Planning and Preparation
Field research, field studies, or fieldwork is an essential component of several academic programs at the Institute.
These activities may be for just a day or for an extended length of time and may take you to local, international, urban or rural environment. Undergoing careful planning and preparation for such dynamic work can help you when you encounter potential hazards and emergencies and can aid in reducing risks.
Environment, Health and Safety Office (EHS) is available to assist in determining your field research safety needs. For any activity occurring in potentially hazardous environmental conditions or where potentially hazardous materials and/or equipment will be used.
Please contact EHS or call us at 617-452-3477 to review requirements for:
- MIT EHS trainings
- Local permits and research registration, which must be obtained by the PI
- Personal protective equipment which may require extra planning for purchase
- Policies and procedures related to emergency preparedness
- Safe storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials, e.g. biological material, chemicals, radiological material
Planning for International Travel
The International Coordinating Committee (ICC) provides resources that guide MIT faculty, researchers, students, and staff in planning, negotiating, and implementing international activity, including a collection of administrative resources for traveling abroad.
Other important resources include:
- The Program Manager for International Safety and Security— provides advice and resources for mitigating travel risks, and reviews the policy and processes relating to high-risk travel.
- MIT Medical Department’s Travel Health Clinic — provides advice and can help you obtain appropriate immunizations and prescriptions.
- The Office of Insurance — helps with documentation of health insurance requirements for visa requests and help obtaining additional international health insurance, if need.
- Research Administration Services (RAS)) — provides important information about export control laws and international shipping requirements.
- MIT Information Systems & Technology (IS&T) — provides secure travel recommendations and technology tips for travelers.
Planning for Collaborative Research
If your research will take you to facilities outside of MIT or to other institutions, it is important that you are familiar with local safety policies and emergency preparedness procedures. The host facility is responsible for reviewing their emergency plan with you so that you can react accordingly in the event of an emergency.
If you will be entering your host facility’s laboratories you should be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety training for any potentially hazardous materials such as biological, radiological, or chemical.
It is important that you reach out to your host facility early in the planning process so that you are aware of their requirements and expectations.
Additional Resources
- Developing a Field Research Safety and Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Field Research Safety Guidance
- SOPs/SOGs/other Fact Sheets related to Field Research Work
Planning and Preparation
Field research, field studies, or fieldwork is an essential component of several academic programs at the Institute.
These activities may be for just a day or for an extended length of time and may take you to local, international, urban or rural environment. Undergoing careful planning and preparation for such dynamic work can help you when you encounter potential hazards and emergencies and can aid in reducing risks.
Environment, Health and Safety Office (EHS) is available to assist in determining your field research safety needs. For any activity occurring in potentially hazardous environmental conditions or where potentially hazardous materials and/or equipment will be used.
Please contact EHS or call us at 617-452-3477 to review requirements for:
- MIT EHS trainings
- Local permits and research registration, which must be obtained by the PI
- Personal protective equipment which may require extra planning for purchase
- Policies and procedures related to emergency preparedness
- Safe storage, use, and disposal of hazardous materials, e.g. biological material, chemicals, radiological material
Planning for International Travel
The International Coordinating Committee (ICC) provides resources that guide MIT faculty, researchers, students, and staff in planning, negotiating, and implementing international activity, including a collection of administrative resources for traveling abroad.
Other important resources include:
- The Program Manager for International Safety and Security— provides advice and resources for mitigating travel risks, and reviews the policy and processes relating to high-risk travel.
- MIT Medical Department’s Travel Health Clinic — provides advice and can help you obtain appropriate immunizations and prescriptions.
- The Office of Insurance — helps with documentation of health insurance requirements for visa requests and help obtaining additional international health insurance, if need.
- Research Administration Services (RAS)) — provides important information about export control laws and international shipping requirements.
- MIT Information Systems & Technology (IS&T) — provides secure travel recommendations and technology tips for travelers.
Planning for Collaborative Research
If your research will take you to facilities outside of MIT or to other institutions, it is important that you are familiar with local safety policies and emergency preparedness procedures. The host facility is responsible for reviewing their emergency plan with you so that you can react accordingly in the event of an emergency.
If you will be entering your host facility’s laboratories you should be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment and safety training for any potentially hazardous materials such as biological, radiological, or chemical.
It is important that you reach out to your host facility early in the planning process so that you are aware of their requirements and expectations.
Additional Resources
- Developing a Field Research Safety and Emergency Preparedness Plan
- Field Research Safety Guidance
- SOPs/SOGs/other Fact Sheets related to Field Research Work