Читать книгу Practical Field Ecology - C. Philip Wheater - Страница 38

Look after your own health and safety and that of those around you. All investigations should be assessed for any risks, including those caused by the terrain, the techniques, and any sudden changes in weather (see Barrow 2004). Any chemicals being used should be checked against appropriate regulations and risk assessments should be produced to identify safe use, disposal, and how to deal with spillage and accidents. In the UK, such regulations (COSHH – Control of Substances Hazardous to Health)¹³ are covered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Many organisations have their own health and safety guidelines; in the absence of these, advice is available in Nichols (1999), Winser (2004), Aldiss (2007), USHA/UCEA (2011),¹⁴ and Daniels and Lavallee (2014). It is advisable for at least some participants in any field project to be trained in emergency first aid, especially when working in remote environments.

Although all environments are potentially hazardous, you should pay particular attention when working at the coast (especially with regard to tides and hazards including quicksand), rivers (above all with regard to potential flash floods), the uplands and mountain areas (especially with regard to sudden changes in weather conditions and the risk of exposure), and in situations where there is a risk from disease transmission, poisonous and venomous plants and animals, or anti‐social or violent behaviour from other people.

Try to avoid working alone in the field. If you must work alone, always carry a mobile (cell) phone and check out and back in with someone who knows your plan of work. Clothing and footwear should be suitable for the terrain and climatic conditions (warm and waterproof, or cool and sun‐proof). Safety glasses and gloves should be worn to handle chemicals, and suitable gloves to protect you against thorns and infection from soil and waterborne disease. Take particular care where there is risk of disease transmission such as Weil's disease¹⁵ (near to rivers and canals) and Lyme disease¹⁶ (transmitted by ticks). Blooms of some algae, such as Cyanobacteria (blue‐green algae), can be toxic to humans through skin contact and swallowing.¹⁷ In the tropics, it is important to be aware of mosquito‐borne diseases (including but not confined to malaria) and how to avoid being bitten both during the day and at night.¹⁸ Be aware of any other risks, including bites from venomous creatures (e.g. snakes), other toxic species (e.g. poisonous plants, scorpions, spiders, and stonefish, which have toxic spines), and the possibility of rabies from mammals (depending on the country in which you are working). Keep your tetanus injections up to date and consult appropriate authorities (e.g. The UK National Health Service¹⁹ and the US Department of Health and Human Services²⁰) regarding advised vaccines when travelling further afield. In general, ensure you are properly equipped (see Box 1.2) and avoid risks to help to ensure problem‐free project work.