Field Research

Safely working and conducting research outdoors, off-campus, and abroad.

Wildfire Smoke

Providing resources and guidance for the UC Berkeley community to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke.

Sara Souza

Program Director, UC Field Research Safety
Field Safety
Field Research
Outdoor Air Quality
Wildfire Smoke
UCOP Center of Excellence

Resources and Guides

Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A JSA describes job tasks in step-by-step fashion, identifies associated hazards at each step, and outlines proper hazard controls that minimize the risk of injury or illness to the individual(s) performing that task.

JSAs Listed by Topic: Body Mechanics ...

Working in Hot Weather: Reminders for Employees and Supervisors

May 13, 2024

Working in high temperatures can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening. It is important to take precautions and to be prepared for high heat conditions. Please share this information with supervisors and employees in your department that work outdoors or may be exposed to high temperatures indoors during their workday.

Outdoor work when temperature exceeds 80°F

Workers performing job duties outside must follow the campus ...

New Field Safety Hazard Assessment Question

April 23, 2024

A NEW Field Hazards section is now live in UC Berkeley's Lab Hazard Assessment Tool (LHAT)

What to expect?

During recertification of existing assessments, PIs will see a new fieldwork screening question. If any members of your research group conduct fieldwork or research off-campus, mark "Yes."

Example fieldwork activities include:

specimen collection

surveys...

Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Heat Illness Prevention and Response

Work in hot environments can have direct effects on human health including, heat exhaustion, reduced labor productivity, and heat stroke. All university employees who work outdoors or in environments with elevated indoor temperatures may be at risk for heat illness– the group of medical conditions caused by the body’s inability to cope with heat.

Heat exposure can be dangerous and potentially life-...

Respiratory Protection Program

Office of Environment, Health & Safety
2018

EH&S evaluates workplaces for possible airborne hazards and recommends ways to reduce these hazards when found. When appropriate, EH&S will fit campus workers with respirators and provide annual training on their proper use. This program is administered in cooperation with University Health Services. UHS evaluates a person's ability to safely wear a respirator prior to a respirator being issued. For more information contact EH&S at ehs@berkeley.edu.

Field Research

Safely working and conducting research outdoors, off-campus, and abroad. The UC Field Operations Safety Manual serves as a reference document and teaching tool to promote safe,...

Field Safety Reminders for the Spring/Summer

April 16, 2024

Following these simple steps supports safe and successful research.

Five reminders for the Spring/Summer fieldwork & travel season

Register all University travel >100 miles via UC Away (Calnet login required) for travel insurance documentation, 24/7 travel assistance, and a destination-specific trip brief.

For international travel, review the...

Campus Committees

Certain high-hazard activities and equipment require additional safety training and written pre-approval. Faculty-led committees issue use authorizations for high hazard activities to ensure the work is safe and monitored appropriately. These include:

collapse all expand all Laboratory Operations & Safety Committee

Summary of Charges

The campus Laboratory Operations...