Scientific Diving
All scientific diving at the University of Arizona is overseen by the Dive Control Board (DCB). The University of Arizona has partnered with Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC), who acts as the DCB. Contact ehs-help@arizona.edu for more information.
Field Safety
EHS supports field researchers, wherever they may be or whatever they are doing. See our Field Safety Plan below and contact us for consultations. We also have a Sat Device and Field First Aid Kit Rental Program.
RLSS strongly recommends that all field research groups develop and implement a Field Research Safety Plan. The plan should be communicated with all members of the field research group well before beginning work.
At minimum, the plan should include:
- List of personnel and emergency contacts
- Field site location(s) and nearest emergency services
- Communication procedures (in field and with university/home contacts)
- Emergency procedures
- Hazard/risk management plan (trainings, SOPs, PPE, etc.)
To guide the development of the plan, RLSS provides a Field Research Safety Plan Template. This document may be modified to suit the specific needs of the field research team.
In addition to the Field Research Safety Plan, other planning may include:
- Budgeting for safety measures (PPE, trainings, etc.) in grants that involve a field component
- Acquiring permits, registrations, or visas
- Obtaining immunizations or health screenings
- Purchasing or renting equipment
To ensure appropriate planning, reach out to RLSS for consultations.
All field research groups are recommended to have at least one group member with first aid training. Depending on the location, it may be beneficial to obtain training for additional group members or the entire team, or to seek more specialized medical training. UArizona Campus Recreation provides CPR & first aid and wilderness medicine trainings.
In addition to first aid training, fieldwork may require hazard-specific training. If working with hazardous chemicals, biological materials, or radioactive materials in the field, trainings and additional requirements are mandatory. See the RLSS chemical safety, biosafety, and radiation safety webpages for program-specific information.
If utilizing respiratory protection (N95s, etc.), workers must enroll in the Respiratory Protection Program (see page for more information, under "Occupational Safety").
In the event of an emergency, always dial 911 and seek medical attention first. Be sure to know your closest emergency medical center/location and responders before you get into the field.
Report all incidents, including injuries, property damage, and near misses, to EHS by completing the online incident form via UAccess.