Preparing for the Field

In preparing yourself, consider the following elements:

• Many of the tasks assigned to USGS employees require strenuous exercise, sometimes under adverse weather conditions. It is recommended that each employee maintain physical fitness through a regular program.

• Learn how to swim, or be prepared to wear a personal floatation device (PFD) if near water.

• Maintain a schedule of physical examinations, as appropriate for your age, with your personal physician or a health clinic. Periodic examinations are available through the U.S. Public Health Service.

• Seek medical advice if you have a limiting medical condition; have an adequate supply of medication on hand for field trips.

• If you have severe allergic reactions to insect bites or stings, carry appropriate serum and instruct colleagues on administering it in case you are incapacitated.

• Learn modern first aid procedures and CPR.

• Learn wilderness survival techniques if you will be working in remote areas.

• Learn to drive off-road 4-wheel-drive vehicles.

• Learn about hazards associated with confined space.

• Recognize hazards associated with field installations.

• Discussing the assignment thoroughly with your supervisor to ensure that you understand what is expected, why it needs to be done, and how it should be accomplished.

• Know where the nearest emergency medical facilities are located; make plans on how to contact these facilities if you are alone and severely injured (cellular phone).

• Reviewing maps, property descriptions, and notes made by yourself and others on previous visits to ensure that you are aware of site conditions and potential hazards that may exist.

• Reviewing technical manuals, memoranda, previous field inspection notes, and safety procedures.

• Preparing a schedule for completing individual tasks and making a list of required instruments, tools, and supplies.

• Contacting landowners and public officials to inform them of your plans and receive permission for access.

• Having your plans and schedule reviewed by your supervisor or another individual with substantial field experience.

• Checking weather forecasts.

• Adequate clothing for weather conditions.

• Proper foot gear that you will need for field work, including hiking boots, steel-toed safety shoes, hip boots, and waders. Too many people wear shoes with no heels to climb ladders and descend steep slippery slopes.

• Hats appropriate for weather conditions; a light-weight hat with a visor for warm, sunny conditions and a wool stocking cap for cold weather. A hard hat is recommended while working on bridges, inside gaging stations, and during all construction activities.

• Safety goggles, work gloves, dusk masks or respirators, and earplugs.

• A PFD is required when working on bridges, boats, cableways, or while wading streams.

• An orange fluorescent vest is required while working on bridges or surveying on or adjacent to highways.

• Avoid field work during hunting season or in intensively hunted areas. If work is required, always wear hunter orange clothing. Know when hunting season is scheduled and where it is permitted.

http://water.er.usgs.gov/pubs/ofr/ofr95777/preparing.html
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Last Modified: 09:41 27June1996 ghc