Forestry Safety

1. AG-FS-3. Students will identify potential hazards in forestry and identify procedures for first-aid and safety. Forestry Safety

2. Describe and identify environmental hazards in the forest. • Heat • Hot temperatures cause burns, cramps, exhaustion and heat strokes • Protection: • Proper clothing • Knowing the signs of heat stress • Pacing yourself

3. Insects • Generally not life-threatening but annoying during spring, summer, and fall • Protection: • Know which insects are dangerous and how to avoid them • Dress properly • Use chemical repellents

4. Wildlife • Most wildlife will avoid humans and most are not a threat. Poisonous snakes are a serious danger • Protection • Be alert • Stay calm • Wear proper clothing • Use good judgement

5. Topographic hazards • Such as uneven ground, holes, rotten limbs, and dead trees. Twisted/broken ankles or backs are common occurrences • Protection • Recognize dangers in the forest • Stay alert • Practice safety

6. Conduct yourself in a safe manner while in the forest. • Know the safety measures that can be taken to help protect or reduce hazardous situations • Wear • Long-sleeve shirts- protect from sunburn, wind burn, insects, scratches, skin reactions • Long pants • Safety shoes • Hat with a brim • Layers of clothing in cold weather • Rain suit or poncho and waterproof boots during wet weather

7. Most accidents are due to negligence • Behavior: • Stay alert with your mind on the job at hand • Conduct yourself in safe manner- NO HORSEPLAY • Actively look for potential hazards • Be aware of people around you and what they are doing • Use the proper tools for the job • Know your safety regulations for the tool and equipment you are using • Report defective tools and equipment to your teacher • Always report all accidents to the teacher • Wear proper clothing and safety equipment in the field

8. Demonstrate an understanding of first aid techniques and materials. • First-aid: immediate, temporary care given to the victim of an accident or sudden illness until the services of a physician can be obtained • Can prevent infection, give comfort and in extreme cases can save an arm, leg or even a life.

9. First-aid kits • Antiseptic to kill germs and bacteria • Adhesive bandages for various sized wounds • Gauze pads • Gauze roller bandages • Triangular bandages for large wounds • Scissors • Tweezers • Elastic bandages for sprains • Snake bite kit • Burn ointment • Eye wash bottle • Inflatable splint

10. Identify stinging insects in Georgia forests. • Ants, scorpions, bees, wasps hornets and yellow jackets • Keep alert and stay calm if you get into these insects • Can get bites from fleas, mosquitoes, sand gnats and chiggers • Always watch bites for signs of spreading or infection

17. Identify the two (2) most venomous spiders in Georgia. • Spiders bites cause • Minor to severe swelling • Itching • Nausea • Blistering • Pain • 2 most dangerous spiders in GA • Black widow spider • Brown recluse spider

20. Identify the four (4) most venomous snakes in Georgia. • Always be alert for snakes • Rattlesnakes • Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake • Canebrake or Timber Rattlesnake • Pygmy Rattlesnake • Cottonmouth Water Moccasins • Copperheads • Coral Snakes

27. Identify three (3) poisonous plants in Georgia. • Poisonous plants can cause fever, headaches, ITCHING, redness and/or RASH • Poison Ivy • Poison Oak • Poison Sumac • Never burn poison ivy or oak. The smoke can blister your lungs, making you sick.