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:
“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)
“He had a gentleman-like frankness in his behaviour, and as a great point of honour as a minister can have, especially a minister at the head of the treasury, where numberless sturdy and insatiable beggars of condition apply, who cannot all be gratified, nor all with safety be refused.”
—Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl Chesterfield (1694–1773)
“There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one’s own safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind.... Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn’t, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn’t have to; but if he didn’t want to he was sane and had to.”
—Joseph Heller (b. 1923)