Module5 2012
- 1. DEL MAR COLLEGE Department of Natural Sciences LABORATORY SAFETY PROCEDURES & GUIDELINES A Pre-Lab Course 24-Hour Emergency Number: DMC Security Office 361 / 698-1199
- 2. INSTRUCTIONS • This Module is only necessary if your class includes field trips. You will be instructed to complete this module by your instructor prior to the first field trip. • Study the information in this module. • Take the quiz following this module. • You must score 100% on this quiz to stay registered in the class. You may take the quiz as many times as needed to achieve 100%.
- 3. TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Module General Rules and Regulations 1 Chemical Safety 2 Biohazard Safety 3 Emergency Equipment & Procedures 4 Field Trip Safety 5
- 4. MODULE 5 FIELD TRIP SAFETY
- 5. BE PREPARED • Report any allergies or medical conditions to the Instructor before leaving campus. • Bring any medications and allergy treatments that you might possibly need.
- 6. BEHAVIOR AND SAFETY Use good manners and consideration for others Do not disturb the environment more than necessary Respect property boundaries and conservation regulations Do not damage property in any way (climbing over walls or fences, leaving gates open, trampling crops, disturbing livestock, etc…) Stay with the group - do not wander off by yourself Pay attention to where you are walking or climbing
- 7. SEPARATED FROM THE GROUP? • Stop where you are and wait for someone to find you. Someone WILL return to look for you so don’t make it harder for them to find you! • Don’t panic – focus on accepting the situation and analyzing options • Whistle or yell for help • Decide on a plan that insures health and safety • Conserve water and rest in the shade
- 8. PREPARE FOR THE SOUTH TEXAS HEAT • Carry drinking water and drink frequently. • Minimum of 2 quarts/day • Use sunscreen liberally and reapply frequently. • Rest in the shade when possible. • Wear appropriate clothing.
- 9. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - SUMMER TRIPS The following are the minimum items of clothing that will be required while participating in Field Trip activities: UPLAND TRIPS WATER TRIPS • Hat • Wear appropriate clothing for water activities. • Light-weight shirt with long sleeves • Shorts are not recommended • Light-weight pants • PFD’s and closed-toed shoes are MANDATORY in • Boots or sturdy shoes the boats • Snake chaps, boots, or leggings
- 10. BEWARE: DEHYDRATION SYMPTOMS: Lethargy and & light-headedness Dark urine and constipation PREVENTION: Drink frequently (minimum 2 quart/day) FIRST AID: Drink water Rest frequently until rehydrated Minimize caffeine intake
- 11. BEWARE: SUN BURN SYMPTOMS: • Pink or red skin PREVENTION: • Wear sunscreen, a hat, perhaps long sleeves, and long pants (thin) • Rest in the shade FIRST AID: • Apply cool water • First aid lotion
- 12. BEWARE: HEAT EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS: ◦ Fatigue and excess thirst ◦ Heavy sweating and cool clammy skin PREVENTION: ◦ Acclimate to heat gradually ◦ Drink water ◦ Rest in shade frequently FIRST AID: ◦ Cool the victim and treat for shock ◦ Slowly give water or electrolyte replacement
- 13. BEWARE: HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS: o Exhaustion, light-headedness o Bright red skin, warm to the touch PREVENTION: o Become acclimated o Drink plenty of water o Rest in the shade frequently FIRST AID: o Call 911! Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. o Move the person to a cool shaded area. o Cool the person using methods such as: • Soak their clothes with water. • Spray, sponge, or shower them with water. • Fan their body. Cool the victim at once and replenish fluids o Seek medical attention immediately!
- 14. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING - WINTER TRIPS The following are the minimum items of clothing that will be required while participating in Field Trip activities: UPLAND TRIPS WATER TRIPS • Hat • Appropriate clothing for water activities • Layered clothing • Wet suit • Rain gear • Gloves • Boots or sturdy shoes • Waders • Snake chaps, boots, or leggings • Slicker suit
- 15. BEWARE: HYPOTHERMIA When the outside environment gets too cold or the body's heat production decreases, hypothermia occurs. Hypothermia is defined as having a core body temperature less than 95 degrees F. SYMPTOMS: • Shivering, numbness, slurred speech, excessive fatigue PREVENTION: • Dress in layers and/or wear appropriate clothing • Avoid getting damp from perspiration FIRST AID: • Replace wet clothing with warm dry clothing, blanket or skin to skin contact. • Drink warm liquids • Seek medical attention ASAP
- 16. PLAN AHEAD FOR EXTREME WEATHER o Be aware of special weather concerns before you leave campus o Bring appropriate equipment (weather radio, flashlight, etc.) to deal with fast forming severe weather such as; ● Flash flood ● Lightening ● High winds ● Tornadoes...
- 17. DANGERS IN THE SOUTH TEXAS: UPLAND ENVIRONMENT Plants – poison ivy and oak.. o Wear gloves… Venomous Snakes o Be aware of your surroundings Rodents – Remember Hanta virus?... o Wear gloves … Alligators... o Stay away from them… Bugs- mosquitoes, chiggers, ticks… o Carry insect repellent…
- 18. DANGERS IN THE SOUTH TEXAS: WATER ENVIRONMENT Stingrays • SHUFFLE YOUR FEET! Jellyfish • STAY AWAY FROM THEM! Portuguese Man-of-war • STAY AWAY FROM THEM! Barnacles • Watch for them on the jetties Make sure you take meat tenderizer and peroxide along on the trip
- 19. SOME SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS Keep garbage contained Shake all clothing & bedding before use Stay away from animal nests or burrows Watch where you put your feet and hands Avoid contact with sick or dead animals Wear tightly woven materials and tuck pants into boots Minimize use of lights after dark Use netting to keep pests away from food Be aware of animal behavior
- 20. PARTIAL SUPPLY LIST: Water Flagging Map/Chart of the Sunglasses Rope area Sunscreen Signal mirror Windproof jacket Hat Signal flares Sea sickness medication Protein, Power, or Extra clothing Granola bar Marine radio Safety blanket Pocket knife Waterproof Whistle matches Insect Repellant
- 21. TRIP SAFETY CHECKLIST Study location & potential hazards beforehand Study the weather conditions for possible storms Make sure a well stocked first aid kit available Check your clothing & pack for the following: • appropriate emergency • drinking water weather & environment gear • appropriate shoes • medication • flashlight • hat & sunglasses • insect repellant • sunscreen WEAR YOUR SEATBELT IN THE VEHICLES
- 22. REMINDER Please complete the quiz for Module 5.