Every scientific investigation must be planned and conducted with explicit consideration of health and safety risks and ethical obligations. In VCE Environmental Science, students are required to demonstrate safe and ethical practice in their investigations.
A risk assessment identifies hazards before an investigation begins and specifies controls:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Hazard identification | What could cause harm? (physical, chemical, biological) |
| Risk assessment | How likely is the hazard to cause harm? How severe? |
| Control measures | What precautions reduce the risk to acceptable levels? |
| Residual risk | What risk remains after controls are applied? |
When chemicals are used in an investigation, Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provide:
- Physical and chemical properties of the substance
- Health hazards and first aid measures
- Storage and handling requirements
- Disposal procedures
SDS must be consulted and referenced in the risk assessment for any chemical used.
| Hazard | Example | Control |
|---|---|---|
| UV exposure | Fieldwork on sunny days | Sunscreen, hat, long sleeves |
| Slips, trips, falls | Uneven terrain in fieldwork | Appropriate footwear; buddy system |
| Heat/cold stress | Field work in extreme weather | Hydration; weather-appropriate clothing |
| Insect/animal encounters | Bee stings, snake bites | Awareness; first aid kit; not working alone |
| Sharp objects | Wire, plant thorns, broken glass | Gloves; eye protection |
| Hazard | Example | Control |
|---|---|---|
| pH reagents (acid/alkali) | pH test chemicals | Gloves; eye protection; SDS consultation |
| Fertiliser/nutrient solutions | Nutrient concentration experiments | Avoid skin/eye contact; proper disposal |
| Pesticides or herbicides | Studies near agricultural land | Avoid contact; wear PPE |
| Hazard | Example | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Microorganisms | Soil or water bacteria | Wash hands; avoid mouth contact |
| Venomous organisms | Spiders, snakes, marine stingers | Be aware; don’t disturb; have first aid plan |
| Plant toxins | Sap or contact allergens | Gloves; identify plants before handling |
| Pathogen exposure | Bird flu (near bird roosts) | Masks; gloves; avoid contact with faeces |
The 3Rs framework (developed for animal research) provides guidance:
- Replacement: Use non-animal methods where possible
- Reduction: Minimise the number of organisms used
- Refinement: Minimise pain, suffering and distress to animals
In environmental field investigations:
- Mark-recapture studies must use non-harmful marks and minimise handling time
- Return all organisms to their exact capture location after processing
- Do not collect or remove organisms without appropriate permits
- Do not disturb nesting sites or critical habitat areas
Some field investigations require permits:
- Fauna surveys requiring animal capture: Animal ethics approval (required by law for vertebrate research)
- Fieldwork in national parks or reserves: Parks permit
- Vegetation collection: Flora collection permit if sampling is involved
- Private property: Landowner permission
VCAA FOCUS: Investigation reports must include a risk assessment that identifies at least two hazards, their likelihood and consequence, and the specific control measures applied. Vague controls (‘be careful’) score poorly — specify the exact precaution taken.
