These guidelines are based on practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in areas known to have produced fatal human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). The guidelines have been modified by the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) to address fieldwork in areas of undefined risk, and to educate employees on how best to protect against hantavirus infection in the field. The guidelines are reissued as additional information about fieldwork practices and the epidemiology of hantaviruses becomes available.
Fire hazard is especially high in California during the summer due to the long, dry season. Those who work at off-site research stations, do field work, or are simply enjoying time outside should observe the following simple measures for preventing and reacting to fires.
Work in hot environments can result in heat illness, a group of medical conditions caused by the body’s inability to cope with heat. Heat illness includes heat cramps, heat exhaustion, fainting, and heat stroke. All university employees who work outdoors may be at risk for heat illness including, but not limited to, field researchers, grounds crews, maintenance workers, and special event staff.