Category:Health and Safety
Contents
Health and Safety in NZ Archaeology
Introduction
This part of the website is a portal to information regarding Health and Safety issues for archaeologists working in New Zealand. While every attempt to keep th
Safety for the individuals
Archaeology and OSH
==Archaeology and Accidental Compensation Commission (ACC)
ACC website and in particular the Work Safety Section
Safety in Fieldwork practise
Field survey
Working in the field can be one of the most dangerous places for an archaeologist. Surveys often take you through difficult terrain which can lead to all sorts of issues.
As will
General Health Advice
- Back pain, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome and Archaeologists
- Be Sun-smart: "Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap' - Skin cancer is a real problem for archaeologists
General Safety advice
- Work in pairs
- If you can work with pairs then ensure that somebody knows where you are going and when to expect you return
- Ensure you have a GPS and mobile phone and they are fully charged when in the field
- If possible identify areas that are unsafe and avoid if possible e.g., cliffs, tidal zones etc
Quadbikes
These are incredibly dangerous and we know of archaeologists who have had issues with these. There is no doubt that they can be very useful for field surveys so a few things should be kept in mind:
- Realise that they are not toys and recognise that they can hurt and even kill you
- Ensure you have some training and practice on them with somebody who knows how they work
- Do not go over terrain that is too steep or rough: just get out and walk!
On construction sites
During excavations
Safety in Lab Environments
Rules within Laboratory environments are usually well established but if they are not then you should ensure that the necessary actions take place. Typical examples of some of these rules are listed below.
General
- Laboratory coats or other protective clothing appropriate to the task in hand must always be worn.
- In addition to a laboratory coat, goggles and rubber gloves should always be worn when handling chemicals of any type. With hazardous reagents additional precautions should be taken.
- Smoking in laboratories is absolutely forbidden.
- No food or drink should be taken into or consumed in a laboratory.
- Laboratories must be kept clean and tidy at all times.
- Field samples, prepared samples, etc., when not in use and required for further work must be clearly labeled and placed in a designated storage area.
Policies
- In the event of an accident inform the Lab Manager
- All accidents and 'near misses' (no matter how trivial) must be noted on a Departmental Accident slip. These slips can be found inside the doors of the First Aid Cabinets in each laboratory.
Equipment
- Read the instructions for all equipment and materials in use. You should not only be TRAINED in their use but be sufficiently COMPETENT (i.e. experienced) in what you are doing.
- You are responsible for all the equipment which you use. Breakages must be notified.
- All glassware, sieves, etc., must be washed, cleaned, sterilised (as appropriate) and returned either to the cupboard or the drying rack/cabinet (again as appropriate) immediately after use. Microscopes are to be left clean and covered at all times.
Chemicals
- With dangerous reagents acquaint yourself with the procedures in the event of an accident; charts explaining the necessary precautions and safety measures are displayed in the appropriate areas. Reference can also be made to the Hazard Data books supplied by chemical companies.
- When using strong acids, oxidising agents or alkalis prepare all reagents in a fume cupboard, wear a laboratory coat and neoprene gloves, and always use suitable containers for storing and pouring the solutions.
- Chemicals and apparatus not on the benches must be obtained from the laboratory superintendent or the tutor in charge. No unauthorised person may enter the chemical or equipment stores.
- No preparation or piece of equipment is to be left unattended without the completion of an "apparatus working" card.
Handling of artefacts
Safety in the office
We may like to think of ourselves as Indiana Jones but most of our time is spent in offices and dangers lurk even there!
Useful Resources
