Surveyor’s Safety

HANDBOOK
Purpose
This is an overview of Dewberry’s Health and Safety
Program best practices and key information needed to
be successful and reduce risk when performing field
surveying work.
This is to be used to reinforce the training that you’ve
had or will have associated with your job assignment.

Want this handbook on your phone?

Scan with your smartphone to download the PDF
or go to www.dewberry.com/libraries/brochures/
surveyorsafetyhandbook.pdf.

For more information, contact your supervisor

and/or Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

Dewberry’s Director of Safety

Jeff Ambrose, CSP, CHST, CET
703.849.0342 • 301.751.1418 cell
jambrose@dewberry.com

©2016 Dewberry®. All rights reserved.

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION.................. 2 CONSTRUCTION
Roles and Responsibilities.......... 2 SITE SAFETY...................... 21
Pre-job Planning............................. 3 Trenching and Excavation.......21
Slope Requirements....................22
REPORTING AND
Confined Space..............................23
COMMUNICATION.............. 4
Manhole/Vault
Incident Reporting......................... 4
Cover Removal...............................24
OSHA Inspection............................ 5
Chemical Hazard
Media Event...................................... 6 Communication...........................25
Interaction with GHS Classification.......................26
the General Public......................... 7
TRANSPORTATION
PERSONAL SAFETY............ 8 SITE SAFETY...................... 27
Appropriate Field Attire.............. 8 Driver Safety...................................27
Personal Protective Safe Vehicle Operation...............28
Equipment (PPE)............................ 9
Highway Right-of-Way...............29
Tools and Equipment.................11
Railroad Right-of-Way................30
Back Injury Prevention and
Proper Lifting Techniques........12
HIGH RISK
FIELD SAFETY.................... 13 PROJECT SAFETY............. 31
Electrical Substation...................31
Fall Hazards....................................13
Telecom/Rooftop..........................32
Fall Protection................................14
Remote/Rough
Underground Utilities...............15
Terrain Projects.............................33
Poisonous Vegetation.................16
All-Terrain Utility Vehicles......34
Insects................................................17
Ticks and Mosquitoes.................18
Wildlife..............................................20
INTRODUCTION
Roles and Responsibilities
Employees
Responsible for following company policies
in order to avoid and mitigate unsafe work
conditions and prevent injuries.
• Employees are responsible for
determining if there are site-specific
safety guidelines and requirements. If so,
these need to be reviewed and followed.
• No employee is required to perform work
that he or she believes is unsafe.
• If you see an unsafe condition or practice,
speak up!

Supervisors
Manage employees for full compliance with
safety policies and procedures.

Management
Supports survey management and field
operations and allocates resources needed for
the safety and health of employees. Monitors
employees for adherence to safety policies
and procedures.

Contact Dewberry’s Director of Safety with any

questions.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION 2
Pre-job Planning
Employees should know the location of the following:

“Grab and
First aid kits
Go” packet

Nearest Chemical Safety

hospital/EMS Data Sheets (SDS)

Emergency Communication
action plan plan

• If you have any personal health conditions that

could result in an emergency, notify your supervisor.

• Establish an alternative communication plan for

remote job locations if cell phone service is limited or
unavailable.

• Determine if there are site-specific safety

guidelines and requirements, and if so, review and
follow them.

• Inform your supervisor about your job location

and duration.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

INTRODUCTION 3
REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION
Incident Reporting
An incident is a work-related injury or illness.
In the event of an incident—regardless of severity—
follow these procedures:

Perform first aid as necessary.

Notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s

Director of Safety immediately.

Maintain and refer to the “Grab and Go”

packet in your vehicle for incident report
forms and detailed procedures.

A Dewberry employee must escort an

injured/ill employee(s) to a medical center.

Supervisor completes incident report.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION 4
OSHA Inspection
An OSHA inspector may enter a job site for any of the
following reasons:
• A fatality or incident requiring hospitalization.
• Random selection by OSHA.
• Follow-up inspection.
• Formal written complaint submitted to OSHA.

