GeoMiner Geological Safety Guides

Geological safety guides

• Abandoned Mine Hazards — Abandoned mine sites can look stable but can be deadly. Hazards include hidden openings, unstable ground, falling rock, rotten timbers, and flooded…
• Acid Test Chemical Safety — Acid tests often dilute hydrochloric acid are common in field geology to identify carbonates. Even weak acids can burn skin and eyes, and acid can react…
• Arsenic-Bearing Minerals — Some sulphide minerals and arsenic minerals can expose workers to arsenic through dust or poor hygiene.
• Cliff and Outcrop Safety — Outcrops can have loose blocks, unstable ledges, and slippery surfaces. Falls can happen fast, especially when people focus on the geology and not their…
• Cold Stress and Hypothermia — Cold exposure can lead to frostbite and hypothermia, especially with wind, wet clothing, and long field days.
• Dust Inhalation Prevention — Rock dust can contain respirable crystalline silica and other harmful particles. Cutting, grinding, brushing dry core, and sweeping floors can put fine…
• Electrical Storm Protocol — Lightning can strike even when the storm is not overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be hit.
• Field Dehydration and Heat — Heat stress can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Risk increases with heavy work, high humidity, direct sun, and poor…
• First Aid Kit Essentials for Field Crews — Field crews often work far from medical services. A field-appropriate first aid kit helps manage bleeding, sprains, eye injuries, and minor burns until…
• Handling Asbestos Minerals — Some minerals and rocks can release asbestos fibres when disturbed. This can happen when dry core is brushed, when soft fibrous material is broken, or…
• Hydrofluoric Acid Safety — Hydrofluoric acid HF is used in some geochemistry and mineral prep work. HF is dangerous because it can cause deep tissue damage and can disrupt body…
• Lead Mineral Handling — Lead can enter the body through inhalation of dust or ingestion from contaminated hands. Handling lead-bearing minerals becomes higher risk when samples…
• Mercury Minerals — Mercury exposure can occur by breathing vapour or by contact with contaminated dust. Some mercury-bearing minerals can release mercury if heated…
• PPE for Geologists — Personal protective equipment PPE reduces risk from common field hazards like rock chips, dust, sharp edges, noise, sun, and chemicals.
• Radioactive Specimens — Some rocks and minerals contain naturally occurring radioactive material NORM . These materials can expose workers to radiation and may also release…
• Rock Hammer and Chisel Safety — Rock chips can travel fast and can injure eyes and hands. Hammers and chisels can slip, and broken tool tips can become projectiles.
• Rock Saw and Core Cutting Safety — Rock saws and core saws can cause serious cuts, pinch injuries, and eye injuries from chips. Cutting also creates dust and slurry, and blades can bind if…
• Solo Fieldwork Protocol — Working alone increases risk because help is not nearby if you are injured or lost. Common issues include slips, vehicle problems, sudden weather…
• Specimen Labeling and Storage for Hazardous Materials — Clear labeling prevents accidental exposure. Minerals that contain asbestos, arsenic, lead, mercury, or radioactivity can be handled safely if everyone…
• Wildlife and Insect Awareness — Field crews can encounter wildlife such as bears, moose, and snakes, along with insects like blackflies and ticks.