JVRP 2013 Field Safety Tutorial While excavation is not particularly dangerous, archaeology does require physical labor

outdoors, movement in and out of excavation trenches, and the handling of tools and equipment. Due to these factors, the risk of injury is present and safety precautions must be taken to mitigate these risks. Please read the following handout carefully and always follow the instructions of field supervisors to ensure your personal safety at all times.

I. Personal Safety 1. Sturdy closed-toe shoes, preferably boots (with or without a steel toe), MUST be worn on site at all times. 2. Bring a personal water bottle to site. We will provide water canisters for refills during the work day, but we do not have extra bottles. To keep yourself well hydrated while working in the heat, you must drink LOTS of watermore than you might expectso drink water/sports drinks before you feel thirsty! 3. It will be hot and sunny, so we recommend that you bring sunscreen and a hat. 4. If you are not feeling well due to illness, heat, or overexertion, please inform a supervisor. If you are not well enough to come to site in the morning, make sure a roommate relays the message so we know where you are. 5. You may want to eat a granola bar, banana, yogurt, etc. before getting to site in the morning; we start work at 5:00am but breakfast is not served until 8:30am.

II. Field Safety 1. Watch your step! There are many things you can trip over such as string, stakes, tools, etc. 2. Do not smoke or spit near the excavation. Its gross and contaminates the archaeological material. 3. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. No cell phones, blue tooth devices, or earbuds/music are allowed while excavating.

4. Be cautious when using heavy and/or sharp tools. Communicate with your supervisor and squaremates before you start to pick-axe to avoid injuring someone. Always place unused tools face down and keep them neatly organized and out of the way. 5. When moving around on site, be aware of others who are working, especially those wielding pick-axes close to where you are walking. Once the squares are deep, you will need to be careful about moving around and between the trenches. Its best not to walk near open squares at all if possible to avoid tripping, falling, interfering with excavation, getting hit with tools, or compromising the stability of the baulk edges. 6. Do not remove ANYTHINGequipment or artifactsfrom the field without prior permission. Tools that belong to the JVRP must be returned to their storage areas at the end of the work day.

III. Emergency Procedures 1. If case of injury in the field, there will always be a first aid kit and a designated first aid supervisor to help. Please inform a supervisor immediately if you are injured. 2. On the weekends, please inform a staff member of your travel plans. Staff phone numbers are posted outside the wifi roomdont be shy about contacting us in case of emergency while traveling.