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NOVA SCOTIA GROUND SEARCH and RESCUE ASSOCIATION
SEARCHER MODULE 3
FIELD SAFETY
HEALTH AND SAFETY ON THE SEARCH SITE AND IN THE FIELD IS EVERYONE’S
RESPONSIBILITY
FIELD SAFETY
NEGLIGENCE is the means for failure and accidents. You must take reasonable precautions to avoid injury to yourself,your team mates, the MISSING PERSON, and damage to property.
INSTRUCTORS NOTE
The following Health and Safety Program is an awareness level program only. Searchers are required to take courses specifically designed for any operation or skill that requires a higher level of training.
FIELD SAFETY
SAR TEAMS:
Have the primary responsibility for health and safetyMust establish policies on safety and trainingMust utilize competent supervisors
FIELD SAFETY
Specific Responsibilities of SAR Teams:Ensure that equipment, material and protective devices are provided, maintained and usedEnsure that all prescribed measures and procedures are in place and followedMust provide information, instruction and competent supervision to searchers to protect their health and safetyTake every reasonable precaution for the protection of their searchers
FIELD SAFETY
TEAM LEADERS:
Responsible for establishing safe working practices for all assign tasksSupervising searchers to ensure they follow safe practices.Ensuring that no short cuts are taken
FIELD SAFETY
TEAM LEADER…cont’d
Must ensure that the crew is, competent,trained for the tasks in a safe mannerIdentify any additional training needsMust ensure crew has all PPE gear requiredAdvise searchers of any potential, or actual dangers to their health and safety of which they are aware of
FIELD SAFETY
SEARCHERS:Must perform assigned tasks in a manner that is consistent with approved safety practices,procedures and regulations
Work in co-operation with others, in common sense and be alert at all times, both at the search site and in the field
FIELD SAFETYPersonal
EYES:
Wear safety glasses or goggles when working above eye level,traversing through the bush,handling heavy equipment or handling corrosive materials
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
EARS:Regular exposure to noise above 85db can result in permanent hearing lossIf you are within 3 feet and need to shout, the noise level is probably above 85 dbSources of dangerous noise,aircraft,chainsaws,blasting operations
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
EARS ..cont’d
Hearing protection is not as simple as wearing a pair of plugs or earmuffs. Muffs and plugs must be properly fitted and maintained in order to be effective
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
HEAD:Working in any situation where there may be falling of flying debris requires the wearing of a CSA approved hardhat or helmetHats should fit comfortably, not being too tight or too loose
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
HANDS:
Gloves should be worn when performing heavy manual labour and insulated gloves worn as a protection against cold
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
FEET:Any long distance hiking requires durable boots with non-slip soles and proper ankle supportUse gaiters with lower cut bootsHeavy insulated waterproof boots should be worn in cold weather
FIELD SAFETYpersonal
BACK:Improper lifting techniques account for 30% of all back injuriesAvoid back injury. It is Important to keep back and abdomen muscles strong and flexible
FIELD SAFETY
SEARCH PREPARATION:Careful planning is the most important part of a successful search
Factors to consider include; destination, the season,mode of transport, number of people and duration of the search
FIELD SAFETY
PHYSICAL CONDITIONING
Before leaving on any strenuous trip,undergo a physical examination and a physical training program
BACKPACKpersonal
Whether its for an afternoon,or several weeks, certain items should be with you when entering the woods. These are:
BACKPACKPersonal
Wooden matches in a sealed pill bottle or a film canister to keep them dryCandleCompass /topographic mapSmall first- aid kitPocket knife(multi use type)
BACKPACKpersonal-items…cont’d
Insect repellent/lip balmRoll of electric tape/ duct tapeSafety pins, assortedWhistle(pea less) and pocket mirrorA couple of large trash bags(orange)
All these items should fit into your pockets or your back pack
BACKPACKpersonal
When entering a remote area or if you are going to be away for more than one day, you should include the following for your pack
BACKPACKpersonal …cont’d
Additional food- high energy (ie. Chocolate,granola,trail mix, dehydrated soup, bouillon cubesExtra clothing and waterproof rain gear12m (40’) heavy test fishing line,hooks6m (20’) snare wireSmall flashlight
BACKPACKpersonal gear…cont’d
Water decontamination tablets50’ nylon rope(para cord)Small sharpening stoneNylon tarp or similarMetal cup or panSmall axe / folding saw
FIELD SAFETY
FIRST-AID KIT:
The following slide will show the minimum items for a personal first-aid kit
Personal First-Aid kit
Triangular BandagesSterile gauze bandage (4x4)Several rolls of 1 inch and 2 inch gauze bandageAdhesive tape,self adhesive bandageAntiseptic / antiseptic wipesPainkillersExtra personal medications(if a prolong stay)First-aid manual
FIRST-AID KIT
Instructor noteAt this time inform students of the Team first-aid kit, and that the last slide was for minimum items only. This list can be added to as required
MODES OF TRANSPORT
BY FOOT:Stay alert and watch for unforeseen hazards.
