Due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, Battelle ARO is taking a measured approach to field safety training in 2021 as outlined in the strategies below. Please contact the Field Risk Manager for any training inquiries.
Strategy one: Minimize in-person training sessions. Battelle ARO can provide pre-recorded and virtually hosted training on subjects that do not require assembling in person:
| Bear identification | Water treatment | Cultural considerations | Whiteout travel |
| Bear defense | Layering for success | Harassment and bullying | Hygiene |
| Wildlife threats | Day pack essentials | Risk assessment | Self-rescue |
| Minimizing environmental impact | Stove use and care | Communications plan | Communications technology |
| Cold injury / illness | Aircraft safety | Sea ice travel | Compass use |
| Heat injury / illness | e-WFA | First aid kit contents | Survival bags |
Strategy two: Combine trainings and shakedown exercises with field deployments. For subjects that require hands-on experience, Battelle ARO can provide initial trainings virtually and encourage workshops/ add-on sessions at the beginning of the fieldwork deployment:
| Tent set-up | Bear spray use | Throw bag use |
| Knots | GPS | Bear fence set-up |
| Snow machine orientation / tips | ATV orientation / tips | Defensive driving |
Strategy three: Manage stand-alone trainings to minimize exposure to SARS-CoV-2. Battelle ARO will work with researchers and the NSF to determine whether in-person training is allowable/ feasible. Battelle ARO will adopt practices that adhere to federal, state, or local regulations, and NSF policy, whichever is more rigorous.
