
_____________________________________________
Signature of Researcher
REFRESHER DATES:
_______________
Refresher date
________________________________
Date
________
Initials
_______________
Refresher date
_______
Initials
I have reviewed this safety evaluation with the researcher above and have added any additional
potential hazards that are specific to the project as described above. I will /will not be present
during the field research.
_____________________________________________
Signature of Principal investigator
2005 Field research training template 11/05 dl
_______________________
Date