SECTION II
These guidelines contain the most common potential hazards that may be encountered while conducting field research, but are not inclusive of all the potential hazards. Pick the hazards that you can expect in your field research and copy those onto your training policy for that project. These guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with specific guidelines associated with individual projects. It is the responsibility of the principal investigator to note, in detail, any unique hazards of each situation and what precautions are needed to mitigate any potential loss or injury. The PI should also provide access to appropriate safety items as necessary.

SECTION IIA – Common Potential field research hazards

EXPOSURE TO SUN/WEATHER
• Wear hat and sunscreen
• Maintain adequate liquid intake
• Wear other protective clothing if needed (raincoat, gloves, etc)

ACCESS TO FIELD SITES
• Use defensive driving tactics and avoid driving when tired (Please read the section pertaining to various safe driving issues contained in a binder available in each administrative office)
• Be prepared for delays; carry adequate food, water, clothing, first aid equipment and tools

FIELD ACTIVITIES
• Wear sturdy shoes, especially if you are going through rough and rocky terrain
• If you need to use power equipment, make sure you are properly trained in each piece of machinery
• Use ear protection when working around noisy equipment
• If you are going to be working in agricultural fields where pesticides are used, be sure you have received the fieldworker pesticide safety training from Mike Mata (2-1005)

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
• Do not use electric power equipment while standing in water or on wet ground
• Unplug equipment before repairing it

FIRE HAZARDS
• Turn off the generator or any gasoline-powered equipment before filling the gas tank
• Keep the fire extinguisher nearby

SECTION IIB - HEALTH HAZARDS

Before going out to any new sites, check to see if there are any hazards specific to your site. For example, if there are known venomous snakes in your research area, make sure you are equipped with an appropriate first aid kit. Be aware of disease carrying organisms (ticks and lyme disease, rodents and the Hanta Virus) and avoid them. If working in areas where ticks are a problem, wear full-length pants and long-sleeved shirt. Use a registered tick repellant if needed. (For more detail, refer to the information sheet on Lyme Disease in your IIPP, section 4). Learn how to recognize problem insects and plants such as poison oak. Visit the CDC website for updated information on specific diseases at http://www.cdc.gov. Other informational websites include: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ and entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/rbkimsey

1. Heat Stress, Cramps, Exhaustion and First Aid – The following symptoms of heat stress and exhaustion are fatigue, headache, nausea, chills, dizziness, fainting and loss of coordination. Heat cramps are muscle spasms in the legs, arms or stomach caused by loss of salts from sweating. To avoid these wear cool clothing, drink plenty of water, have a “sports” drink that contains salts available, rest more often in the shade as the temperature rises. For first aid, move to a shaded area, give cool water to person if conscious, use “sports” drink for heat cramps to replenish salts and also give cool water. Seek medical help if necessary or if the person is unconscious.

2. Hanta Virus – Hanta virus disease comes from breathing the aerosolized virus from contaminated droppings, dried urine and saliva of rodents. The CDC web site is a source for information). Infections may also occur through broken skin contamination with the above rodent items. The symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after contact and are flu-like. Hanta virus disease may result in death. The disease exposure can be controlled by controlling rodent populations. Rodent dropping should be cleaned up using a bleach water solution and wetting the area thoroughly before wiping or cleaning. Inhalation protection and other personal safety equipment must be worn when cleaning up rodent contamination. Call EH&S for specific information.

3. Lyme Disease – Lyme disease is spread through the bite of the western black legged lick in California (nymph stages are the size of a pin head). Symptoms include headache, fever, chills, fatigue, joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash at the site of the bite which looks like a red “bulls-eye” patch. May-July is the time of high tick activity, but could occur as early as March and as late as Oct/Nov. Protection against Lyme disease includes avoiding tick infested areas, contact with overgrown grass and shrubs, wearing light colored clothing (helps spot ticks), wearing long pants, long sleeve shirt, tucking pant legs into socks, or taping pant legs around ankles; use of insect repellent containing 25-30% DEET on exposed skin (except the face) and on pant legs, shoes, and socks. Check yourself for ticks at the end of the work day. Remove embedded ticks with a fine tip tweezers and cleanse the area with an antiseptic. The disease takes about 36 hours to be transmitted after a bite, so prompt removal a tick is important if possible. Cooperative extension in Briggs Hall that can help in determining if the tick is infectious.

