A Guide to Safe Field Operations
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-777


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Training for New Employees

Since many of the field activities that hydrologists and hydrologic technicians are asked to undertake are unique to our Division, it is incumbent on the Division to provide proper safety training for new employees and refresher courses for all employees. The USGS Handbooks, 445-1-H and 445-2-H, outline the training requirements for managers, supervisors, and employees. Training will include a combination of formal classroom training, reading assignments, discussions with the supervisor, and on-the-job training. The employee's immediate supervisor has the primary responsibility of ensuring that adequate training is provided.

Training begins with discussions between the supervisor and the employee on the mission of the Division, activities assigned to individual offices, and what is expected of the employee. The supervisor needs to assess the employee's capabilities and maturity, determine his or her previous safety record, determine the type of training and previous field experience, and discuss a specific training plan for the individual. The employee also will need to accurately state his or her previous experience and training, ask questions about the nature of potential assignments, and be confident that the instructions and training will be adequate for the employee to begin field activities.

The training plan for each employee will consist of at least the following elements:

Depending on the nature and location of assignments, other special training may be appropriate including wilderness survival, advanced boating, navigation, scuba diving, techniques for off-road/back-road driving, driving in adverse weather, and aircraft operation.


Previous--General Operation and Safety Procedures
Contents
Next--Communications
A Guide to Safe Field Operations
U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 95-777

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