Section 6: Field Safety Kit Creation
Field safety kit required items: Items from the following sections that relate to your specific field work should be included in every field safety kit:
Documentation
- Field Safety Plan (including emergency procedures and protocols)
- Institutional insurance policy information
- Vehicle and personnel insurance documentation
- Required permits (including University of Nevada, Reno approvals and local agency permits)
Communication Equipment
Radio, cell phone, and/or satellite phone or communicator device (appropriate for the field location): At a minimum, field teams should have a method of contacting emergency services, emergency contacts, and team members
Personal Protective Equipment
Personal protective equipment (PPE) should be appropriate for the work being performed and the geographical/environmental conditions.
Location-dependent Personal Safety Items
In addition to required PPE, consider adding or listing other safety-related items that are appropriate for the location, climate, and field activities. Examples might include the following:
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen, sun hat, long sleeves, or other SPF-blocking clothing
- Dust masks and goggles where dust storms may be encountered
- Spare clothes, jackets, hats, blankets
- Work or hiking boots
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Map, compass, GPS
- Extra food/snacks
- Matches or fire starters
- Signal mirror, whistle
- Knife or multi-tool
- Duct tape/wire for basic repairs
- Extra batteries
- Specialized equipment specific to the educational or research mission
First Aid Kit
See the Environmental Health & Safety First Aid Kit Program for details about specific items to include in your first aid kit. Some general recommendations are as follows:
- Use a First aid kit of adequate size for the group and location
- Contents listed for Class B first aid kits are a good idea when far from help, when in large groups, or on extended stays
- Repack the first aid kit before each trip
- Replace all used or expired items
Knowing how to use the first aid kit is important as well. Individuals trained in first aid are recommended when emergency services are not readily available. Environmental Health & Safety provides regular training for First Aid and, on occasion, Wilderness First Aid.