During an OSHA Inspection

OSHA compliance officers are legally authorized to talk to
employees on the job site.
• Ask to see proper identification of the OSHA
compliance officer, and record name and information.
• You are not forbidden to talk to the OSHA compliance
officer on the project, but you are also under no
obligation to do so. If asked, answer questions directly
and truthfully. Don’t hesitate to say “I do not know” if
you do not know.

Immediately notify your supervisor and

Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

You must escort and take pictures of

everything the OSHA Compliance Officer
photographs that relates to Dewberry’s
work at the site.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION 5
Media Event
If you are approached by a reporter or someone from the
media, follow these guidelines:
• Request identification and record this information.
• Do not answer questions.
• Do not say “no comment.”
• Politely say to the reporter, “I will pass your
information on to our director of communications”
or “Please contact our director of communications.”

Defer to Dewberry Appointed Spokesperson:

Molly Wagner
Director of Communications
703.849.0307
mwagner@dewberry.com

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION 6
Interaction with
the General Public
It is everyone’s responsibility to anticipate and prevent
potential conflicts or violence with the public. Follow these
guidelines to manage and avoid encounters:

Inform local authorities and/or property

owners prior to entering privately or
publically owned property.

Beware of and obey “no trespassing”

signs and other warnings.

Immediately and respectfully remove

yourself and others from confrontational,
threatening, or dangerous situations.

Document in writing the situation/event.

Notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s

Director of Safety immediately and await
further instruction.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

REPORTING AND COMMUNICATION 7
PERSONAL SAFETY
Appropriate Field Attire
When performing field work, make sure you are wearing the
appropriate field attire:
• Shirt with sleeves and long pants.
• Safety boots.
• Hard hats when required by site conditions or site
safety requirements.
• Gloves as necessary.
• Dress appropriately for various types of weather
(excessive heat and cold) and field conditions.
• Fire retardant clothing is required when performing
work near compressor stations and other federally
required locations relative to the oil and gas industry,
electric power generation, transmission, and distribution.
• Other personal protective equipment (PPE) may be
required by site-specific safety requirements to complete
certain tasks. Consult your supervisor, site safety
manager, and/or Dewberry’s Director of Safety for more
information.
• Reference and follow the site-specific safety program for
PPE requirements.

The following two pages contain examples of

appropriate field attire and personal protective
equipment (PPE).

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

PERSONAL SAFETY 8
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Eye Protection
Must be worn when projectile
hazards exist and at all times on
construction project sites.

Hearing Protection
Required in areas where noise
exposure is more than 90dBA or
as a general guideline, when you
must shout to communicate to
someone close to you.

Class II Safety Vest

Required on construction
site and when working
around heavy equipment.

Long Pants
Required when
performing field work.

Safety Boots
Required when
performing field work.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

PERSONAL SAFETY 9
Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE)
Hard Hats
When required by site conditions,
such as being exposed to overhead
work or other falling objects, or site
safety requirements.

Respiratory Protection
Required when using chemicals
or working around certain airborne
particles that could cause
adverse health effects.

Shirt with Sleeves

Required when
performing field work.

Class III Safety Vest

May be required in DOT
right-of-way depending on
local requirements.

Hand Protection
Work gloves must be worn at all
times when handling sharp tools
or performing tasks that may
injure hands.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

PERSONAL SAFETY 10
Tools and Equipment
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not bypass
safety mechanisms.
• Do not use any defective or unserviceable items;
remove items immediately from inventory.
• Dull tools can be just as unsafe as using them
improperly. Keep tools sharp to avoid injury.

Sharp Tools
• Always wear gloves.
• Chainsaw usage permitted on a very limited basis.
Special training required.
• Use of machetes and other sharp tools are permitted
on a very limited basis. Substitute with safer tools
when possible, for example:
Use Use with
brush axe Extreme Caution
machete

Shears and hand saws are also suitable substitutes.

