(4)_Backcountry_Safety_Protocols_2024.docx

GCMRCSAFETY BEGINS WITH

YOU

It is imperative that everyone take personal responsibility for being fully prepared and properly equipped for all backcountry travel. There is nothing more important than your own mental and physical preparedness. It is critical that all personnel fully realize that their safety-and the safety of the group depend on their knowledge and awareness, on being mindful of potential dangers, and on making smart decisions.

Backcountry Safety Protocols (BCSP)

Because of the remote and potentially hazardous nature of backcountry travel in and around Grand Canyon and other areas reached in Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center (GCMRC) research projects, the development and implementation of backcountry protocols for all engaged in field work is essential. Communication, a clear understanding of individual itineraries, proper equipment and knowledge of the route to be traversed are all critical to safe field work and backcountry travel. Although these protocols specifically address hiking in the Grand Canyon, these procedures should also be followed by anyone traveling into the backcountry for extended off-pavement vehicle travel (e.g., Diamond Creek Road, remote trailheads on Navajo Reservation, Mineral Bottom, etc.). Regardless of whether you are traveling by foot or vehicle, all backcountry travelers are required to use the “human check-out” document, file an approved pre-trip check-out form, and carry proper safety equipment and communication device(s). If you plan to travel on off-pavement roads and are unsure of cell phone coverage you are advised to also take a satellite phone.

All backcountry travelers including USGS employees, contract and cooperator personnel, volunteers, and VIP participants must read, agree to adhere and print name AND sign the BCSP on an annual basis prior to engaging in any GCMRC supported backcountry field work.

SIGNATURE-I have read and agree to abide by all guidelines set forth in the BCSP

The following protocols have been developed to create guidelines for a safe backcountry experience:

1. GCMRC backcountry travel must be mission-relevant and have prior approval:

Hiking on remote backcountry trails/routes in potentially difficult conditions will be strictly limited to instances when there is a strong mission-related justification for the hike. The need for project-related hiking on backcountry trails, including river trip personnel exchanges will be critically assessed and require written approval by project supervisor(s) and the GCMRC Chief.

2. Requirement to have prior trail/route experience or be accompanied by someone who has:

All employees, contractors, cooperators, or volunteers scheduled to access an SBSC/GCMRC river trip via a backcountry trail[footnoteRef:1] must have previously hiked this route/trail or be accompanied by an experienced hiker who has previously hiked the route/trail and is familiar with the route/trail and its ingress and egress points. Exceptions to this policy must have express written approval of the GCMRC Chief. [1: Throughout this document, "backcountry trail" denotes remote trails away from the Bright Angel Trail and South Kaibab Trail (the main visitor trails in Grand Canyon National Park).]

3. Pre-trip check out form:

Employees will be required to fill out and file a check-out/check-in form that includes a pre-trip checklist of safety certifications, recommended equipment and reminder information. This form will complement the existing “human” check-out board and the BCSP. The pre-trip checklist includes information regarding personnel on the trip, predicted weather conditions, anticipated start and end times, notes on planned work/objectives and associated hazards, contact phone number and back-up contact information. It also includes a list of minimum equipment required for anticipated travel conditions. All applicable boxes on the check-out/check-in form must be checked before signing the form and turning it into supervisor(s) for approval. For employees, cooperators and volunteers involved in hiking exchanges linked to river trips, this information will be reviewed by the GCMRC Chief before travel/participation is approved.

4. The “Human Check-Out” Document: Departure and Arrival Procedures for all field work.

Prior to departure, individuals engaged in backcountry travel MUST leave proper contact and itinerary information with logistics personnel. For individuals planning on hiking into or out from a river trip, this information must be provided at the pre-trip meeting that occurs before the trip launches. There is a document in on the Vehicle Checkout Sharepoint site labeled “Personnel Tracker” where you will document your trip. This information shall include your name, departure date, planned return date, vehicle taken, SPOT X or In Reach number, satellite phone number (if taken) and contact information for your designated primary contact. The primary contact is a third party who will know if you have reached your destination. This is typically your supervisor but can be anyone who is aware of your plans and expected return date. It is important that your primary contact knows the proper procedures (see Appendix A) for contacting GCMRC logistics staff in the event of an overdue hiker or emergency situation. Information cards with contact numbers for GCMRC logistics staff -and emergency contact procedures are available in the cabinet with the satellite communication devices in the Logistics Coordinators office, room 488. All check-out procedures must be followed according to established protocols, including accurate information logged on the Personnel Tracker and hiker exchange information on the final trip roster.

