Surveying during the COVID 19 Pandemic-Safe practices

[PLS9379]

This crisis is going to last for awhile. Anyone that thinks this is going to magically go away on May 3rd is probably a little too hopeful (although I hope I'm wrong!). I think we need to "crowdsource" as a surveying community so that we all stay healthy. Some of us will be working in the field on "essential" projects during this crisis, both out in the community and certain construction sites. I am wondering: what are the best standard procedures would be for the field surveyors out there that are working? Any procedures that you or your companies have implemented? How about obstacles that you faced in trying to be safe? Good resources for supplies and information? Here are my observations as I'm coming up with safe practices and protocols (and I welcome everybody's input):

1. I'm looking at treating this (in general) like we're surveying in a potential poison oak environment.

2. Of course, socially distance AT LEAST 6 feet away from anyone, but the more the better.

3. Wear regular, washable gloves while doing survey work due to the rough nature of our work, but disposable gloves if nothing else.

4. Wear a face mask (washable if you can't get disposable?) if you're going to in areas where you will be in contact with people or have people passing by you a decent amount.

5. Wash hands or use hand sanitizer before and after you take a food or bathroom break, or start/end work

6. DON'T touch your face (or probably your groin area...those that are sensitive to poison oak know about this!) without washing your hands first!

7. When finishing up the surveying day, wash equipment that you used, and commonly touched areas (door handles, steering wheels, equipment boxes, etc.) with antibacterial wipes or a light bleach solution (internet has some good recipes)

8. When coming into the office or home after work, wash your hands, and use wipes on door handles

9. Wash non-disposable masks and gloves (probably can hand wash) daily. Wash survey clothes and vests, too?

Anyone want to critique these ideas or add their own. What policies have you or your companies implemented?

Here is a link to some Construction Field Safety Guidelines put out by the state:

https://www.sccgov.org/sites/phd/Diseas ... elines.pdf

[mpallamary]

Excellent advice!

Thanks.

[Jim Frame]

The work environment is going to play a big role in determining the necessary procedures. The project that's consuming most of my time these days has me working alone in mostly rural areas. Most days the only people I see are in vehicles on the road or on tractors in ag fields, and the only surfaces I touch are my own truck and surveying equipment (unless you count the ground I walk on). So there's no need for me to wear a mask or gloves, or to wipe anything down at the end of the day. I do wipe down the gas pump handle and keypad when I fill my truck, but that's it.

For companies that deploy multi-person crews: are you having all crew members drive to the jobsite in separate vehicles? That would seem to be the only way to maintain 6' of separation.

[Edward M Reading]

Jim,
Yes, we have been having our field people drive separate vehicles and meet on site for 3 weeks now.

[hellsangle]

Thanks for the informative post!

[MikeT]

Yes I've had my rod personell meet at the sites for past 3 weeks as well. Most of my sites are in Bay Area which is shut down so it's a non-issue there.

[-Dave Ryan-]

Mike, sounds like you're doing some good stuff. That's a good list. I've done no fieldwork for two weeks, so haven't gotten a feel for what different procedures I might need to incorporate once I get back out there. But, like Jim, I'd be going solo, and picking jobs that aren't in busier areas. I have that flexibility, as right now, nobody at the City I work part time for is expecting much out of me. Things are way shut down. Didn't go in the office once this week-was able to do everything I needed to from home. Tieing mons in the street would actually be a little easier as I've noticed traffic is way down. You would laugh at what I call traffic in my small town. But it's all relative. Everyone stay well, and give each other some space.