1.10. Safety in Surveying

Civil Engineers are generally involved both in field and office work. The field work demands making observations with various types of instruments either; (a) to determine the relative locations of points, or (b) to set out stakes as per plan to guide the construction operations. The office work involves computing and processing the surveyed data from field, and preparing maps, plots, charts, reports, etc.

Civil engineers perform two main types of work: field work and office work. Field work is where engineers go out to physically measure and observe land using various instruments. They may determine the exact locations of points on the ground or place stakes according to construction plans. This work is crucial to ensure that the construction is done accurately according to surveys. Once they gather the data from the field, engineers return to the office to process this information. This includes creating maps and reports that illustrate their findings, which will guide the construction process.

Think of a civil engineer as a treasure map maker. In the field, they are searching for treasure spots (land features) and marking them with stakes (like X marks the spot). Once back in the office, they draw the map (process data) that outlines the treasure locations—which are actually construction sites.

Sometimes, the fieldwork is performed in difficult or unsafe environment (e.g., sites close to landslides, volcanoes, heavy snow cover, forest fire, highways and railroads), so it is important that safety precautions are taken. Construction sites where heavy machinery operate are also hazardous and dangerous. The danger is often enhanced by poor hearing conditions due to excessive noise at the construction site as well as poor visibility caused by the dust, haze and obstructions.

Field work can often involve dangerous environments. For example, engineers may need to work near landslides or in areas where heavy machinery is operating. Additionally, challenging weather conditions like heavy snow or heat make the work even riskier. Poor visibility and high noise levels can lead to accidents, so taking safety precautions becomes critical. This could include avoiding dangerous sites whenever possible, but if work needs to occur near such environments, additional safety measures must be implemented.

Imagine a firefighter working in a forest at risk of a fire. They must be cautious and equipped with special tools and attire to stay safe. Similarly, surveyors in potentially dangerous areas like near heavy machinery or natural disasters must also take measures to protect themselves.

To ensure safety, vests of fluorescent yellow color should always be worn, and flagging materials of the same color can be attached to the surveying equipment to make them more visible from a distance. Depending on the work at the site, proper signage may be placed before the work areas so as to inform the working of a survey team ahead.

To enhance visibility and safety on job sites, surveyors should wear bright fluorescent yellow vests. This makes them more noticeable to others, reducing the risk of accidents, especially in busy areas with heavy machinery. Furthermore, attaching flags of the same color on surveying equipment and putting up signs around the work area further alerts others about their presence, which is crucial for safety.

Think about safety workers who wear bright uniforms at a construction site. Just like how a crossing guard wears reflective clothing to be seen by drivers, surveyors wear fluorescent vests to ensure that everyone around is aware of their presence. This simple precaution helps in preventing accidents.

Proper barricades can also be placed at some sites to divert the traffic around surveying work, or manually people with flags can ask drivers of vehicles to slow or even stop, if necessary. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the US Department of Labor has developed safety standards and guidelines for various conditions and situations in the field.

To protect both workers and the public, safety measures can include setting up barricades that redirect traffic away from the work area. In some situations, personnel with flags may need to physically signal drivers to slow down or stop. Moreover, organizations like OSHA provide essential guidelines to ensure that all safety protocols are followed, which helps mitigate hazards on the job site.

Consider a bus driver navigating through a construction zone. When workers hold up flags and set up cones, it’s similar to how surveyors manage traffic around their work to keep everyone safe. Following the rules set by safety organizations is like adhering to traffic laws to prevent accidents.

Depending on the location of the survey site and the time of year, weather-related harms, such as frostbite and over-exposure to the sun, which can cause skin cancers, sunburns, and heat stroke, can also affect the field surveys. To overcome these problems, fluids at regular interval should be consumed, large hats can be worn and sunscreen applied. On extremely hot days, surveying should commence at dawn and stop around midday.

Field surveyors need to be aware of the weather conditions that could affect their health. For instance, working in extreme temperatures can lead to frostbite or heat-related illnesses. It's essential that surveyors stay hydrated, wear protective hats and sunscreen, especially during hot weather, and adjust their working hours accordingly to minimize risk from the sun.

Imagine going on a long hike under the blazing sun without water or sunscreen; it would be risky. Similarly, surveyors must plan their work to avoid sun exposure during peak hours and take hydration seriously, just like how hikers would be cautious on their trips.

Other hazards that could be present during field surveys include wild animals, poisonous snakes, bees, insects, spiders, etc. Surveyors should be knowledgeable about the types of hazards that can be expected in any local area, and always be alert while working at the site. To prevent injury from these sources, protective boots and clothing should be worn and insect spray is used.

Surveyors must be aware of wildlife hazards in their working areas, which may include snakes and various insects. Being knowledgeable about these threats is essential for ensuring safety. They also need to wear appropriate protective clothing and use insect repellent to minimize encounters with harmful creatures.

A gardener wearing gloves and boots while tending to flowers is similar to how a surveyor must protect themselves from potential hazards in the field. Just like gardeners know what plants to be cautious around, surveyors need to be aware of local wildlife risks.

Certain tools can also be dangerous, such as saws and axes that are sometimes used for clearing the line of sight. These must always be handled with great care. Also, care must be taken while handling certain surveying instruments, such as long-range poles and leveling rods, especially when working around overhead live wires, to prevent accidental shocks.

Surveying often requires specialized tools, some of which, like saws and axes, can be hazardous. Proper handling and caution are necessary to avoid accidents. Additionally, care must be taken when using equipment near overhead power lines, as they can pose an electrocution risk. It’s crucial for surveyors to be trained in proper procedures to handle tools safely.

Think of a chef using a knife in the kitchen. They must be trained on how to handle it safely to avoid cuts. Similarly, surveyors need training to manage their tools and equipment safely to prevent injuries when clearing sites or measuring land.

Thus, it is important that surveyors always take precautions in the field, and follow the safety guidelines and standards. A first-aid kit should be carried in the field, which includes all of the necessary antiseptics, ointments, bandage materials, and other accessories needed to provide first aid during minor accidents/injuries. The survey party should also carry important telephone numbers to call in emergencies/serious situations.

Safety doesn't just end at prevention; it also involves being prepared for emergencies. Surveyors should carry a well-stocked first-aid kit to treat any minor injuries that might occur while on the job. They should also have important emergency contacts on hand in case a more serious situation arises, ensuring rapid response in emergencies.

Just like a teacher has a first-aid kit in the classroom for any minor accidents, surveyors must have their own first-aid supplies when they’re outside working. This preparedness can make a huge difference in responding to injuries swiftly.

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