5. Communications A SPOT X or InReach device (or other approved satellite communication device) must be carried and used by all hiking groups unless they are traveling on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. It is recommended that groups of 4 or more carry two devices. These devices allow information about hiker departure and arrival times from a river trip to be communicated to logistics personnel via an OK/CHECK-IN message. This message will allow logistics staff to confirm a departure and arrival point and time. Hikers are required to turn on the transmitter and send an OK/CHECK-IN message when they start hiking and send a second OK/CHECK-IN message again when they arrive at their destination. Hikers who may experience a travel delay for any reason (late start, slow hiker in group, extended rest break in the shade due to excessive heat, unanticipated work tasks, etc.) causing them to be behind their anticipated exit time (as stated on check-out form) must also transmit additional “I’m OK” message(s) from their location(s). These devices must remain turned on for the entire duration of the hike; do not turn off the device until after you are certain that your arrival message has been sent-this may take additional time until the unit makes satellite contact (arrow stops circling) Hikers are also encouraged to occasionally send an OK/CHECK-IN message from their device while En-route. This will allow logistics personnel to track an individual’s progress and location providing additional information for us to confirm the time of your arrival at your destination. However, in the event of a change in planned hiker departure from the river as established in the pre-trip meeting, this information must be communicated to GCMRC logistics personnel via a satellite phone. Hiking policy will also be discussed and reiterated at pre-trip planning and safety briefings at each pre-departure trip meeting.

6. “Buddy Check” Immediately prior to departure from GCMRC or departure location, each participant will take the time to verbally confirm that everyone in the group is properly prepared with equipment, supplies and apparel/footwear appropriate for the hiking route and weather conditions.

7. Group Safety:

The first priority for backcountry hikers is the safety of everyone in the group. Whenever possible, hikers should stay together with the ability to maintain contact at all times. The slowest hiker should never be left unattended, particularly if they are inexperienced or are unfamiliar with the route. The group should be conscious of any difficulties any member of the party may be experiencing and assure that their needs are addressed (i.e., administering first aid, finding shade and shelter, seeking emergency assistance, and sharing water and food supplies if necessary). At no time will a hiker showing signs of fatigue or health issues be left alone, except as necessitated by a life-threatening emergency situation.

8. Required Heat Stress/Illness Training:

It will be SBSC policy henceforth to require specialized training on field safety in the southwest United States-with emphasis on heat stress and heat illness for all employees, collaborators, cooperators, and volunteers working in remote field conditions. A training module is currently available through the USGS safety website (http://internal.usgs.gov/ops/safetynet/webinarpresentations.html). This training will be required of all employees working in the backcountry as either an instructor-led course or a computer-based module.

9. Backcountry Safety Training:

It will be SBSC policy that contractors, volunteers and other collaborators on USGS trips, or working under USGS technical direction, receive safety training that is required for anticipated conditions and hazards associated with the work. Collaborators, volunteers, and contractors who have received comparable training through their agency will be required to provide documentation of equivalent training. SBSC will emphasize this requirement to all supervisors; who are the first line in assuring that the requirement is met.

10. Hike Smart:

Hiking in the Grand Canyon during most of our active field season carries inherent risk of exposure to extreme heat. Timing your hike to avoid dangerous and potentially life-threatening heat is crucial to ensuring your personal safety and having an enjoyable trip. To survive, you must limit the amount of time you exert yourself in direct sunlight and be prepared with ample supplies of water and food. To every extent possible, plan your hike to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Start as early as possible, hike in the cooler weather-near dawn and dusk and even at night (always bring a headlamp). If you must hike during mid-day make sure that you take rest-breaks long enough to allow for full exertional recovery, replenish fluids, consume salty snacks frequently and carry protective equipment such as; sun umbrella, wide brim hat and long sleeve, loose-fitting cotton clothing to minimize direct sun exposure. Never underestimate the intensity of the mid-day desert sun!

Safety Equipment All Backcountry travelers are personally responsible for being equipped with proper safety equipment, supplies and attire.

The following equipment is available to check out from GCMRC and is located in or next to the cabinet with the Satellite phone devices in room 488. (PLEASE remember to return any borrowed equipment when you return!!!!)

· Communication devices: A SPOT X personal locator and texting device, InReach, or other approved satellite communication device must be carried by hiking groups or individuals in to or out from river trips or on any other backcountry fieldwork. All these devices require charging cables that are provided in the cabinet with the devices. It is your responsibility to ensure the device is fully charged prior to starting your trip. The only exception to this is those hiking in or out on the Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails. Additionally, satellite phones are available for anyone preferring to have a phone in addition to a SPOT X or InReach to carry during their hike. Hikers must be instructed on and demonstrate their proficiency with the use of safety equipment (satellite phone, InReach and SPOT X) prior to starting their hike. If you have questions, please contact any of the logistics staff prior to your departure.

