Biology Laboratory Safety

Field Safety Module

Off-campus Lab Safety

Follow all directions & safety advisories provided by instructors

• Remember: Safety first! Use common sense.

NMU students conducting a plant survey near Harlow Lake

• Dress appropriately for lab site conditions, including footwear & outerwear Examples:

NMU students collecting Lake Superior plankton on a cold October day

Warm Weather: Light clothes to prevent heatstroke and/or sunburnLayers for the U.P.Insect-resistant clothingRaingearFootwear – good tractionetc.

Cool/Cold Weather:Warm clothes to prevent hypothermiaGloves, hatsWarm bootsWet weather clothesetc.

Hunting Season:Blaze orange

• Be aware of unexpected changes to your trip schedule. Consider taking…– Extra clothes– A flashlight– Extra food and water– Foul weather gear… despite a nice forecast– A map of the area – Compass– Sunscreen

• These precautions are especially important if you are working in remote areas!

• If working independently for a class, leave travel plans, including a return time, with a responsible contact person. Do not work alone.

• Tell your instructor of special considerations needed for your participation (medical conditions, allergies, etc.). This information will be kept private. Providing it is optional, but recommended to help insure your safety. For example,

– Allergy to bees or other insects– Allergy to poison ivy or other plants– Asthma – Arthritis, joint pain or other issues

that may impact your ability to hike or climb

– Problems with your vision that might impact your ability to detect hazardous conditions

NMU students head home from a field site

If you carry an “epi-pen” or other medication for allergies or reactions, please inform your instructor

• Consider your personal capabilities when attempting any tasks; let your instructor know if you have concerns.– Do not carry more than you can safely carry– Might you need to swim? …Can you?– Exercise-induced respiratory issues (e.g., asthma)– Fear of heights, water, snakes, etc.

DO NOT participate in any task that you feel is beyond your physical capacity.

A graduate student conducting work at Beaver Lake

Working with organisms• Be aware that organisms of all kinds can be

dangerous… Exercise caution!• Don’t forget about…

– Poisonous mushrooms– Toxic plants– Wildlife vectors that transmit diseases

to humans (e.g., ticks & mosquitoes) – Large AND small wildlife that can bite!– Allergies that can be triggered by

plants and animals– Infectious agents in the environment

Giant water bug

Amanita

• Specialized activities may require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which will be provided by your instructor

– Electroshocking• Waders• Rubber gloves

– Boating• Personal Flotation Devices

– Animal handling• Gloves

• ALWAYS pay attention to special instructions when using equipment

NMU students electroshock for fish in Harlow Creek

Travel in vehicles

• Rental vehicles must be driven by NMU employees or students with a valid driver’s license.

• Rental vehicles should only be driven directly between NMU and the field site (no side trips).

• Students should maintain appropriate behavior in the vehicle at all times.

• If private vehicles are used to transport students, vehicles must be properly insured according to Michigan state law. NMU liability insurance is secondary to that of the owner & does not provide physical damage insurance for private vehicles. NMU students getting ready to help stock

trout in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Off-campus Emergencies

• Report any incident to your instructor immediately

• Follow your instructor’s directions at all times during an emergency. Remain with your lab group unless otherwise instructed.

• Instructors will carry – First aid kits– Cell phones for dialing 911

• Public safety will be advised of any incidents through an Accident Report filed by your instructor

• You always have the right to ask questions, or report hazards, either directly or anonymously without any fear of reprisal to…– Your lab instructor and/or the course instructor– Department Head and Chemical Hygiene Officer

Dr. John Rebers (jrebers@nmu.edu) – Public Safety (227-2151)

Next…• Please complete the PRESENTATION REVIEW

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT • Then complete the QUIZ that follows the

confirmation• You must achieve a perfect score on the quiz to

successfully complete your safety training. You may retake the quiz as many times as necessary.

Failure to complete your safety training will result in your exclusion from the laboratory portion of your course

After the quiz…

• Remember to complete any additional Safety Training modules that are required for your course.