4. Valley Fever – Valley fever is caused by inhaling spores from Coccidioides immitis, a fungus found in the soil in warm and dry areas of low rain fall, high summer temperatures and low altitude. High risk groups are African-Americans, Asians, pregnant women during the third trimester, and immuno-compromised persons. The symptoms are generally flu like. Some patients fail to recover and develop chronic pulmonary infection or widespread infection affecting meninges, soft tissues, joints and bones. Severe pulmonary disease may develop in HIV-infected persons. Use inhalation protection (dust mask) in dusty and windy areas.

5. West Nile Virus – West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that feed on infected birds and then infect humans or animals like horses. Only certain species of mosquitoes carry the virus. The virus is most prevalent when mosquitoes are most abundant from May to October. The majority of people and animals infected with the virus do not experience any symptoms. Others may experience a mild to moderate illness which include fever, headache, tiredness, and body aches. Occasionally a skin rash on the trunk of the body may occur and swollen lymph glands. In rare cases, the virus can cause more serious conditions of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) or West Nile poliomyelitis. These symptoms include headache, high fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness and paralysis. Wear long sleeves, socks and pants to prevent exposure to mosquito bites. Use insect repellant containing 25-30% DEET when working in mosquito areas. If possible, avoid dawn and dusk times when mosquitoes are most active.

6. Poison Oak – “Poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) is common along the west coast and in the south and southeastern portions of the country.” The plants are found in fencerows, forests, pastures, shady areas and stream banks as woody shrubs from 1 to 6 feet tall or as climbing vines wrapped around trees or shrubs. All parts of the plant including the roots contain the poisonous oily substance urushiol which can produce the painful irritation and blistering of the skin. The poisonous substance is active all year around. Touching any of the plant parts or objects (including pets) that have contacted the plant can transfer the toxin to people. Burning of the plant is extremely dangerous sending the oily toxin into the air as droplets that may be inhaled. “Poison oak can usually be identified by its leaves. In the spring, the leaves of young plants are shiny red, turning to shiny green as they mature. In the fall, poison oak foliage changes from green to orange and red. Poison oak is a deciduous, woody plant that loses its leaves in the winter. The leaves of these plants usually grow in groups of three on a shared stalk. Poison oak leaflets are rounded at the tips and alternate on the stem. The leaf surface can be glossy or a bit hairy, usually 1 to 4 inches in length with lobed or toothed edges. In the spring, poison oak yields small clusters of greenish-white flowers. The fruits are formed in the summer, and are white and green resembling berries. Poison oak oils cause allergic skin reactions in nearly 85% of people exposed to the plant. Symptoms can begin within a few hours after contact and can arise between 2-5 days later. The rash of poison oak typically occurs between 24 to 48 hours after contact. The most frequent symptoms of poison oak are rash in the form of blisters (sometimes in a line), blisters can eventually break open, ooze, and then dry or crust over, swelling in the area of contact, red blotches that can be raised or flat and intense itching. More intense symptoms include fever, stomach cramps, nausea and overall body swelling. These intense symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately.” Prevention- Learn to identify and stay away from poison oak. Wear long sleeve shirt, long pants and boots. Wash all clothing and tools after exposure. Wash pets after exposure. “Barrier skin lotions containing bentoquatum offer some protection before contact with poison oak. Washing the skin immediately after contact with the plant using an outdoor skin cleanser is also helpful.” (This information taken from IvyStat!)

