Section 1: Preface, Acronyms and Definitions
The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to protecting the safety of all members of its community, regardless of where activities take place. This Field Safety Manual Development Guide, developed by the Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) department, serves as a resource for planning, creating a field safety manual, and carrying out safe research and educational activities in field settings (off-campus or non-traditional locations).
Acronyms
| Acronym | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ANSI | American National Standards Institute |
| BCN | Business Center North (provides centralized HR, purchasing, and risk management services for northern Nevada) |
| DOT | Department of Transportation |
| EH&S | Environmental Health & Safety |
| GPS | Global Positioning System |
| IACUC | Institutional Animal Care & Use Committee |
| IBC | Institutional Biosafety Committee |
| OHSS | Occupational Health Surveillance System |
| PI | Principal Investigator |
| PPE | Personal Protective Equipment |
| SPF | Sun Protection Factor |
| UAM | University Administrative Manual |
Definitions
Benchmark: A standard by which others may be measured or judged, or a reference point for making measurements.
Designated Contact: An individual not participating in the field excursion who is provided with all Field Safety Plan information. This person is responsible for conducting scheduled check-ins with the field group and acting on their behalf in an emergency. The designated contact must be available 24/7 and able to execute emergency procedures if needed.
Fauna: Animal life, especially the animals characteristic of a specific region, period, or environment.
Field Group: Individuals actively engaged in research activities at the field site.
Field Safety Briefing: A meeting conducted prior to departure to review the hazard and risk assessment, provide emergency contact information, outline emergency procedures, and review the work schedule.
Field Site: Any location away from main campus properties where field work or research is conducted. This may include (but is not limited to) field stations, natural reserves, private lands, public lands or parks, wilderness areas, coastlines, waterways, construction areas, excavations, greenhouses, agricultural fields, commercial facilities, residential areas, and mines.
Field-Site Kit: A collection of materials appropriate to the location and nature of field activities.
Field Team/Trip Leader: The individual responsible for managing the field team and ensuring the safety of all field group members, equipment, vehicles, and structures involved.
Flora: Plant, bacterial, or fungal life characteristic of a particular region, period, or environment.
Fording Points: Locations where a river or other body of water is shallow enough to be crossed by wading.
Go / No-Go Determination: A criteria-based policy or decision to either continue or pause field work by the field group based on potential risks during the planned research period.
Hazard Assessment: The process of identifying hazards, evaluating associated risks, and managing those risks by incorporating appropriate controls into the experimental design.
Trekking Poles: Hiking accessories that help walkers maintain rhythm, improve stability, and reduce joint strain on rough terrain.