Safety
There are many different laws in place regarding the collection of rocks and minerals from public areas, so it is advisable to read up on local laws before prospecting. Rock and mineral collecting is prohibited in most if not all national parks in the United States.
Many sites popular with amateur geologists require driving and/or hiking to remote areas. Navigating the terrain in these places can be quite difficult as the area may have large samples of rocks that make transport difficult. Many amateur geologists prefer to travel in groups in order to reduce the danger of somebody becoming injured and/or stuck. The climate in the areas preferred by amateur geologists can become hot, so precautions such as extra water and sun protection should be taken.
It is advised to use safety goggles whenever rocks are struck, whether breaking open small stones or chipping a piece off a large boulder because small chips of stone could potentially cause damage to the eyes or face. Also, dust is produced by chipping and cutting rock which can be extremely hazardous to the lungs. If necessary, use a mask or respirator.
Read more about this topic: Amateur Geology
Famous quotes containing the word safety:
“I nightly offer up my prayers to the throne of grace for the health and safety of you all, and that we ought all to rely with confidence on the promises of our dear redeemer, and give him our hearts. This is all he requires and all that we can do, and if we sincerely do this, we are sure of salvation through his atonement.”
—Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)
“The high sentiments always win in the end, the leaders who offer blood, toil, tears and sweat always get more out of their followers than those who offer safety and a good time. When it comes to the pinch, human beings are heroic.”
—George Orwell (1903–1950)
“[As teenager], the trauma of near-misses and almost- consequences usually brings us to our senses. We finally come down someplace between our parents’ safety advice, which underestimates our ability, and our own unreasonable disregard for safety, which is our childlike wish for invulnerability. Our definition of acceptable risk becomes a product of our own experience.”
—Roger Gould (20th century)