BAJR

Deciding what to take, what to remember and when to do it can be a struggle for many people about to embark on their first archaeological project, whether it is close to home or across the world.This guide is designed to give you the basics - with a short checklist at the back to print out and use. Remember that every project will be slightly different, and have specific requirements depending on the time of year, the type of work and the area you are going to work in. Always ensure you know what they need, as this guide can’t be absolute or comprehensive. However. read it, remember the rules and make sure you prepare in plenty of time. Good luck and enjoy yourself.

Community archaeology projects and other public outreach projects are there to engage people and provide both an enjoyable experience and a place to learn, interact and discover. These projects are by definition supposed to be fun, however, there is no reason to ignore the real issues that could arise if simple precautions are not taken.
This short guide attempts to highlight some of the more obvious items to be aware of in terms of staying safe in a public project. The intention is to make participants and leaders to think about what they should be aware of, before they step out into the field. The guide is not comprehensive, but rather a basis for common sense decisions to be made. The checklist is a simplified format to help ensure the basics have been covered; the rest is up to you. Remember though, that this is supposed to be enjoyable!

This guide is designed to help provide sample record sheets, convention sheets and template Risk Assesment form. You can either print them out as is, or use them to create your own to fit your specific needs. It is not meant to be prosciptive , but rather give you the tools to work with.
This work could not have been created without the MoLAS archaeological site manual which is a guide to the compilation of archaeological site records – drawn, written or photographed – in the course of fieldwork. It should enable any archaeologist to undertake most recording and excavation tasks without the need for further reference.

It is essential that all field and office work is carried out safely, and that everyone is aware of any potential problems and the site-specific health and safety issues.
These guidelines are a basic level of health and Safety requirements, if you feel that you are working in conditions you feel are unsafe, then you are fully entitled (and required) to bring this to the attention of the site director/manager or senior figure. Request to see the Health and Safety Manual, as every legitimate contractor should have one. We are well past the day of the COWBOY - you are now a PROFESSIONAL.
Never think that a Health and Safety issue can be ignored! In 2002 in England alone, 105 people died and over 4500 were severely injured on building sites, the statistics rise to over 10,500 of people that sustained an injury that was bad enough to keep them off work for over a week.
It is NOT worth the risk. ->--KEEP SAFE !!! -<-