Fieldwork
Museum Field Travel Plan
For the safety of all fieldwork participants, a Museum Field Travel Plan must be completed before departure. This plan must also be signed by the Museum Director and the Operations Manager.
Hazard Assessments
Before embarking on your trip, all fieldwork participants should evaluate and assess all the hazards that might be encountered while on the trip. A Job Hazard Analysis should be reviewed or created for each of the jobs that will be performed. Navigate to the Lab Safety Page to learn more about reviewing or creating a Job Hazard Analysis.
Training
It is always a good idea for every fieldwork participant to be trained in specific field or wilderness safety techniques. Example trainings, include watercraft safety, bear safety, mountaineering, and ATV and snowmachine safety. Navigate to the Environmental Health, Safety, and Risk Management (EHSRM) Field Research Page or the Outdoor Adventures Page to see a list of vendors or courses where you can receive this kind of training.
Volunteers in the Field
Before volunteers can participate in fieldwork, they must be an approved Museum volunteer. Navigate to the Museum Volunteers Page to learn more about becoming an approved Museum volunteer.
inReach Explorer GPS/Communication Units
For the safety of all Museum fieldwork participants, the Operations Department has several inReach Explorer GPS/Communication Units available for checkout. Navigate to the inReach Explorer Check Out Page to check out one of these devices. To learn how to use one of these devices download and read the How to Use an inReach Explorer PDF.
Shipping Hazardous Materials To and From the Field
There are particular rules and regulations that must be followed when shipping hazardous materials to and from the field. Hazardous materials in this case, includes but is not limited to: ethanol, formalin, hydrochloric acid, acetone, glue/epoxy, bear spray, camp stove fuel (all kinds), gasoline, generators, batteries, augers, and chainsaws. Please see EHSRM Hazardous Materials Page for more information about shipping hazardous materials to and from the field.
Operating Vehicles in the Field
All employees, volunteers, or affiliates seeking to operate a University vehicle (this includes cars, trucks, boats, snowmachines, ATVs, motorcycles, private aircraft, etc.) while in the field, need to fill out several forms and take specific training. To learn more about what forms and training is needed navigate to the Driving Page.
Alcohol and Intoxicants-Field Policy
As stated by University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Policy 02.09.030, “Except as provided herein, no alcohol, marijuana or other intoxicants may be present or consumed during or at the site of UAF-related field activities, including both course or research activities that occur beyond UAF campuses.” Therefore, all alcohol, marijuana or other intoxicants must be left home when performing field work.
Field Firearms Policy
As mentioned in UAF Policy 02.09.020, the use of firearms to ensure the safety of all field participants, especially against bears, is necessary at times. All field participants that wish to carry a firearm must follow an approval process, take required training, be able to demonstrate that they know how to properly transport, store, and maintain the firearm, be able communicate with all field participants the safety protocols regarding the firearm, and know how to file report if the firearm was discharged for any reason. Please see EHSRM Firearms Page for more information about using firearms in the field.
Wetlands and Protected Species
If you are planning on performing fieldwork in or around wetlands or areas that contain threatened or endangered species, then you may need a permit or special permission to proceed. Please visit EHSRM Wetlands and Protected Animals/Birds Page for more information.
Additional Resources
University of Alaska Remote Travel Safety Guide PDF
University of Alaska Remote Travel Planning and Resource Guide PDF
For more information regarding fieldwork, field safety and any of the policies please contact Kim Davis (474-5476) or Brandon Cruz (474-6164) at EHSRM.