• Always cut away from the body. Wear additional PPE
as necessary, such as eye protection, and ensure that
non-essential personnel are clear of the work area.
Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

PERSONAL SAFETY 11
Back Injury Prevention and
Proper Lifting Techniques
Back injuries can have serious, long-lasting effects on your
health and ability to work.
Individual Lift
• Use your legs to lift; keep your back straight
and keep the object close to your body.

Team Lift
• When lifting objects heavier than 50lbs, ask for
assistance and use a team lift.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

PERSONAL SAFETY 12
FIELD SAFETY
Fall Hazards
The following are examples of fall hazards. Take appropriate
precautions and follow site-specific safety requirements (i.e.,
construction site safety program and requirements).
• Unprotected sides or edges of a walking or
working surface.
• Walking/working surfaces that do not have the
strength and structural integrity to support employee.
• Falls from elevation or ground level to lower levels.
• Falls through floor or roof openings (skylights, etc.).
• Falls through the floor or roof surface (floor/roof
collapses).
• Falls on the same level (point of contact was the same
level supporting individual).

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 13
Fall Protection Training Required

Fall protection is required when working at heights of

six feet or higher. Guardrails, safety nets, and personal
fall arrest systems (must be inspected prior to each use)
are examples of appropriate fall protection. Calculate fall
distances as part of your job pre-planning:

Before Fall After Fall

2' Maximum
Free Fall Distance

3.5'
Deceleration Distance

6' Height
of Employee

Must consider fall distances when

pre-planning work. Distances 3' Safety Factor
shown are for example only.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 14
Underground Utilities
Stakes/iron property corners must not be driven in areas
where underground utilities may exist. If you’re unsure
of the location of underground utilities, contact the local
utility and the utility location service (if available).

State Local “811” Program Contact Number

FL Sunshine 811 1.800.432.4770

MD Miss Utility 1.800.257.7777

MS Dig Safe 1.800.322.4895

NY Dig Safely NY 1.800.962.7962

NJ One Call 1.800.272.1000

NC NC 811 1.800.632.4949

PA One Call 1.800.242.1776

SC SC 811 1.800.922.0983

VA Miss Utility 1.800.552.7001

WV Miss Utility 1.800.245.4848

NOTE: when in doubt dial #811, visit

www.call811.com/state-specific.aspx
or scan with your smartphone.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 15
Poisonous Vegetation
Includes poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
• Learn how to identify and avoid the plants:

poison ivy poison sumac poison oak

• Skin irritation may result from touching poisonous

vegetation or handling clothing or tools that have
come into contact with poisonous vegetation.

Advise your supervisor if you are allergic to

poisonous plants and what special attention
and medication you require.

If you come into contact with any of the

plants, treat with first aid.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 16
Insects
Advise your supervisor of any need
for medication(s) or personal health
conditions that could result in an emergency.

Prevention:
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Avoid dense vegetation when possible.
• Avoid insect nests and disrupting their natural habitat.

If Exposure Occurs:

Treat with first aid, if necessary.

Notify your supervisor if further

treatment is required.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 17
Ticks and
Mosquitoes
Ticks and mosquitoes may carry vector-borne diseases,
such as Lyme disease and West Nile Virus, and may require
medical treatment.

Prevention:
• Wear light colored and long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Treat clothing with Permethrin prior to going out to a
job site.
• Perform tick checks during work and thoroughly check
immediately after completing work.

Treatment:

Clean wound and perform first aid.

Report to your supervisor if a “bulls

eye” is found anywhere on the body.

• Reasons to seek additional medical treatment include:

• Fever/chills.
• Aches and pains: symptoms include headache,
fatigue, and muscle aches.
• Rash.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 18
Removal Procedures:
If tick is found, remove promptly, following
these instructions:

Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close

to the skin’s surface as possible.

Pull upward without squeezing

the tick as this could release
toxins into your body.

After removing the tick, thoroughly

clean the bite area and your hands.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 19
Wildlife
You may encounter various types of wildlife and animals
when on a job site:

Make wildlife/animal planning part of your

job pre-planning, such as carrying animal
deterrents.