Make sure your equipment is in good condition,check laces,soles eyes, and hooks of boots,carry first-aid kit and emergency survival kit in backpack.
MODES OF TRANSPORT
General Travel Precautions: Travel in pairs(minimum number)Use extra caution if you are forced to travel aloneTravel at the speed of the slowest member of your partyInform others where you are goingDO NOT PANIC if you become lost or injured
MODES OF TRANSPORT
TRAVERSING IN WINTER:
Dress in layers,it provides for better insulation. You can pull layers off if you get hotInner wicking layer, middle layer wool, outer layer a waterproof/windproof gortex or similar layer
MODE OF TRANSPORT
IN WINTER..cont:Wear a hat or facemaskWear good gripping warm boots(extra liners if needed)Take snow shoes / cross country skis if required
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ICE SAFETY:Beware of slushy areas and ice over upwelling springs(black ice)Stay on clear ice if you can. Snow acts as an insulator and prevents the ice from freezing solid
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ICE…cont’d
Avoid areas where rocks are protruding from the ice
On unfamiliar ice ,carry a pole, to check the ice ahead of you and if needed, use for support should you fall through the ice
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ICE ..cont’d
If you fall through the ice and don’t have a pole, extend your arms in front of you and kick your feet to the surface, then on your belly, wiggle out of the water like a seal.
When you reach solid footing, roll in the power snow. It will absorb moisture and give some insulation while a fire is being built
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ICE…cont’dMake and carry a set of ice claws(click for claws)
MODE OF TRANSPORT
SNOWMOBILES:Ensure machines are in good operating conditions
Carry a tool kit spare parts and emergency equipment
Wear a CSA approved helmet, face mask and goggles
MODE OF TRANSPORT
SNOWMOBILES…cont’dMachines should be used in PAIRS
Be able to trouble shoot and perform emergency repairs
Wear layered clothing
Wear blaze orange
MODE OF TRANSPORT
SNOWMOBILES…cont’d
DO NOT:
Chase wildlife,Race, or drive recklesslyHill climb in areas of potential avalanches
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ATV’s:Have a valid Operators License, and all required documents for the machine
Ensure the machine is in good working order and free from defects
MODE OF TRANSPORT
ATV’s ..cont’d
When going up,down or across a slope, always shift your weight towards the top of the slope
When turning, slow down to avoid overturning
Do not park on a slope with soft ground
MODE OF TRANSPORT
TRUCKS AND CARS:When driving on gravel and bush roads:Keep your sights high and wideKeep well back from other vehiclesDrive according to existing conditionsKnow your vehicle and YOUR capabilitiesSee and be Seen
MODE OF TRANSPORT
FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT:
Follow the instructions of the pilot.
