Field Research Safety

Last Revised: January 17, 2025

The foundation of a safe Field Research project is thorough planning. Assessing potential hazards, developing strategies to address them, and preparing for emergencies are critical steps to ensure the success of your project. EHRS is here to support you!

Fieldwork is an essential component of research and education at the University of Pennsylvania. The dynamic and unpredictable nature of field settings requires researchers to thoroughly plan for potential hazards and emergencies. Whether conducted locally or internationally, fieldwork can expose individuals to risks stemming from both the specific location and the nature of the activities being performed.

Please do not hesitate to contact you Life Science Safety and Compliance Team at Penn EHRS if you have questions or concerns.

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Penn Field Safety Guide

Field Safety Plan
  • Complete Field Safety Plan template: This overarching form is useful for overall planning efforts and transition to the field environment.
Field Hazard Identification
  • Identify Potential Hazards: Assess biological agents (e.g., bacteria, viruses, fungi) that may be encountered.
  • Environment Risks: Consider local environmental factors like waterborne pathogens, soil contamination, or endemic diseases.
  • Animal and Plant Interactions: Evaluate risks associated with handling or proximity to animals (e.g., zoonotic diseases) or plants (e.g., allergens or toxins).
  • Human-to-Human Transmission: Assess the risk of infectious diseases.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
  • Appropriate Attire: Use long sleeves, pants, gloves, sturdy boots, and hats where needed.
  • Respiratory Protection: Use masks or respirators if working in areas with airborne pathogens or allergens.
  • Eye and Face Protection: Use safety goggles or face shields when necessary.
  • Insect Protection: Wear insect repellent-treated clothing or mosquito nets in areas with vector-borne diseases (e.g., malaria, Lyme disease).
Training and Preparation
  • Field Safety / Biosafety Training: Ensure all team members are trained in relevant biosafety protocols and understand the specific hazards in the field prior to trip.
  • First Aid and Emergency Response: Train on handling cuts, exposure, and medical emergencies.
  • Local Health Knowledge: Research endemic diseases and required vaccinations (e.g., rabies, yellow fever, tetanus).
Biological Sample Collection, Handling and Export back to Upenn
  • Safe Collection Techniques: Use tools like sterile swabs, tweezers, or gloves to minimize direct contact.
  • Labeling and Storage: Use leak-proof, labeled containers and maintain cold chains for sensitive biological materials.
  • Decontamination: Implement immediate decontamination of reusable equipment. Set up “dirty” to “clean” workflow area if enhanced safety measures are necessary.
  • Export: Prior to trip, know how specimens should be labeled and shipped. Visit the PennEHRS website for Import and Export information.
Zoonotic Disease Prevention
  • Avoid Direct Contact: Limit interaction with animals (e.g., bats, rodents) unless necessary.
  • Vector-Borne Disease Prevention: Use repellents, nets, and clothing to prevent insect bites.
  • Handle Carcasses and Feces Cautiously: Wear proper PPE and follow safe disposal practices.
Exposure and Medical Preparedness
  • Vaccinations and Prophylaxis: Ensure all required vaccinations are up to date before fieldwork (e.g., hepatitis, tetanus, typhoid). Contact Occupational Medicine or Student Wellness for more information.
  • Emergency Response Plan: Know local emergency contacts, clinics, and evacuation protocols.
  • Exposure Treatment: Plan medical response for cuts, bites, stings, or biological exposures. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit with PPE and field-relevant medications.
Hygiene and Waste Management
  • Hand Hygiene: Use soap and water or hand sanitizers, especially before eating and after handling samples.
  • Proper Disposal of Waste: Follow CDC’s and WHO’s guidelines for disposal of biohazard and sharps waste.
Additional Resources
  • Field Research Involving Live Animals: Visit the Office of Animal Welfare for detailed information and guidelines.
  • Heat Illness Prevention: Learn more by visiting the PennEHRS website.
  • First Aid and CPR Training: Sign up for training through the American Red Cross.
  • Natural Disasters and Severe Weather: Find preparedness tips and information on the CDC website.
  • For guidance on starting new field research projects, please consult the Office of Research Services (ORS).
  • The University’s International Travel Guidance applies to faculty, staff, and students traveling outside the United States for University-related purposes. Penn Global provides steps to prepare for upcoming Penn-affiliated travels abroad. Please review the Pre-Departure Checklist.
  • Incidents occurring in the field must be reported in the same manner as those on campus. For more information on reporting incidents, visit the Reporting Incidents page.