Safety
Introduction
All staff and students are required to abide by College regulations, the regulations outlined in UCL's Guidance for Fieldwork, the College Statement of Safety Policy (available on the UCL web site), the Health and Safety at Work Act, and the Institute's Safety Code of Practice. Each undergraduate is given a copy of the 'green booklet' at the start of their course. If you need another copy, please ask the Administrative Assistant for Fieldwork.
General Behaviour
Students involved in fieldwork as part of their course of study are expected to follow the same rules as apply when in College. They are expected to:
- Co-operate with those responsible for organising any fieldwork,especially in matters of health, safety and welfare.
- Respect the property and well-being of others. You have a duty to care actively for your own and others' safety.
- Observe good manners and consideration particularly on site and in public places. Please do not cause excessive noise.
- Abide by the law and College regulations regarding fieldwork as laid down, e.g., in the green booklet, at all times.
- Maintain the reputation of College for good order and general intelligence, and do not endanger your own safety or that of others.
- Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol.
- Respect local customs, including the wearing of appropriate clothing, and the consumption of alcohol.
A student who fails to conform to the standard of behaviour required risks dismissal from any field course and may be referred to the Dean of Students.
On Site
- Suitable clothing and footwear must be worn at all times. Waterproof and warm clothing, and strong, waterproof footwear must be used in cold/wet weather conditions. In hot climates, protective clothing (including a hat) and sun-block must be used, and a water supply carried. Steel toe-capped boots/hard hats/high-visibility jackets are required on some sites. Staff will refuse to allow inadequately equipped students on their field courses.
- Make yourself aware of the location of the site's First Aid kit and the identity of the first-aider. Any accident must be reported to the responsible member of staff at once. An Accident Report form must be completed following any accident. In the case of Institute projects, completed forms must be submitted immediately to the Departmental Safety Officer (Sandra Bond) and the College. If you become aware of a hazard, inform the responsible member of staff immediately.
- All tools must be used as instructed. When not in use they should be stacked as instructed so as not to cause hazards.
- No work in the field should be undertaken alone. Suitable precautions must be taken in all activities near water.
- No-one should enter an excavation/designated hazard area without specific instruction. Work instructions on site must be obeyed. Under no circumstances should students work in unshored trenches/adjacent to sections in excess of 1.2m depth.
- Any loose soil or rubbish spilt or created within or outside an excavation/activity area must be cleared up at once. Patches of loose wet soil/rubble create hazards.
Off Site
- In general follow the relevant sections of the Country Code.
- Guard against all risks of fire
- Fasten all gates
- Keep to paths across farmland
- Avoid damaging fences, hedges and walls
- Leave no litter
- Safeguard water supplies
- Protect wildlife, wild plants and trees
- Go carefully on country roads
- Respect the life of the countryside.
- Take particular care on country lanes. Keep to the edge of the road facing oncoming traffic. Carry a torch after dark and do not walk alone after dark. Wear bright clothing when walking in country lanes after dark.
- Seat belts must be used in vehicles.
- Carry your UCL identity card with you.
- Be aware of the location of the nearest telephone or point of help. Carry a mobile phone and a phone card and small change.
Health
- You must be up to date with tetanus inoculations.
- Ensure that site staff are aware of any medical condition from which you suffer, of any medication that you are taking for a serious condition, any serious allergies and allergies to medication.
- If working abroad, ensure that you have had the appropriate inoculations. This can be arranged through UCL General Practice (020 7679 2803). Be sure to allow sufficient time to arrange courses of any necessary injections. If you are undertaking fieldwork abroad, the importance of obtaining professional advice on health-related matters cannot be over-stressed. In particular, you must seek, and act on, your doctor's advice before departing for countries where malaria is endemic. You should also make yourself aware of any hazardous plants or dangerous animals that may be found in the area in which you are working.
- It is a requirement that you take out health insurance. If you are working abroad we recommend the policy available through UCL. If you are working in the UK you may insure through UCL or your own insurance company.
- Always pace yourself - if you need to rest, do so.
- You are advised to carry your own basic first-aid kit.
- Drink enough water - at least 8 glasses a day.
If you have any queries please consult the Tutor for Fieldwork, Mark Roberts (020 7679 7535).
Insurance
All students must have individual health and public liability insurance for each project that they join. Charlotte Frearson will arrange this for the Experimental Archaeology Course and Field Training Course and for other projects for which you submit a grant form. If you do not submit a grant form it is essential that you request insurance from Charlotte in advance of your trip (please allow at least 14 working days).
Survival Guide
Professor Simon Hillson has produced a booklet Survival Guide for Archaeological Fieldwork}. These notes, which are 'intended for absolute beginners', cover such topics as clothing, tents, sleeping, heat and sun are available from the Administrative Assistant for Fieldwork (as is the green Guidance for Fieldwork booklet).