· First Aid Kit – Band-Aids, ace wrap, antiseptic, moleskin, etc. (kits can be restocked at any time from the GCMRC logistics first aid cabinet)

· Map/Route Description – While many trails are well-marked, maps are helpful tools. For trails that are not well maintained and/or are in remote areas of the Grand Canyon additional information on routes, trail conditions, way points, images, and potential hazards is available. Please contact logistics staff for this information.

· Micro-spikes and Hiking Poles - for use in icy trail conditions.

· Sun Umbrellas – small, lightweight, UV-protective umbrellas for hiking when extreme heat conditions cannot be avoided The following are personal items that are required:

· Water –Hikers must carry adequate plain water and some with electrolyte replacement. A rule of thumb is 1 quart of water per hour of anticipated hiking time. Be familiar with your route, expected weather conditions and your personal requirements for adequate hydration. Do not wait until you are feeling thirsty to start replacing fluids and electrolytes. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Your body can only absorb about 1 quart of fluid per hour, so drink ½ to 1 quart of fluids every hour that you are hiking in the heat.

· Food – Especially salty foods. Eat twice as much as normal.

· Flashlight/Headlamp (with spare batteries) – allows you to hike during the cool of the evening or before sunrise.

· Hat/Sunscreen – Keeps the sun off you and protects your skin.

· Clothing-Seasonally appropriate including proper foul weather gear.

Solo Hiking Solo hiking by USGS employees/and or contract, cooperator, volunteer river trip participants on GCMRC Grand Canyon river trips is strongly discouraged on trails and routes other than the South Kaibab and Bright Angel trails. In the event that other options are not feasible, anyone hiking solo must strictly abide by the following protocols:

· Employees must notify and receive written approval from their immediate supervisor of their hiking plans. Confirmation of supervisor approval of solo hiking plans will be communicated to GCMRC chief in writing prior to departure for review and approval.

· Carry all recommended backcountry hiking equipment, including any additional required communication devices as designated.

· Anyone hiking solo on any trails other than Bright Angel or South Kaibab trails must carry a SPOT X or InReach device (or other approved satellite communication device) and be trained in its use. Additional check-in information may be required for solo hikers.

Emergency Communications and Overdue Hiker Procedures In the event a hiker does not arrive at his destination in a reasonable amount of time, GCMRC personnel must be immediately notified by the primary contact, supervisor or river trip leader. Communication from river trips always needs to be directed to GCMRC logistics staff first. Other sources may be contacted secondarily. GCMRC logistics personnel will be solely responsible for initiating any search operations. (See Appendix A) All overdue hiker situations will be taken extremely seriously. It is imperative that everyone makes the effort to complete prompt check-in procedures so that energy and time is not spent on false assumptions. This is for your own safety as well as a courtesy to avoid needless staff time, effort and concern. If you are uncertain of SPOT X or InReach communication to confirm you have safely reached your destination it is necessary to follow-up with a phone call or text (sat phone from river or cell phone from rim). In the event that a search and rescue is warranted, GCMRC logistics personnel will take the lead role on decision making in conjunction with the GCMRC Chief. All search and rescue operations within Grand Canyon National Park will be coordinated with NPS dispatch (928-638-7911).

SPOT X/InReach Messages Hikers must understand the emergency messages that are possible to send with a SPOT and InReach units and must understand the response that each will initiate. During an emergency situation hikers must carefully assess the situation taking into account the nature of emergency, time of day, their location, proximity to the rim and all other environmental factors that might contribute to a change in the emergency situation.

SPOT X: This device allows you to send text messages and receive messages. There is a CHECK IN button that will automatically send an autogenerated message to logistics personnel that states you are healthy and safe.The SPOT X unit can also send a “SOS/911” message that will initiate an immediate full scale rescue operation and is used in a life threatening emergency, a situation that potentially will escalate to a life threatening emergency or a situation that will obviously require helicopter evacuation.

If a “SOS/911” message is sent, DO NOT MOVE FROM THE POINT OF YOUR LAST TRANSMISSION. If an “SOS/911” message is going to be sent, attempt to position yourself as much as possible near, but not in, an adequate helicopter landing zone prior to sending the message. If possible, arrange clothing, backpack or other visible items near your location to assist emergency personnel in locating you and follow all current helicopter evacuation procedures.

InReach: Pre-programed messages on this device are set up to allow for standard check-in procedures. In addition, the InReach unit is capable of texting specific messages as required by any unique situation.