Sedimentary Geology - 625-302

Behaviour in the field

This trip includes a visit to the Anglesea Coal Mine and will also examine a number of coastal exposures between Torquay and Aireys Inlet. Read the 'Code of Conduct' in the "Introduction to Geological Mapping" handout. In particular:

1. Leave gates as you find them.
2. Do not climb fences. Take care in getting through them.
3. Do not light fires.
4. Firearms are banned at all times. Do not bring any.
5. Take all your rubbish back to the camp for disposal.
6. Do not hammer at exposed, weathered surfaces of limestone outcrops, especially where fossiliferous. Such exposures are most valuable as they are. Look for loose fragments or previously hammered surfaces if you are collecting a specimen.

Safety in the field

Fieldwork frequently puts geologists in hazardous situations. Therefore use your common sense in the field:

• If someone is injured or is ill in the field, make sure a staff member is informed. There will be first aiders on staff to assist. An incident report form should also be filled out upon returning from the trip if there has been an injury.
• If there is any situation on the excursion in which you feel unsafe or unconfident, do not proceed. Inform a staff member of your situation.
• Make sure you have a regular tetanus booster in case you cut yourself on rusty wire or metal. You may not always be close to a vehicle and/or medical help.
• Carry a small first aid kit and be familiar with the current first aid treatment of injuries such as sprains, cuts, snake bites, heat distress and exposure.
• Wear adequate, easily visible clothing for the conditions in which you are working.
• Carry a water bottle.
• Do not attempt to climb rock faces or cliffs of any type.
• Bring adequate warm clothing and wet weather gear.
• Do not cross fences.
• Do not drop rocks or any other object over cliffs
• Do not stand near the edge of significantly vertical drops as the edge may give way.

  In particular, at the Anglesea Coal Mine:

• Hard hats, safety glasses and safety vests must be worn at all times
• No smoking within the mine
• Do not go near the lake area as their is soft ground near the edge
• Do not climb batters

  On coastal exposures

• Do not climb cliffs or steep slopes
• When approaching a rock face, always look up to check if there are loose rocks which could fall
• Take great care in rocky shoreline areas when there is a swell