Page 102 - Freshwater-Biology-and-Ecology-Handbook
P. 102
CHAPTER 2 8 – 9 8
HEALTH AND SAFETY
WHEN COLLECTING
INVERTEBRATE SAMPLES
Being near water, particularly rivers, is potentially dangerous. Many organisations
will have specific health and safety guidelines which should be followed and
applied to each situation. The Environment Agency has developed specific
guidelines for biological monitoring which may be useful for reference and
adaptation.
(31)
However, as an overview, when you are collecting samples your attention will be
on collecting the sample and you will not be able to pay so much attention to other
risks. Use your pond net to check the stability and depth of the bed before you
enter the water and to help you keep your balance. Look around you when moving
between sampling points at the site. Always wear suitable clothing, bring dry
spares, and always wear a life jacket. Be aware of pollution and risks of waterborne
diseases, so use bactericidal hand cleaners after every site visit.
When working alone always make sure that someone
knows where you are and sign in with a home base when
you start and sign off when you are finished.
102 | Freshwater Biology and Ecology Handbook
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