If you see wildlife/animals in the work area,

notify your supervisor and wait for the
wildlife to clear.

Perform first aid to treat any injuries, and

seek emergency treatment, as needed.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

FIELD SAFETY 20
CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY
Trenching and Excavation
Trenching/Excavation is any man-made cavity or
depression in the earth’s surface, including its sides, walls, or
faces formed by earth removal and producing unsupported
earth conditions.
A protective system is engineered to prevent soil cave-in
and must be in place and approved by the competent person
on site prior to entering a trench or excavation.

Never enter without consulting site contractor’s

safety representative or competent person.

Trench box Shoring Sloping or

benching
Soil classification determines which protective system is
required. Consult site contractor’s competent person.
• Never enter an excavation with vertical walls, this is
an unsafe condition.
• Safe Access (i.e., secured ladder) is required when
excavation is greater than four feet deep. Must not be
more than 25 feet of horizontal travel distance away.
• Never work near suspended loads.
Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 21
Slope Requirements
Examples provided for general reference include:

Type A Soil: stable rock or clay Simple Slope

Short Term
(24 hours or less)

Simple Slope
12' Max
1
20' Max ½
1

Type B Soil: granular cohesive

Simple Slope
20' Max 1
1

Type C Soil: sandy, non-cohesive

Simple Slope
20' Max 1
(no benching)

1½

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 22
Confined Space
Confined spaces present a variety of hazards. They can be
oxygen deficient, contain flammable or toxic gases, and
other physical hazards. Examples of a confined space:

Tanks Vaults

Spaces noted by
Manholes signage as “confined,”
“hazardous”

• Never enter any space judged to be a confined

space. Entering a confined space requires specific
authorization, special training, and equipment.

If entry is required and authorized by Dewberry’s Director

of Safety, please follow the guidelines below:

Always test air with calibrated 4-gas meter

prior to entry.
• Verify 4-gas meter is working via bump test
before and after sampling the space.
• Acceptable oxygen range = 19.5 to 23.5.

• Where significant hazards are present such as live

electric, water, explosive atmosphere, etc., stop work and
notify your supervisor and Dewberry’s Director of Safety.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 23
Manhole/Vault Cover Removal
• Clear gravel and debris from immediate area to prevent
slips and trips.
• Wear gloves for a better grip and to protect
against abrasive edges.
• Use coordinated team lift or
authorized tools to remove and place
heavy covers:
• J-hooks.
• Handles.
• Pry bar levers.

• Keep fingers and toes clear of pinch points.

• Do not enter or break the plane with any tools or
equipment that could come into contact with live
electric parts.

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 24
Chemical Hazard
Communication
Chemical hazards can be found in certain paints,
greases, and other products.

Must review Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

and understand hazards prior to use.
Use chemicals in accordance with
manufacturer’s recommendation.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 25
GHS Classification
If you’re on a job site and other contractors are using
chemicals in close proximity, contact the site safety manager
for required precautions and protection.

Oxidizers Explosives Corrosives

Gasses Under Flammables Environmental

Pressure Toxicity

Acute Toxicity Carcinogen Irritant

(Severe)

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY 26
TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY
Driver Safety
Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do on and
off the job. Speed, distractions, fatigue, road conditions, and
vehicle conditions can lead to dangerous driving.

Only authorized persons may operate or

ride in Dewberry company vehicles.

Driver and passengers must always

wear seat belts.

You may not use a mobile phone for calling

or texting while driving, unless using a
hands-free device. Avoid use if possible.

Properly maintain emergency and safety

equipment in the vehicle.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY 27
Safe Vehicle Operation
Vehicle safety must start prior to turning on the ignition.
Perform the following prior to operating the vehicle:
• The authorized driver should perform a safety
walk-around of the vehicle to make sure there are
no obstructions, personnel, or unsafe conditions
present. Conditions can quickly change when on a
construction site.
• Secure tools and equipment before placing vehicle
in motion.
• Backing the vehicle is highly discouraged unless a
spotter is present.

The visual safety walk-around of the vehicle should include

inspection of the following:

Tires Headlights

Wipers Mirrors

Horn Oil levels

Brake lights Safety equipment

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY 28
Highway Right-of-Way
Refer to the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD) prior to going on site.
• Each state and jurisdiction may have specific
requirements for traffic control, signage, etc. Obtain
these requirements; review and follow them. Special
training may be required.
• Minimize the use of backing maneuvers.
• Minimize interactions between on-foot workers,
equipment, and trucks.
• Wear Class II vest/clothing. Some DOTs may require
Class III vests. Check local authority requirements.
• Work within protection boundaries and keep a
constant state of awareness.
• Review the MUTCD/DOT
pocket guide for proper traffic
control diagrams.

Want the MUTCD on your phone?

Scan with your smartphone to access a PDF or
visit www.mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/kno_2009r1r2.htm.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY 29
Railroad Right-of-Way
Occupational hazards exist for workers on or near railroad
tracks and the environment can change rapidly.
• Often railroad companies require railroad personnel to
accompany workers when within railroad right-of-way.
• Daily pre-job meeting must take place to discuss safety
precautions and any required on-track protections.
• Class II vest must be worn when within 25 feet of
the track. Class III vest may be required by client or
local authority.
• Designate a watchman/lookout responsible for
designating place of safety, watching for approaching
trains, and warning workers to move to place of safety.
He or she may have no other responsibilities.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

TRANSPORTATION SITE SAFETY 30
HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY
Electrical Substation
General Safety Precautions
• Dewberry employees must always be escorted and
perform under the supervision of a qualified power
company employee.
• Be familiar with and follow the power company’s
safety program and requirements. Special training is
required for working around electric substations.
• Use non-conductive tools and equipment.

Outdoor Substations
• May have exposed energized electrical equipment,
which is often found in low proximity to the ground.
• Keep vehicles, tools, and other equipment at least 20
feet away from exposed electrical conductors in outside
substations.

Indoor Substations
• Dewberry employees must not work in proximity to any
exposed electrical equipment within an indoor substation.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY 31
Telecom/Rooftop
• When possible, request radio frequency (RF) emitting
equipment be de-energized.
• Always have a working RF monitor (Radman) on your
person while conducting work.
• If working near a building with exposed sides or ledges,
wear appropriate personal fall arrest equipment.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY 32
Remote/Rough Terrain Projects
Review emergency action and
communication plans as part of job
pre-planning.

Establish an alternative communication

plan for remote job locations if cell phone
service is limited or unavailable.
• Follow strict check-in/check-out procedures.
• Use of SPOT/GPS transponder may be
required.

• If multiple crews are deployed, maintain frequent

communication and report unsafe conditions to field
survey coordinator.
• Ensure survey vehicle’s winch for recovery is properly
secured and maintained on the front of the truck.
• Access to remote job locations may require
client-specific training and other special requirements.
• Avoid steep terrain and other hazardous objects
when possible.
• If terrain is impassable or unsafe, report back to your
supervisor immediately.

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY 33
All-Terrain Utility Vehicles
All-Terrain Utilities Vehicles (ATUVs) are special vehicles for
off-road use only. Speeds are not to exceed 25 MPH.
• Wear Class II vest/clothing. Orange vests may be
required during hunting season. Check local authority
requirements.
• Must obtain permission from client, survey manager,
and Dewberry’s Director of Safety before deployment
of ATUVs.

• Driver and passengers must always wear seat belts.

ATUVs must be equipped with:

Roll cages Headlights

Seat belts Tail lights

Training Required

SURVEYOR’S SAFETY HANDBOOK

HIGH RISK PROJECT SAFETY 34
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Dewberry’s Director of Safety
Jeff Ambrose, CSP, CHST, CET
703.849.0342 • 301.751.1418 cell
jambrose@dewberry.com

Visit the Health and Safety page on

ID for more information.

Click on the safety icon on

the ID homepage.