Field Safety

Field hazards cover a diverse range of hazards whenever you are outdoors or leave campus

EH&S Documents

EH&S Safety Programs

Field Hazards

Heat Illness

Anyone can develop a heat-related illness if engaged in intense physical activity or exposed to environmental heat. Heat illness is a range of heat-related symptoms and conditions from minor treatable heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke. Prepare for heat illness when temperatures are above 80°F, especially with heavy physical work activities. Even when acclimatized, adequate hydration and rest is critical to avoid heat illness. The below Heat Illness Prevention Training is required annually for anyone who works outdoors.

Wilderness

Wild animals, zoonotic diseases, inclement weather, limited access to communication, and tripping and falling hazards are some of the hazards that can be expected in the wilderness. Be sure to fill out a Field Safety Plan to address and mitigate these hazards before leaving campus.

Wildfire Smoke

We are living in the present reality of ‘when’ as opposed to ‘if’ we will be affected by wildfire smoke, Wildfire smoke inhalation is a heath consideration if you are working in an unfiltered space and air quality index (AQI) for particulate matter (PM) 2.5 um exceeds 151 for an excess of an hour.

Boating

The Boating Safety Program is your resource for information on boating and marine safety issues, including the intricacies of U.C. Davis documentation. Our goal is to work with boaters to facilitate their research in the safest manner possible. Please contact us if you have questions regarding the use of small boats under UCD auspices. We provide training in small boat operations, seamanship, first aid, CPR and other ancillary skills as requested.

Diving

The University of California, Davis Scientific Diving Program, housed at Bodega Marine Laboratory, supports over 50 divers spanning a suite of departments and research groups. Training divers since the 1960’s, the program provides scientific diver training that allows divers to gain a diverse background in diving techniques and conduct research across the globe.

Pesticides

Pesticide Safety Training is required annually for anyone who could be exposed to pesticides because they work in fields, greenhouses or rooms where pesticides are applied. Pesticides can be characterized as corrosive, toxic, carcinogens and reproductive toxins and employees need to be informed of the hazards they are exposed to and mitigating methods.

Travel and Transportation

Don’t forget to plan for safe travel to and from your field sites.  International travel is required to be registered in UC Away and recommended for everyone else. Please use seat belts and defensive driving skills. Campus drivers are required to complete a safe driver training course and renew it every 3 years.

Departments with Field Research at the Office of Research

    • Air Quality Research Center
    • Center for Health and the Environment
    • Center for Watershed Sciences
    • Coastal and Marine Science Institute/Bodega Marine Laboratory
    • Contained Research Facility
    • Institute of the Environment
    • Tahoe Environmental Research Center
    • Western Cooling Efficiency Center