7. Plague – Plague is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis from the bite of infected fleas of rodents (especially rock squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, prairie dogs, wood rats and other burrowing rodents.) Deer mice and voles are also thought to maintain the disease in the wild, but are less important sources of infection to humans. Symptom of plague is a “very painful, usually swollen, and often hot-to-touch lymph node, called a bubo. This finding, accompanied with fever, extreme exhaustion, and a history of possible exposure to rodents, rodent fleas, wild rabbits, or sick or dead carnivores should lead to a suspicion of plague. Onset of symptoms is usually 2 to 6 days after a person is exposed.” Local county health department should be notified. Without antibiotic treatment the disease spreads rapidly in the body going into septicemic plague and pneumonic plague. Wear socks, shoes and long pants to prevent bites. Stay away from rodents holes as much as possible and avoid handling dead rodents. If disease symptoms appear, get medical attention immediately. (This information taken from CDC.)

8. Animal bite Procedures and First Aid – Employee Health Services has a hand out on animal bites. Report all non-rodent mammal bites to the County Health Dept. where the bite occurred. Bites from certain animals require the animal be quarantined. First aid-stop bleeding and cleanse the wound. Seek medical attention if necessary.

9. Tularemia – “Tularemia, also known as ‘rabbit fever,’ is a disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis . Tularemia is typically found in animals, especially rodents, rabbits, and hares.” People may be infected with the bacteria though the bite of ticks or deerflies or by handling infected or dead animals, by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or by inhaling airborne bacteria. Symptoms may appear 3 to 5 days after exposure but can range 1 to14 days. “The signs and symptoms people develop depend on how they are exposed to tularemia. Possible symptoms include skin ulcers, swollen and painful lymph glands, inflamed eyes, sore throat, mouth sores, diarrhea or pneumonia. If the bacteria are inhaled, symptoms can include abrupt onset of fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, dry cough, and progressive weakness. Tularemia can be fatal if the person is not treated with appropriate antibiotics.” Protection is offered against insect bites by wearing long sleeve shirt and pants with socks and shoes, avoid handling dead animals, using insect repellant and not drinking from contaminated water sources. (This information taken from CDC.)

10. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – Rocky Mountain spotted fever is caused by a species of bacteria called Riskettsia ricettsii. The disease is spread by the bite of ixodid (hard) ticks or exposure to crushed tick tissues, fluids or tick feces. “Ricettsiae are transmitted to a vertebrate host through saliva while a tick is feeding. It usually takes several hours of attachment and feeding before the rickettsiae are transmitted to the host.” The two major vector sources of the disease are the American dog tick and the Rocky Mountain wood tick. Rocky Mountain spotted fever is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages and initial symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, severe headache, muscle pain and lack of appetite. Later symptoms are rash (not all people develop this), abdominal pain, joint pain, and diarrhea. The rash may appear 2-5 days after the onset of fever. The disease may be more severe in those of “advanced age, male sex, African-American race, chronic alcohol abuse, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency” leading to death within 5 days of illness onset. Prevent tick bites by wearing light colored clothes to see ticks, tuck pants legs into your socks to prevent ticks from crawling up legs, apply repellants and check yourself and your clothing. Remove ticks from your body. (This information taken from CDC)

10A. Tick Removal – To remove attached ticks, use the following procedures:
a. “Use fine-tipped tweezers or shield your fingers with a tissue, paper towel, or rubber gloves. When possible, person should avoid removing ticks with bare hands.
b. Grasp the tick as close to the skin surface as possible and pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick; this may cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. (If this happens, remove mouthparts with tweezers.)
c. Do not squeeze, crush, or puncture the body of the tick because its fluids (saliva, body fluids, gut contents) may contain infectious organisms.
d. After removing the tick, thoroughly disinfect the bite site and wash your hands with soap and water.
e. Save the tick for identification in case you become ill. This may help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Place the tick in a plastic bag and put it in your freezer. Write the date of the bite on apiece of paper with a pencil and place it in the bag.” (This information taken from the CDC.)