MODE OF TRANSPORT
HELICOPTERS:Follow the instructions of the pilot or crewApproach or leave the helicopter only when toldApproach or leave in a crouched positionAlways enter or exit on the down slope side
MODE OF TRANSPORT
HELICOPTERS…cont’dExercise extreme caution when jumping from the skidsEnsure you have NO LOOSE GEAR or Tall items on you
Or your pack Ensure there is no loose objects near the landing site(LZ)Never throw or drop objects while the rotors are turning.ALWAYS approach or leave the helicopter in the view of the pilot. NEVER to the rear of the helicopter
MODE OF TRANSPORT
BOATS and CANOES:Always wear a CSA approved life jacket or PFD
Each craft should have required safety and operational gear for its size
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
Camps sites/ search sites should be located away from potential hazards
Store flammable and hazardous materials properly
Open fires are to be kept small and in a safe location
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
Ensure appropriate First-Aid equipment is available
Ensure food and water is properly prepared and stored
CAMP/SITE SAFETY
CAMP /SITE LOCATION:In an open areaClose to safe drinking waterAvoid areas of potential landslides rockslides windfalls
CAMP /SITE SAFETY
CAMP/SITE SAFETY…cont’dAvoid tall and/ or dead trees which could fall or drop dead branches in wind stormsTents/ lean-top's, and vehicles should be placed a sufficient distance apart to prevent the spread of fireCooking areas should be well separated from sleeping areasFood should be elevated to reduce the attractiveness to nuisance animals
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
FIRE HAZARDS:Be on the alert for potential causes of a forest fire, such as a brush fire, a fire from wood or propane stoves and lanterns, careless smoking or signal firesNO OPEN FLAME SHOULD BE LEFT UNATTENDED
CAMP /SITE SAFETY
LIGHTNING:During a lightning storm,disconnect all radio antennas and ground themAvoid tall trees and open spaces, particularly on high groundIf anyone is hit by lightning and suffers respiratory failure, CPR must start immediately
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
NUISANCE ANIMALS:Reduce the possibly of unwanted animals with proper site layout and garbage disposal
Destroy any animal you suspect of having RABIES, AND SEND REMAINS TO A CERTIFIED LABORATORY
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
COMMUNICATIONS:Dependable communications are absolutely essential for relaying information back to the command post , or in the event of a severe storm, an accident, or a member of the team is becoming sick or is lost
CAMP / SITE SAFETY
AXES/ MACHETES:Be careful of dull bladesSharpen at least twice a day if in constant useKeep in a sheath when not in useNever carry an axe or machete over your shoulder
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
CHAINSAWS:
Wear safety bootsWear cutter pantsWear gloves, hard hatWear eye, and ear protection
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
CHAINSAWS…cont’dKeep chain filed regularly, reduces likelihood of kickbacksChainsaw should have a chain brakeDo not use the tip of blade for cuttingEnsure all parts are tight and chain properly tensionedEnsure idle is properly set Do not use saw for cutting brush, or stripping barkStart the saw on the ground, NEVER on your kneeAlways have a first-aid kit nearby
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
LIGHTING AND HEATING
LANTERNS:Propane or battery operated lanterns are recommendedLanterns operating on flammable fluids, may get knocked over, which can result in a fireLanterns should be hung from the ceiling
LIGHTING AND HEATING
Cont’d
Light lanterns outsideKeep away from flammable materialBe careful In taking hanging lanterns down, handles may be hotLet lanterns cool down before refueling
LIGHTING AND HEATING
STOVE HEATING IN TENTS:Ensure that walls nearest the stove, have heat resistant or aluminum foil which reflects heat around the tent
REFERENCES
MERRY,WAYNE,1999, Basic Ground Search and Rescue in Canada: A Home Study Guide, Context NorthSmith,Richard; LaValla,Richard; Hood,Rick;Lawson,Norm;and Kerr,Guy; 2003,Field Operating Guide to Search and Rescue(FOG)-SAR Skills Handbook,ERI Canada, Alberta, CanadaNewfoundland and Labrador Search and Rescue Association, 2002, Provincial Training Standards ManualUmpherson,Don; Bennett, Douglas and Webb,J.R., 1991,
Bush Safety in Mineral Exploration, Education Series#2 Ministry of Northern Development and Mines