Section C. Daily Activities

Risks to Consider 

• Individual/group walks/hikes will be limited to relatively short distances (< 1 km) with minimal to moderate relief (10-50 m) and will venture onto uneven surfaces (off maintained trails) carrying equipment, but you might find yourself walking several km on a work day. 

• Good judgment and extreme care for yourself and those around you are critical. Many people have been injured (some seriously) or even killed (not our students) wandering carelessly through such areas.  

• Unsafe cliffs, overhangs, and steep slopes are uncommon in our field area. 

Associated Safety Hazards 

• Slip, trip, and fall hazards are extremely common, especially along trails. Loose rocks and overhanging rocks are uncommon, but to exist.  

Mitigation of Hazards 

• Sturdy, close-toed shoes are required in the field at all times. While sturdy tennis shoes are acceptable, boots with sturdy soles, good tread and leather uppers or equivalently sturdy material capable of providing protection against thorny brush, cactus spines, and sharp rocks are strongly recommended. Any participant without the required footwear will not be allowed to enter field sites. Inadequate footwear may prevent you from participating in some activities. Please contact an instructor, ideally well in advance of the trip, if you have any questions regarding the field shoe policy. 

• Stay away from hazardous surfaces. Be aware of people above. Avoid climbing when people are below you. 

• Long pants & long sleeve shirts are recommended in the field