Safety guidelines while rock hunting

March 16, 2010
by Ray Hill

Having spent 24 years traveling and rock collecting, in all types environments and conditions, I’ve learned a few things about rock hunting SAFETY that is super-important for anyone that goes rock collecting. Here are a few items you really need to understand and follow:

1. SAFETY GLASSES: If you’re going to be striking rocks with a hammer, you need to wear safety glasses. A chip or flake of rock striking you in the eye can cause permanent eye damage and even blindness in that eye.
2. DRESS ACCORDING TO WEATHER AND ENVIRONMENT:
   1. If the weather is cold, wear three or four layers of clothing. If the weather warms up you can peal away the layers as needed. In cold weather, ALWAYS wear a hat to prevent heat loss. If it is hot, always use sun screen lotion, and always wear a large brimmed hat to protect your neck and face from getting burned.
   2. Wear boots or stiff leather shoes to prevent foot and/or ankle damage from falling rocks, or, from turning your ankle while walking/climbing rough terrain. When entering rough terrain, it’s better to have lace-up type boots to prevent a sprained or twisted ankle.
   3. Always wear heavy gloves when picking up and/or breaking rocks.
   4. Wear a hard hat when working around an outcrop or large bank that is taller than you Are. Rocks falling from above can cause serious injury.
3. WATCH FOR POISONUS PLANTS, INSECTS, BEES, SNAKES:
   1. Learn to identify poisonous plants such as poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and others. Getting a dose of poison oak or ivy can spoil the fun of a trip.
   2. Watch out for poisonous insects and snakes, they’re out there and can be dangerous.
   3. Watch out for stinging bees, mosquitoes, spiders, and others.
   4. Carry and use insect repellant.
4. USE PROPER TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT:
   1. When using a hammer and chisel to break up rocks, use the proper tools. If you haven’t found out already, it’s dangerous to strike a cold chisel with a hammer while holding it in one hand. Many times I have seen collectors strike a part of their hand, causing much pain and damage. Get one of those chisels that has a large plastic grip that also has a large flange at the top of the handle. This will prevent striking your hand and ruining your day
   2. Always be mindful of other people around you when swinging a sledge hammer. A large flake/chunk of rock can fly off and strike others.
   3. Carry plenty of water or other fluids to keep from getting dehydrated.
5. ALWAYS HAVE A COLLECTING PARTNER WITH YOU WHILE COLLECTING:
   1. Anything can, and does, happen out in the field. Take a collecting partner with you. Be mindful of each other. Watch each other’s back. If one gets hurt, has a dizzy spell, faints, has a heart attack, the other partner is there to help. It’s best not to go out into the field alone. Besides, it’s more fun having a buddy with you and being able to say “hey, look at this one!”
   2. If you do go out collecting by yourself tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return, just in case!
6. BE SURE YOU ARE PHYSICALLY ABLE TO UNDERTAKE COLLECTING AT A PARTICULAR SITE:
   1. If you venture out into an area and get over tired, too hot, or become weak from exhaustion, or from lack of food or water, you may have a problem getting back to the safety of your vehicle. Be sure you are physically able to undertake such a trip.
   2. There are many older, experienced, rock collectors out there that have been collecting for many years. Unfortunately some don’t know when they reach the point where it now becomes dangerous for them to continue, physically, at doing strenuous collecting.
7. STAY AWAY FROM CAVES, MINES, PITS, OR DROP-OFFS:
   1. Unless you’re an experienced miner or rock climber, you can very easily get seriously injured from falls.
8. ALWAYS CARRY A FIRST AID KIT WITH YOU WHEN COLLECTING.
   1. When a group of folks are out in the field collecting anything can and does happen. Always be prepared. Carry a first aid kit with you.

Ray Hill
Great South Gems & Minerals, Inc.
www.greatsouth.net
888-933-GEMS

Note: Only rock clubs have permission to print this article but must give credit to the author, Ray Hill, and Great South Gems & Minerals, Inc. For everyone else, please email us for permission.

Great South Gems & Minerals, Inc. www.greatsouth.net 38 Bond Drive Ellenwood, Georgia 30294 USA 1-888-933-GEMS (4367) FAX: 770-389-8095