EES Student Handbook

Fieldwork

Many people in the division do some kind of field work - sampling, measuring, or observing. Different groups have different standard operating procedures (SOPs) for field work. Obtain a copy of your group's SOPs from your group office or from your mentor.

Your mentor or supervisor should give you a copy of the Hazard Control Plan (HCP) necessary for the field work you will be performing, or you can get a copy from your group office. The HCP must be completed and approved before beginning any field work.

If appropriate, you must also read and sign an Integrated Work Document (IWD). IWDs are not required for work involving only hazards that could cause negligible harm or those associated with everyday living, routinely accepted by society, and controlled by means well known to the workers. However, any fieldwork involving use of power tools and/or moderate-high hazard activities requires an IWD.

HCPs and IWDs contain information on hazards associated with field work, what you need to do before you go in the field, field procedures, how to sign out vehicles for field work (and your responsibilities in using them), and what is required in the case of an emergency. For more information of HCPs and SOPs see safety.

Before starting field work, you must be certified in first aid and CPR. CPR certification must be renewed annually and first aid certification must be renewed every three years. Survival training also may be required if you will be working in areas where medical or emergency assistance is not readily available or in extreme weather conditions. Confer with the group leader about the need for survival training.