16. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) The appropriate kind of safety equipment and clothing of an occupational nature for the field trip should be dictated by the hazards identified in the proposed field work, together with experience and common sense. Students should be advised of their obligation to ensure their own work environment and activities within or on behalf of the University are safe and any risk to health is eliminated or minimised. Personal Protective Equipment should be maintained and regularly checked for any repairs or cleaning. Certain PPE will require cleaning after use and hygienic practices should be exercised when using or storing PPE. Footwear For most fieldwork, hiking boots that provide good ankle support and traction are recommended. Gaiters protect your feet and lower legs from various hazards including snakebite, stakes left by track cutters, low scrub and spinifex. Long pants will also provide some protection. Hearing Protection The louder a the shorter the duration necessary to damage your hearing is. To prevent hearing loss, avoid loud areas, and utilise ear muffs or ear plugs. Eye Protection Protect your vision whenever you perform a job that might endanger your eyesight. Wear safety glasses with eye shields. This is particularly necessary when handling hazardous chemicals or materials. Wear safety sunglasses whenever you work in conditions that expose your eyes to extra amounts of ultraviolet light. Hard Hats Wear an approved hard hat whenever you work in situations that present danger from falling or flying objects such as sampling at cliff faces or on steep slopes. Dust Masks (Respiratory Masks) Use dust masks to protect your lungs from airborne fumes and dusts. Clothing The type of clothing that is suitable for fieldwork depends on climatic conditions and terrain. Clothing should be visible and provide protection from various environmental hazards. These include heat, cold, rain, snow, UV radiation and insects. Always carry wet weather gear and warm clothing when working in high altitudes as the weather can deteriorate rapidly. Wool retains warmth when wet. Down provides insulation only when dry. Cotton is an excellent material for warm and humid climates but not suitable for cold conditions. Skin Protection Using sun blocks and insect repellents are recommended. Wide brimmed hats should be worn at all times. For added protection from the sun, it is recommended that all personnel working in the field wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers.
16. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) The appropriate kind of safety equipment and clothing of an occupational nature for the field trip should be dictated by the hazards identified in the proposed field work, together with experience and common sense. Students should be advised of their obligation to ensure their own work environment and activities within or on behalf of the University are safe and any risk to health is eliminated or minimised. Personal Protective Equipment should be maintained and regularly checked for any repairs or cleaning. Certain PPE will require cleaning after use and hygienic practices should be exercised when using or storing PPE. Footwear For most fieldwork, hiking boots that provide good ankle support and traction are recommended. Gaiters protect your feet and lower legs from various hazards including snakebite, stakes left by track cutters, low scrub and spinifex. Long pants will also provide some protection. Hearing Protection The louder a the shorter the duration necessary to damage your hearing is. To prevent hearing loss, avoid loud areas, and utilise ear muffs or ear plugs. Eye Protection Protect your vision whenever you perform a job that might endanger your eyesight. Wear safety glasses with eye shields. This is particularly necessary when handling hazardous chemicals or materials. Wear safety sunglasses whenever you work in conditions that expose your eyes to extra amounts of ultraviolet light. Hard Hats Wear an approved hard hat whenever you work in situations that present danger from falling or flying objects such as sampling at cliff faces or on steep slopes. Dust Masks (Respiratory Masks) Use dust masks to protect your lungs from airborne fumes and dusts. Clothing The type of clothing that is suitable for fieldwork depends on climatic conditions and terrain. Clothing should be visible and provide protection from various environmental hazards. These include heat, cold, rain, snow, UV radiation and insects. Always carry wet weather gear and warm clothing when working in high altitudes as the weather can deteriorate rapidly. Wool retains warmth when wet. Down provides insulation only when dry. Cotton is an excellent material for warm and humid climates but not suitable for cold conditions. Skin Protection Using sun blocks and insect repellents are recommended. Wide brimmed hats should be worn at all times. For added protection from the sun, it is recommended that all personnel working in the field wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers.