Field Course Guidelines

V17.1 August 2026

General Statement

Any activity in the field carries with it an amount of risk. Geology Field School and the course instructors work together to design risks out of the field course (Like maybe we don’t go stand under that overhanging conglomerate cliff) whenever possible. When this is not possible, engineered controls (that sweet rock helmet, the vest, etc.) are implemented for everyone. We go through a rigorous process of planning our field trips so that the level of risk for all members of the field group is as minimal as possible for the learning objectives.

The Geology Field School guide has final authority for all aspects of health and safety for the group during the course. The Geology Field School Guide has the authority to stop activities and/or exclude any person that he or she deems unsafe.

Below is a brief overview of some of the principal hazards involved on Geology Field School field courses globally. Specific hazards applying to individual field courses will be discussed with you by the Geology Field School Guide and are documented in the risk assessments undertaken for each specific course by Geology Field School. Please ask the Geology Field School Guide if you have questions or would like to see the specific risk assessments for your course. If at any point during the course you become uncomfortable with an ongoing activity, please cease and desist and notify the Geology Field School Guide.

1. Transportation

1.1 Driving

Geology Field School endeavors to source qualified and experienced drivers to operate an appropriate vehicle for the needs of the field course. Should you become uncomfortable with the driving at any time on any course, notify the Geology Field School Guide.

Riding in coaches and cars

  • Wear your seatbelt at all times.
  • Secure your belongings.
  • Take great care when exiting vehicles.
  • Do not stand directly in front of or between any parked vehicles.
  • Please inform the Geology Field School Guide of unsafe driving practices or concerns.

In extenuating, unforeseen circumstances, it may happen that a participant needs to operate a vehicle to mitigate a present risk. Though not likely, please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines if your course uses sport utility vehicles for transportation:

General Practice

  • Drivers are not allowed to consume alcohol.
  • Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the controls of the vehicles and remember that if you are driving a 4WD/SUV or minivan, they may respond differently than the vehicle you normally drive.
  • Familiarize yourself with the speed limits and driving laws and observe these regulations.
  • Seatbelts MUST be worn at all times by all occupants of the vehicle.
  • Cell/mobile phones or radios are not to be operated by the driver while driving.
  • Drive defensively at all times.
  • Driving at night will be avoided as far as is practical during the course.
  • In most cases the lead vehicle will be driven by one of the tutors and the Geology Field School Guide will travel in the rear vehicle.
  • Lead and rear co-drivers should warn other vehicles of any approaching hazards to the best of their abilities (radios will be provided where possible).

Driving on-road

  • Be extremely cautious when turning or near blind corners and ensure that your exit is clear.
  • Road side field stops – be aware of other road users. Pull off the road as safely as possible.
  • Be aware of other drivers on the road.

Driving in convoy

  • Keep the vehicle behind you in sight.
  • Headlights on at all times (unless otherwise stated).
  • Do not run stop signs or red lights to keep up.
  • It is the lead vehicle’s responsibility to pull over and regather the convoy when safe to do so.
  • Do not overtake in the convoy.
  • Keep your distance (the three-second rule).
  • Keep at least a car-length’s distance between each car when stopped at traffic lights, etc.

Broken convoy

  • If you lose sight of the vehicle behind, slow down and stop and wait only if safe to do so.
  • Use handheld radios/mobile/cell phones to establish contact after pulling over to stop and wait.
  • Share cell phone numbers.

Driving off-road

  • Follow convoy rules.
  • Keep speeds low as surfaces may be loose, uneven and dusty.
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front (especially on inclines or wet conditions), stay out of dust clouds and avoid sudden maneuvers.
  • Beware of other traffic.
  • Beware of bikers, hikers, horses, donkeys, etc.
  • Do not break new ground.

Vehicle incident procedure

In the event of an unexpected vehicle incident (major or minor damage):

  • Alert the convoy as soon as possible.
  • Pull over in the nearest safe place and assess for any injuries or damage.
  • Call emergency services if required.
  • Record the damage before continuing.

Although we are using rental vehicles, Geology Field School and member companies are liable for certain damage – please treat the vehicles with respect.

1.2 Flying

Overflights

On certain field courses, an overflight may be offered. These flights are not mandatory and participants may choose to exclude themselves if they see reason to do so. Flights are typically in small aircraft ranging from 4 to 12 total seats of occupancy. Flights are conducted by insured companies. While participating in any overflight, follow the instructions of the gate agents and flight crew or Captain. Due to the smaller size of the planes and regional weather variances, overflights may be turbulent.

Internal Flight Transfers

Some courses require flying to another location during the normal operation of the field course. Your logistics will be taken care of. Contact the Geology Field School Guide if you have any issues or concerns. Adhere to airport regulations and follow the instructions of the flight crew.

1.3 Boating

Some course transport may be done by boat depending on outcrop location. Boat operations are conducted by reputable companies and boats are operated by trained personnel. Follow the instructions of the Captain and familiarize yourself with the location of personal flotation devices.

2. Alcohol and Drug Policy

All participants are expected to adhere to their own employers’ alcohol and drug policy as a minimum standard of behavior. Geology Field School expects all participants to act with common sense in their consumption of alcohol while on a field course.

If an outcrop or venue other than the hotel is to be visited after a lunch stop, alcohol is not to be consumed. Drivers are not to drink alcohol during the day and are to be mindful of their consumption during the evening.

Geology Field School reserves the right to exclude or remove any intoxicated participant from the course and reserves the right to inform your employer when the use of alcohol could be deemed irresponsible or otherwise jeopardize the safety of yourself, other participants or the conduct of the course.

The use of illegal drugs will lead to immediate removal from the course without a refund. Any costs incurred with expulsion will be billed directly to your company. If you would not do it in your office, do not do it during the field course.

3. Hotels and Accommodation

Please take time to familiarize yourself with each hotel’s emergency procedures, fire exits, emergency routes and muster points. These are usually found on the door of your room. It is our standard preference to muster outside the main entrance of hotels, unless specifically told otherwise or it is unsafe to do so. Local instructions by the authorities or hotel management supersede this preference.

4. Hiking and Scrambling

You will be informed as to how strenuous the walks can be during the course (also described in the Course Outline and Course Joining Instructions, if applicable). You are never obliged to undertake a hike against your own judgment. Be aware of your own physical abilities and limitations and ensure you make the Geology Field School Guide aware if you have any concerns or reservations.

4.1 Footwear

Appropriate footwear is mandatory for all participants in the field. The overwhelming majority of injuries and accidents on field trips can be linked to inadequate footwear. Failure to have suitable footwear may result in being excluded from certain field stops. Reference these footwear guidelines:

  • Lightweight hiking boots with good grip and ankle support are strongly recommended.
  • Footwear should have a rugged outsole designed for enhancing grip on trails.
  • Merino wool socks are advisable for their moisture wicking properties and will aid in the prevention of blisters.

4.2 Hiking

  • A tutor will usually take the lead for the group. The Geology Field School Guide will usually stay at the rear of the group.
  • Please take care on steep and slippery surfaces; ask for assistance if you need it. Good, stable footwork is essential.
  • If you need to stay behind or divert from the group please notify the Geology Field School Guide; someone will stay behind if needed.
  • Scrambling – it is the responsibility of individuals higher up a slope to be aware of those below and to avoid or warn of loose rocks. Spotting techniques are encouraged where needed and the group is asked to stick close together.
  • Stay at least one body length back from cliff edges and follow instructions from the Geology Field School Guide if given.
  • Wear rock helmets when advised and ensure the chin strap is buckled.
  • Even with proper PPE, limit exposure time under cliff faces.

5. Climate and Natural Disasters

Strong sun, high or low temperatures or wet conditions can be hazards. All these factors are easily mitigated with appropriate clothing - participants will be advised of suitable clothes and equipment in the Course Joining Instructions. Failure to bring suitable clothes and equipment may result in exclusion from course activities.

  • The Course Joining Instructions, along with the tutor/Geology Field School course Guide, will advise you on general expected weather conditions; be sure that you have clothing suitable for hot, cold, dry and wet conditions.
  • Be prepared daily for changing conditions. When practicable, bring your layers and rain wear every day to ensure proper preparation for the extreme weather conditions we often see.

Some locations are susceptible to exceptional forces of nature. Please note the following general suggestions:

Earthquakes

In most situations, you can protect yourself if you immediately:

  • DROP down onto your hands and knees before the earthquake knocks you down.
  • COVER your head and neck (and your entire body if possible) underneath a sturdy table or desk.
  • HOLD ON to your shelter (or to your head and neck) until the shaking stops.

