The Field Research Office (FRO) is canvassing the field research community to determine how many researchers encounter H2S (hydrogen sulfide or sour gas) hazards. FRO has been exploring the Alberta Well Finder App; it provides users an easy way to determine the location of sour gas wells on maps and where they are in proximity to their research site.

Please answer the following quick survey. We will be compiling this data to determine the feasibility of providing the Well Finder App as an additional tool to mitigate H2S Hazards.

The Off-Campus Activity and Travel Procedure is in effect, and a new travel page was launched at the beginning of March. The procedure separates types of travel into four categories, and the webpage outlines what you need to do for each. For field research, see Research Planning. One significant change for international research travel is that researchers must register their travel through International SOS. This is automatic when Maritime Travel is used. HSE has developed this guideline to clarify requirements for field schools and field trips. 

If you plan on working in the field shortly and your activities are assessed at a risk level 2 (medium) to level 5 (Extreme), you are required to take Field Research Safety Training (eLearning and the in-person sessions). Please register using the Google form. Certificates will not be issued if participants fail to attend. You are required to take the training every three years. 

The following sessions will be held in 2-25 (Tamarack Room), Materials Management Building: 

Thursday, April 9, 9 am - 12 pm
Tuesday, April 21, 9 am - 12 pm
Tuesday, May 5, 9:00 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, May 12, 9:00 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, June 2, 9:00 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, June 16, 9:00 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, July 7, 9:00 am to 12 pm
Tuesday, July 21, 9:00 am to 12 pm

For Field Schools: Instructors and other staff leading/teaching at field schools are required to take both online eLearning and in-person sessions. Field School participants are required to complete the online eLearning training but not the in-person sessions as the Field School Lead(s) will provide detailed safety orientation to the group, which includes a review of the hazard assessment and controls, emergency response plan, daily safety briefings, and Go/No-Go Tool. \ See the HSE Requirements for Field Schools and Field Trips.

The Field Activity Safety Plan/Field School Safety Plan is transitioning to an online smart form within the University of Alberta Safety Hub (formerly UofALABSYNC) and is ready for trial. The FASP/FSSP Google Doc templates will be phased out by 2027. Click the button below to try it out.

The Alberta Education Health and Safety Association (AEHSA) is launching an exciting new and impactful initiative: the ‘Safety First for Students’ Video Contest. This contest offers a unique opportunity for students to think creatively and critically about their own well-being while spreading vital safety messages across the community. There is a category for post-secondary students with a theme of safety in the lab or in the field. The selected entry will win a minimum of $1,500 that they can put towards making their work safer. Enter the contest below. You will need to have your safety video ready to upload at the time of entry. 

Last year, Transportation Services discontinued the ability to rent vehicles for a short term (under seven days). 

Some good news for field researchers: Transportation Services has reinstated its less-than-seven-day rental option effective immediately. 

Please use Transportation Service Registration System. Even though there is a message that less than seven day rental will not be honoured, they will allow you to book at this time. If researchers have any specific questions, they can reach out via email to vehinfo@ualberta.ca or call 780-492 -1920.