The most important factor in fieldwork is safety: Guidelines for samplers
The most important factor in fieldwork is safety. Surface waters can often contain pathogens and those taking water or biological samples are particularly at risk from leptospirosis, cryptosporidiosis and, increasingly in Europe, giardiasis. Those working with surface waters should always wear protective rubber gloves, avoid hand-to-mouth contact (i.e. do not touch your face, smoke, eat or drink without thoroughly washing your hands first with soap and clean water), and all wounds, scratches and skin rashes must be protected from contact with water.
Many effluent discharges are chemically dangerous, as are spillages, so there is also a potential risk from chemical injury in some situations.
Some general guidelines are given below to help avoid serious injury while carrying out a sampling programme:
(a) Never work alone. One person should always remain on land or in shallow water in order to be in a position to offer assistance.
(b) Always have a first-aid kit and be trained in at least primary first aid.
(c) Always take a mobile phone with you in order to summon assistance.
(d) Never wade out of your depth.
(e) Never use chest waders, especially in deeper water with a risk of tripping, or in a boat, as these significantly increase the risk of drowning once submerged.
(f) Always feel your way in the water using the handle of a hand-net or a pole to avoid deep areas and obstructions and to ensure the substrate is stable. Extreme caution is necessary when the water is discoloured and visibility of the bottom of the river is reduced.
(g) Always ensure waders have a good tread to minimize slipping.
(h) The use of a skull protector and a self-righting buoyancy aid should also be considered.
(i) Remain as close to your vehicle and road access as possible.
(j) Always use a boat with an experienced trained crew for sampling deep waters (>1 m) or employ an alternative sampling method (e.g. artificial substrates).
(k) Always inform someone responsible of your exact work programme and at what time you will be expected back.
(l) Whenever possible stay on the bank.
(m) All those involved should be strong swimmers.
(n) You should be in good medical condition and fit enough to carry out the tasks required with ease.
(o) Do not work in the dark.
(p) Where the water is fast flowing, relatively deep (>0.6m), has steep banks or where there is an accumulation of soft sediment then a safety line, or harness and rope, should always be used. Where the river is fast flowing a catenary chain or rope should also be hung across the channel downstream at water level.
(q) Where sampling sites necessitate abseiling or difficult descents to the river only experienced and trained personnel should be used.
(r) If sampling involves working in difficult terrain ensure: (i) you are fully trained to work under those conditions; and (ii)you have the necessary survival and rescue skills to deal with emergencies in those conditions.
(s) If sampling involves complete submersion in the water (e.g. collection of large bivalves) this should only be carried out by a qualified sub aqua diving team and must not be attempted using a snorkel.
(t) Familiarize yourself with the concepts of risk assessment and minimization, and act on them.
Before engaging in any fieldwork talk to your employer’s safety or occupational hazards officer. It is normal requirement to fill in a risk assessment form when conducting filed work or a new procedure in the laboratory. Time should be spent seriously thinking through what you are going to do and what potential risks this may involve. Finally ask yourself the questions:
(a) Is there a safer way of obtaining this information?
(b) Is the end result worth the risks involved in acquiring it?
(a) Never work alone. One person should always remain on land or in shallow water in order to be in a position to offer assistance.
(b) Always have a first-aid kit and be trained in at least primary first aid.
(c) Always take a mobile phone with you in order to summon assistance.
(d) Never wade out of your depth.
(e) Never use chest waders, especially in deeper water with a risk of tripping, or in a boat, as these significantly increase the risk of drowning once submerged.
(f) Always feel your way in the water using the handle of a hand-net or a pole to avoid deep areas and obstructions and to ensure the substrate is stable. Extreme caution is necessary when the water is discoloured and visibility of the bottom of the river is reduced.
(g) Always ensure waders have a good tread to minimize slipping.
(h) The use of a skull protector and a self-righting buoyancy aid should also be considered.
(i) Remain as close to your vehicle and road access as possible.
(j) Always use a boat with an experienced trained crew for sampling deep waters (>1 m) or employ an alternative sampling method (e.g. artificial substrates).
(k) Always inform someone responsible of your exact work programme and at what time you will be expected back.
(l) Whenever possible stay on the bank.
(m) All those involved should be strong swimmers.
(n) You should be in good medical condition and fit enough to carry out the tasks required with ease.
(o) Do not work in the dark.
(p) Where the water is fast flowing, relatively deep (>0.6m), has steep banks or where there is an accumulation of soft sediment then a safety line, or harness and rope, should always be used. Where the river is fast flowing a catenary chain or rope should also be hung across the channel downstream at water level.
(q) Where sampling sites necessitate abseiling or difficult descents to the river only experienced and trained personnel should be used.
(r) If sampling involves working in difficult terrain ensure: (i) you are fully trained to work under those conditions; and (ii)you have the necessary survival and rescue skills to deal with emergencies in those conditions.
(s) If sampling involves complete submersion in the water (e.g. collection of large bivalves) this should only be carried out by a qualified sub aqua diving team and must not be attempted using a snorkel.
(t) Familiarize yourself with the concepts of risk assessment and minimization, and act on them.
Before engaging in any fieldwork talk to your employer’s safety or occupational hazards officer. It is normal requirement to fill in a risk assessment form when conducting filed work or a new procedure in the laboratory. Time should be spent seriously thinking through what you are going to do and what potential risks this may involve. Finally ask yourself the questions:
(a) Is there a safer way of obtaining this information?
(b) Is the end result worth the risks involved in acquiring it?
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