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The universe is our huge laboratory. Conducting research outside KAUST laboratory premises is considered field research, thus it has certain hazards associated with it. The field research safety program provides a framework to ensure the safety and security of all KAUST researchers; as will a wide variety of resources to help you determine the safety needs of your upcoming field research
This page will take you through the field research safety steps from preplanning until you get back safely.
The purpose of the Field Research Program is to provide a framework for the safety and security of KAUST researchers including faculty, staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, and visiting scientists who are engaged in any field research activity outside of the University premises. Because of the unique issues relating to trips to remote areas either within Saudi Arabia and its territorial waters, or within the Middle East and Africa, the effective management of field research trips together with the safety and security of participants remain paramount.
Prior to embarking on any trip, a Field Research Leader must be designated to organize and submit a Field Safety Plan, as described below in the Planning section. The Field Research Leader should prepare as far in advance as possible by consulting with the Center Director (where appropriate), Coastal and Marine Resources Core Lab (for all sea-based field research), Government Affairs (for trips within Saudi Arabia and the region), and HSE. Following these thorough preparations, the Field Safety Plan must be submitted to the PI for approval.
If travelling to a remote area (beyond mobile phone coverage), a satellite phone must be secured to provide communications. Appropriate emergency supplies must be taken as a precaution. The Field Safety Plan must specify a KAUST contact that will remain in communication with the field research party. In the absence of proper communication via email, phone or text message on a daily basis, the PI must be informed immediately.
KAUST researchers are covered by the same health and liability insurance during field research as when they are on campus. The Field Research Leader should consult with Risk Management to determine if additional insurance is required, particularly for domestic trips, and this information must be included in the Field Safety Plan. KAUST insurance will NOT cover participants affiliated with external institutions.
All field research involving scientific diving and snorkeling must comply with the policies and procedures of the KAUST Diving Control Board. All trip participants must complete a mandatory HSE training course on field research. At least one member of the field research party must have a current first aid certificate.
All participants of the field research required to complete the Field Research Safety Awareness course. This training considered the first step toward planning of the field research project. This training will give you the basics toward planning safely for your upcoming field research. It is the PI’s responsibility to ensure that all personnel in the Field Safety Plan have received appropriate job-specific training for their field activities.
-For those with a KAUST email, log in to Salute to complete the Field Research Safety Awareness Training.
-For those without a KAUST email/Visitor, please reach out to the research safety team to grant access.
First aid training is an essential especially while working in remote areas. It gives you the tools needed to prevent the situation from becoming worse and in some cases the training would save lives. KAUST requires one and recommends at least two trained persons (with current certification) on each field research trip. To sign up for Emergency First Aid Training Please check our training calendar.
Note: first aid training certificate from outside KAUST is accepted after reviewing. Field Research Guidelines
Planning early can safe your field research from potential delay. Planning carefully can reduce the risks associated with the field research. Whether the field research is on KAUST or an international; pre-planning is always the key for safe and successful trip. There are many hazards presents when doing research outside the lab, the Field Research Plan will help you discover and address these hazards. It will act as the main planning document that indicate:
Research details, location and description
Participants and contact information
Site travel and access
Transportation
Emergency services and communication
Tasks and procedures for work
Potential hazards (e.g., Marine hazards and Terrestrial hazards)
Appropriate supplies and safety equipment (including PPE)
Note: use the hazards list to help you understand the risk associated with your trip
Identification of the Field Research Leader and each participant (name, KAUST ID or external affiliation, contact information).
A description of the research and educational purposes of the field trip (1/2 page description, and additional details if samples are to be collected), covering the research to be undertaken and disclosing specific risks as fully as possible.
Information on additional insurance, if applicable.
A detailed timed itinerary, including accommodation arrangements and vehicles.
The contact details of any guides, drivers, and overnight accommodations.
The list of obtained necessary permits related to the research activity and itinerary.
A safety/emergency plan in agreement with HSE policy (i.e. emergency procedures and contact protocols), including a KAUST contact who will remain in daily communication with the research party.
As long as the environmental risks have not changed substantially, recurring trips to the same location using an established Field Safety Plan only require once in two years approval from the PI.
When field research is going to be conducted outside KAUST, a permit from Government Affairs should be granted. Permits obtained for a field research trip might not be valid all the time, it is the trip leader’s responsibility to check the permit validity date before going on a trip. For some private locations, the PI or the trip leader are responsible to seek permit before the start day of the trip. Please use this link to request a permit from Government Affairs.
Note: approval from the HSE department and the PI does not mean that permit is granted, this is a separate process after getting the final approval from the PI.
Complete all the required training
Fill out and submit the Online Field Safety Plan template.
After HSE review is completed, seek the approval from the PI.
Share the approved Field Safety Plan with all participants.
Check with Government Affairs if a permit is required before starting any field research trip.
Update the Participants table in the Field Safety Plan.
Resend the Field Safety Plan to HSE Research Safety for review and to the PI for approving adding the new participants.