11. Rattlesnakes – Many species of rattlesnakes occur in the West. Rattlesnakes are diurnal. The snakes feed at night. Rattlesnakes occur from sea level to 11,000 feet. The snakes make a rattling sound to warn off invaders. The snakes are normally solitary except in the colder climates where the snakes over winter in dens together. The snakes travel from the den when warmer weather comes. The snakes are good swimmers. The snakes have scales that vary in color from yellow to brown to black and have dark V or diamond shaped markings on their backs. Rattlesnakes usually, but not always, warn the invader of their space by rattling their tail. (Santa Catalina Island rattlesnake does not have a rattle as a warning). Wear boots or other high top shoes and long pants when in an area known to have rattlesnakes. Be on the look out and watch where you sit on rocks or walk through grassy areas. The rattle is a warning to get out of the way. If you spot a snake give it at least 6 feet of clearance. “First aid for snake bites, wash the bite with soap and water, immobilize the bitten area and keep it lower than the heart, and get medical help within 30 minutes.” DO NOT use ice or any other type of cooling on the bite area. No tourniquets, electric shock or incisions in the wound should be made. “Basic signs like pain, swelling and bleeding, along with more complicated reactions such as ecchymosis (purple discoloration), necrosis (tissue dies and turns black), low blood pressure, and tingling of lips and tongue give medical professionals clues to the seriousness of bites and what treatment route they should take.” (Quotes are from the FDA Consumer revised in Nov. 2002.)

12. Bears – Bears will attack if they are surprised, feel they are in danger, wish to protect their territory or if they have cubs. “The best way to avoid danger is to avoid the bear. But if you cannot avoid them, make sure they see you first. As you walk or travel through bear territory, and if you cannot see more than 50 to 100 feet in front of you, call out every few minutes until you enter a clear area. Some people call out, others sing, some wear bear-bells”. The point is to make a lot of noise. “In most cases the bear will move off the trail and watch you pass. They rarely look for a confrontation. If you see a bear, talk to the bear.” Make sure it sees you. Hold your arms high above your head. This will make you look like a much bigger animal to the bear. “Continue to talk and slowly back away.” A female bear with cubs is very dangerous and very protective. She may attack even though you are a distance away from her. “If you are in a camp, before anything else, put your food, trash, cooking gear, fuel, soaps and toiletries up a bear pole or tree. They must be at least 12 feet (4 meters) to be secure. Then place your camp a safe distance away.” (Quotes are from arcticwebsite.com)

13. Mountain Lion – Although encounters with mountain lions are slim, it is still a possibility. “Mountain lions are plentiful in areas where there is a large deer population. As long as the food source is there, the lions do not bother humans generally but in leaner times, the lions have been known to stalk and also attack humans on the trail.” Try to avoid being alone in mountain lion territory. Make noise as you walk. “The noise you make will generally scare the lion away and halt any confrontation.” Always give plenty of space between you and the lion so that the lion can escape and get away. “Mountain lions usually do not like confrontation, so always, if you do happen to have contact, leave a wide berth between you and the lion for its escape.” “Never run away from a mountain lion. Running stimulates a mountain lion’s natural instinct to chase.” Be sure if you make contact with the lion to stand up as tall as possible. “By making yourself look larger it intimidates the lion and often makes them turn and run.” If you have a jacket on, open it and flap it about, yell, throw stones “but make sure you react so that the cat knows that you are the one in control, not him.” Never turn your back on a lion, squat down or bend over. “Research has shown that when a human bends over that person looks like a four legged prey to a large cat of any type. Avoid stooping, leaning over, squatting, or bending at the waist…” “If you are attacked, fight back. Never succumb or roll into a ball. Hit as hard as possible especially to the head area. If you can retrieve a stick or large rock, use it as a weapon. If face to face with the cat, go for the eyes by clawing or throwing sand in the face of the cat. Mountain lions will usually strike the back of the head and especially the neck so be vigilant to protect these areas and if at all possible remain standing or face to face with the animal once it is attacking. If attacked from behind, try to reposition yourself to meet the cat face to face. The cat may weigh between 100-150 lbs. Report mountain lion attacks to Fish and Game or a Ranger as soon as possible. Get medical attention. (Quotes taken from PageWise)

Again - it is the PI’s responsibility to add additional items for training such as use of chain saws, boating, bee stings, lightning strikes, scorpions or other animal or hazardous conditions that are specific to their field research area as part of the hazard evaluation section of the safety training.