Table of Contents
6.0 Safe Traversing Practices
6.1 Risks and Hazards
6.2 Responsibilities (Due Diligence) and Traversing
6.3 General Traversing Guidelines
6.3.1 Development of Safe Operating Procedures
6.3.2 Emergency Response Plans
6.3.3 Training for Safe Traversing
6.3.4 Day Pack Equipment
6.3.5 Clothing
6.3.6 Traversing Alone vs. the “Buddy Systemâ€
6.3.7 Traverse Planning Tips
6.3.8 Tips for Knowing Your Location
6.3.9 Communication and Signalling Tips
6.3.10 Emergency and Survival Tips
6.4 Traversing in Specific Terrain
6.4.1 Mountainous Terrain
6.4.2 Snowfields and Glacier Terrain
6.4.3 High Arctic Latitudes
6.4.4 Cliffs and Steep Terrain
6.4.5 Traversing Safety Regarding Streams, Rivers and Lakes
6.4.6 Wet Terrain
6.4.7 Deserts
6.4.8 Heavy Vegetation or Jungle
6.4.9 Tropics
6.4.10 Working Along Roads, Highways and Railway Cuts
6.5 Resources
Introduction
Most field employees enjoy the challenge of traversing. It is important to exercise good judgement at all times, as a fall in isolated or rough terrain can be life-threatening especially if you are alone. An entire field party may be placed at risk if an employee has an accident. Statistics collected over the past 25 years by the Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AME BC) indicate that slips and falls average about 45% of all lost workday accidents in the exploration industry in western Canada. Do not take chances.