Hazards in Outdoor

Environments
By Scott & Kane
 Introduction to Hazards

•  What is your idea of a hazard?

•  Are there any that you encountered
on our walk?

2
 Defining a Hazard

•  “A hazard is something which could

be dangerous to you, your health or
safety, or your plans or
reputation” (Collins Dictionary, 2019)

3
 Hazards in an Outdoor
Environment

•  Physical •  Radiation
•  Chemical •  Psychological
•  Ergonomic •  Biological

4
 Drawing Activity

•  In pairs draw your idea of a hazardous outdoor

environment based on what information has been
discussed.

•  You have 5 minutes to draw before you will be

asked to share your drawings and provide an
explanation as to what you have drawn.

5
 Controlled Fire

•  Controlled fires can be used for cooking, warmth and signaling.

•  In an outdoor environment ensure:
- Everyone is a safe distance from the fire.
- The fire is not close to flammable materials or vegetation.
- The fire is not left unattended.
- The fire is easily extinguishable if need be.
6
 Uncontrolled Fire

•  Uncontrolled fires, such as wildfires, are not uncommon and are

generally started by humans (Stray embers, cigarettes, electrical
faults, etc.).
•  They can also be started naturally by the sun or lightning.
•  They frequently occur in hot, dry and vegetated environments and
can worsened by windy conditions.

7
 Uncontrolled Fire

•  To avoid a wildfire:
- Avoid fire prone areas when conditions are bad.
- Listen in to fire warnings (Radio announcements, phone alerts, etc.).
- Be aware of warning signs (Smoke, visible flames, etc.).
•  If caught in a wildfire:
- Use a predetermined escape route for easy evacuation
- They can rarely be outran so locate a body of water or find a depressed, clear, lightly
vegetated area to occupy and stay low.
- Minimise smoke inhalation by breathing through a damp cloth.
8
 Treating Burns

•  Ensure the injured individual is a safe

distance from the fire, or the fire is put out.
•  The affected area should be placed under
cold running water.
•  The burn should be covered and kept clean
to avoid infection.
•  Painkillers may be used to dull the pain.
9
 Lightning

•  Lightning is a discharge of mass amounts of electricity, which has the

potential to seriously injure or kill people as well as damage property and the
environment.
•  The warning signs of lightning include:
-  The quick culmination of cumulonimbus clouds.
-  A darkened sky and stronger winds.
-  The sound of thunder.
•  Given lightning is about to strike nearby you, you may experience:
-  Tingles/Hair standing on end.
-  A metallic taste and the smell of chlorine.
10 -  Sounds from nearby metal objects
 Lightning

•  Lightning tends to strike tall objects (Trees, mountains, etc.).

•  It produces a ground current which can travel outward from the impact point
to nearby surroundings
•  Conductors of electricity (Metals, water, etc.) are susceptible to the ground
current.
•  In the event of a nearby lightning strike you should:
-  Get as low to the ground as possible and minimise ground contact.
-  Avoid metal and tall objects as well as water.
-  Spread out from other individuals.
-  Cover your ears.
11
 Terrain

•  The environment around you is full of different surfaces types and heights.
•  When in an outdoor environment, there are many tripping and slipping
hazards (Mud, rocks, elevations/depressions etc.).
•  Appropriate footwear paired with a carefully planned step helps to ensure
safe travels.
•  When near elevated areas, maximise the space between yourself, others
and the any potential drops.
12
 Bodies of Water

•  Crossing rivers:
-  Identifying safe locations to cross.
-  Understanding how to cross.
-  What to do if someone falls into the river.
•  Swimming:
-  Scoping out hazards (Marine life, non-visible threats under
the water, etc.).
-  Health of the water.
13
 Wildlife

•  Dangerous wildlife:
-  Identifying tracks/footprints
-  Following guidelines for avoiding or leaving the area of the animal
•  Pests/insects:
-  Things such as ants, mosquitos etc.
-  Avoiding ant hill’s or termite nest.
-  Not setting up camp around the danger areas for these animals.
•  Avoiding wildlife:
-  Leaving areas if dangerous animals found
-  Not walking into areas there are dangerous animals regularly.
14
 Scenario Activity
•  In 2 groups, create a short performance based off the
scenario you have been provided or create your own
hazardous outdoor environment scenario to share with
the group.
•  You have 10 minutes to prepare, using anything you
can find, before presenting in front of the group.
•  In your performance:
- Depict the warning signs of the hazard
- Display correct response to the situation
- Add creative flair

15
 Conclusion

•  Clarification and Questions

•  Feedback

16
 References

•  Means, T. (2019). Lightning Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore. Retrieved July 22, 2019, from
https://www.thoughtco.com/lightning-warning-signs-3444259
•  National Geographic. (2019a). Learn More About Wildfires. Retrieved July 22, 2019, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfires/
•  National Geographic. (2019b). Learn Wildfire Safety Tips. Retrieved July 22, 2019, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/natural-disasters/wildfire-safety-tips/
•  National Weather Service. (n.d.). Lightning Science: Five Ways Lightning Strikes People. Retrieved
July 22, 2019, from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-struck
•  Sanders, J. (2018). 5 Simple Steps to Campfire Safety. Retrieved July 22, 2019, from
17 https://www.active.com/outdoors/articles/5-simple-steps-to-campfire-safety