safety information
The safety of teachers and students participating in the I Dig Archaeology! program is our number one priority. When designing the program, every effort has been made to minimise potential hazards for students.
RISK ASSESSMENT
A sample risk assessment for the program, can be downloaded from the teacher resource section of our site, or by clicking here.
RISK ASSESSMENT
A sample risk assessment for the program, can be downloaded from the teacher resource section of our site, or by clicking here.
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS
The following guidelines have been developed for teachers and students which, when observed, will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day. For participating teachers - please ensure that all students are familiar with these guidelines. A PDF of these guidelines can be found here.
(1) Students must directly follow the instructions of the IDA Education Officer at all times.
(2) No student is to climb on or in any part of the excavation trailer. All excavation is to be carried out standing outside the trailer.
(3) Care should be taken when using the IDA equipment. To fulfil our duty of care, all equipment used by students will be clean (as far as excavation equipment can be clean) and in good working order. Students must use this equipment in the manner demonstrated by the IDA Education Officer. Any student using equipment inappropriately, in a deliberately dangerous manner to themselves or others, or in a manner which may cause damage to the equipment itself, will be given a verbal warning. Any student warned more than once will be removed from participating in the program.
(4) It is recommended that students DO NOT wear normal school uniform when participating in the IDA program. When choosing clothing, students should select items that are both seasonally appropriate, and provide good sun protection, but also bear in mind that they may get quite hot during the excavation phase of the program. Layering clothing is always a good idea.
(5) Students must wear covered shoes (such as sneakers) at all times. Any student not wearing covered shoes will not be able to participate.
(6) A hat and sunscreen are the minimum sun safety requirements for participation in the IDA program. Any student without the minimum requirements will have to watch everyone else have fun from the shade of a nearby tree. More comprehensive recommendations can be found in the 'Sun Safety' section below.
(7) Students should regularly rehydrate during the course of the activities (particularly during summer months), and will be given opportunities throughout the program to do so.
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY TRAINING
While all schools have trained First Aid Officers on-site to deal with mishaps and misadventure, the IDA Education Officers are also trained to administer first aid and have a first aid kit with them at all times. Officers have also completed NSW DEC training in Emergency care and Anaphylaxis. Copies of training certificates are available upon request.
Some mishaps and injuries are unforeseeable, and first aid is designed to manage these situations. Common sense should be used, however, if you are participating in the program despite not feeling your best. The physical nature of some of the activities, coupled with the fact that they are done outdoors, may exacerbate some pre-existing conditions/complaints and/or any general feeling of being unwell.
The following guidelines have been developed for teachers and students which, when observed, will ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable day. For participating teachers - please ensure that all students are familiar with these guidelines. A PDF of these guidelines can be found here.
(1) Students must directly follow the instructions of the IDA Education Officer at all times.
(2) No student is to climb on or in any part of the excavation trailer. All excavation is to be carried out standing outside the trailer.
(3) Care should be taken when using the IDA equipment. To fulfil our duty of care, all equipment used by students will be clean (as far as excavation equipment can be clean) and in good working order. Students must use this equipment in the manner demonstrated by the IDA Education Officer. Any student using equipment inappropriately, in a deliberately dangerous manner to themselves or others, or in a manner which may cause damage to the equipment itself, will be given a verbal warning. Any student warned more than once will be removed from participating in the program.
(4) It is recommended that students DO NOT wear normal school uniform when participating in the IDA program. When choosing clothing, students should select items that are both seasonally appropriate, and provide good sun protection, but also bear in mind that they may get quite hot during the excavation phase of the program. Layering clothing is always a good idea.
(5) Students must wear covered shoes (such as sneakers) at all times. Any student not wearing covered shoes will not be able to participate.
(6) A hat and sunscreen are the minimum sun safety requirements for participation in the IDA program. Any student without the minimum requirements will have to watch everyone else have fun from the shade of a nearby tree. More comprehensive recommendations can be found in the 'Sun Safety' section below.
(7) Students should regularly rehydrate during the course of the activities (particularly during summer months), and will be given opportunities throughout the program to do so.
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY TRAINING
While all schools have trained First Aid Officers on-site to deal with mishaps and misadventure, the IDA Education Officers are also trained to administer first aid and have a first aid kit with them at all times. Officers have also completed NSW DEC training in Emergency care and Anaphylaxis. Copies of training certificates are available upon request.
Some mishaps and injuries are unforeseeable, and first aid is designed to manage these situations. Common sense should be used, however, if you are participating in the program despite not feeling your best. The physical nature of some of the activities, coupled with the fact that they are done outdoors, may exacerbate some pre-existing conditions/complaints and/or any general feeling of being unwell.
SUN SAFETY
As the IDA program has a significant outdoor component, sun safety for all participants is paramount. We follow the Sun Smart guidelines developed by the Cancer Council of Australia (factsheets for Primary and High School students can be found on their website http://www.cancercouncil.com.au)
It is recommended that all participants protect themselves with appropriate clothing, sun safe hats, sunscreen and eyewear when participating in IDA.
INSURANCE
I Dig Archaeology! is insured for $10 million public liability. Copies of the Certificate of Currency are available for schools upon request.
As the IDA program has a significant outdoor component, sun safety for all participants is paramount. We follow the Sun Smart guidelines developed by the Cancer Council of Australia (factsheets for Primary and High School students can be found on their website http://www.cancercouncil.com.au)
It is recommended that all participants protect themselves with appropriate clothing, sun safe hats, sunscreen and eyewear when participating in IDA.
INSURANCE
I Dig Archaeology! is insured for $10 million public liability. Copies of the Certificate of Currency are available for schools upon request.