Cars/Vans/Buses
Please read through the Fleet Safety website or the Vehicle Managment and Driver Safety Manual for all the information on using vehicles in the field.
You are highly encourage to either use a university-owned vehicle or rented or leased vehicle when on University affairs. If you are driving universtiy-owned or rented or leased vehicles you must be an UofA authorized driver. To become an authorized drive you must submit an application, meet the minimum authorization requirements, complete the UofA Defensive Driving Course, and pass your driver evaluation conducted by the Fleet Safety Advisor.
If you choose to use a personal vehicle for university affairs you must advise your insurance carrier to avoid denial of a claim ensure a liability limit of $2,000,000. When you are driving a personal vehicle you are not required to be a UofA authorized driver.
The linked memo release by HSE is a good resource for understanding what classifies as the UofA vehicle and when driver authorization is required.
There is additional Truck and Trailering Training available through HSE.
Helicopter Safety
Make sure you always make sure you have a safety orientation before boarding a helicopter. Pay close attention the pilot pre-flight briefing and follow their instructions.
If the rotors are turning or about to turn
- You should always approach in the pilots’ visual field [front]
- Approach a helicopter walking uphill or crouching if on the level
- Never approach a helicopter from above [main rotor]
- Never approach a helicopter from the rear [tail rotor]
- Hold onto all light weight items as they could be blown away
- If an item does get blown away do not chase it – it’s not worth your life unless you have been specifically designated as a helper
ATV and Snowmobile Training
If you are using an ATV or snowmobile for field work it is mandatory that you complete the ATV Safety Training course or Snowmobile Safety Training course respectively provided by HSE/FRO.