If you are inside, stay inside. DO NOT run outside or to other rooms. DO NOT stand in a doorway. DO NOT use the elevators.

Fires

Wildfires- Avoid the area. Be prepared with personal respiratory medication if needed.

Structure Fires- Evacuate to the muster point (outside the main entrance unless otherwise noted) and await further instructions.

Wind Events (Tornado, Hurricane, Bursts)

If you are in a building, go to the center of a small interior room or interior hallway on the lowest level, away from windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Avoid large rooms with large span roofs (gymnasiums, cafeterias). If in a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible away from windows.

If you are caught outside with no shelter, make every effort to get to a safe shelter. If this is not possible, your best course of action is to lie in a low spot or ditch and cover your head with your hands. It is not advisable to get under a bridge or overpass.

Tsunamis and Flooding

Tsunamis typically follow earthquakes. Flooding can occur after storms. Get to high ground as far inland as possible. Be alert to signs of a tsunami, such as a sudden rise or draining of ocean waters. Listen to emergency information and alerts. Always follow the instructions from local emergency managers.

6. Other Environmental Factors

Altitude, various weather or environmental hazards may factor on some field courses.

  • The effects of altitude must be considered and participants are advised not to over-exert themselves. Drink plenty of water.
  • Weather-related hazards (high winds, lightning, flooding, etc.) – tutors and the Geology Field School Guide will assess this on a day-to-day basis.
  • Rock fall/Unstable slopes – Rock helmets will be issued when appropriate. Ensure that the chin strap is buckled when the helmet is worn.

7. Flora and Fauna

A common injury on field courses comes from desert flora. The principal hazards are poisonous plants or those with thorns. These plants are prevalent in nearly every location we visit. It is not uncommon to come across venomous spiders and snakes. Larger predators like mountain lions, bears, and coyotes are also present in many locations we visit.

  • Beware of thorny plants and cacti, particularly those with hair-like spines.
  • Turn rocks over with a walking pole/stick/boot before picking them up.
  • Avoid putting your hands into holes or crevices.
  • Check the ground before sitting down!
  • Avoid contact with local dogs and cats.
  • If a dangerous animal is seen, move slowly away and inform other members of the group discreetly (note that most snakebites are provoked by individuals getting too close out of curiosity).

8. Water Hazards

Swimming is not permissible at a field stop during an active field day.

Risks presented by water hazards include: strong or rapid tides, strong river currents and high waves. These risks will be addressed on your specific course. Open coastal sections may pose a risk from unexpected or large waves, blow holes, rip currents, or quickly moving tides. Pathways and cobble beaches, especially below high tide lines, may be slippery. Please be extra vigilant in these areas.

9. Environmental Issues and Rock Sampling

Many of the places we visit on field courses are areas of outstanding natural beauty and Geology Field School wishes to have as little impact as possible on the natural environment. Please remain on existing trails or walk in single file to avoid damaging fragile plant life and soils. Please take all litter out of the field, leaving absolutely nothing behind.

Hammers are not needed on Geology Field School courses. Sampling is illegal in protected areas such as parks and public land.

10. First Aid

The Geology Field School Guide is trained in remote or wilderness first aid techniques and will be carrying the following equipment:

  • First Aid kit
  • Mobile phone
  • Group shelter
  • Satellite communication

These items, along with some others, will be carried where necessary:

  • Safety glasses
  • High visibility vests
  • Rock helmets

11. Personal Protective Equipment

Geology Field School advises that all participants bring the following items with them to every field stop:

  • Reusable container for water (bottle or reservoir)
  • Hiking boots & appropriate socks
  • Sun hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Waterproof jacket & pants
  • Clothing appropriate to a wide range of climatic conditions
  • Personal medication (e.g. inhalers, Epi-pens, etc.)
  • Personal first aid kit

12. Personal Medical Information

We strongly encourage you to inform the Geology Field School Guide of any pre-existing medical condition that may affect your ability to undertake the fieldwork, or which would be relevant to your treatment in the event of an accident. Failure to inform the Geology Field School Guide of any pre-existing medical conditions may place yourself and others in the group at risk.

Geology Field School takes your safety very seriously. Please ensure you have read and understood these guidelines. If you have any questions or if anything is unclear at any stage during your course, please contact your Geology Field School Guide. Your safety is their primary concern and he or she will be happy to help.