Lab Safety  || Field Logistics  ||  Packing Lists  ||  LNT Principles

Lab Safety

The Geology Department maintains Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) binders in all controlled spaces. SDS binders contain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all substances provided by the department, as well as additional information on safety, safety training, hazardous waste disposal, etc., for the Colorado College Geology Department. SOP binders contain Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for all instrumentation and equipment managed by the department, as well as additional information on process training, lab etiquette, method documentation, and booking instrument time. 

Colorado College Resources:

• Colorado College Chemical Hygiene Plan
• Colorado College Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) department

Academic Resources: 

• National Academies Prudent Practices in the Laboratory
• ACS Safety in Academic Chemistry Laboratories
• NIOSH School Chemistry Laboratory Safety Guide
• LSI Most Important Lab Safety Rules

Federal Resources:

• How to Read A Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• OSHA Laboratory Safety Guidelines
• USGS Laboratory Safety Handbook

Field Logistics

The Geology Department maintains a suite of field gear, camping supplies, and vehicles for research and coursework field studies to provide all group supplies for cooking, food, rock hammers, reflective vests, etc.

Colorado College Resources:

• Geology Department Field Safety & Logistics PDF (v.2024-04)
• Geology Department International Travel Logistics PDF (v.2024-04)
• Colorado College Center for Global Education & Field Study department

Academic Resources: 

• GSA Responsible Geologic Fieldwork Practices
• GSA Field Safety Policy and Procedures
• AGU In The Field

Packing Lists & Other Tools:

• Geology Department Student Packing Lists PDF (v.2024-04)
  • Contains suggestions for:
    • Tent Camping
    • CC Baca Grande Campus
    • CC Gilmore Stabler Cabin
    • CC Ahlberg Gear House rentals
    • Travel Health Kit
• Colorado College Outdoor Education - Ahlberg Gear House
  • If there is required personal gear you do not have, make sure to let your professor or the paraprof know so we can facilitate departmental rentals.
• Outdoor Education Ahlberg Gear House
  • Click here for the URL: coloradocollege.edu/offices/outdooreducation/
• Camping 101
  • Click here for the PDF: in-progress
• Personal Hygiene in the Field
  
  • Click here for the PDF: in-progress

LNT Principles

As geological and Earth scientists, we are stewards of the outdoors. We must protect the natural world and environments that our science, careers, and passions rely on by being conscious of the impacts our actions have on outcrops, plants, animals, other people, and even entire ecosystems. Following the Leave No Trace (LNT) Seven Principles, summarized below, will help us minimize those impacts, whether outdoors for class, research, and recreational activities. These Principles can be applied anywhere and at any time.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
4. Leave What You Find
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
6. Respect Wildlife
7. Be Considerate of Others

_{* Dr. Elizabeth Erickson, the Department of Geology Technical Director, has been a certified Leave No Trace Trainer since 2020. *}