Safety do’s and don't’s

• Make sure the stream bank is stable and you have easy access to your site in all weather conditions.
  
  
• Watch out for slippery surfaces.
  
  
• Never sample in very fast flowing water, especially after periods of heavy rain.
  
  
• Let someone else know when (how long) and where your group will be sampling.
  
  
• Wear suitable clothing and footwear depending on weather, eg. hat, warm clothing and shoes with good grip.
  
  
• Do not allow children to sample or test without adult supervision.
  
  
• Do not let children undertake adult tasks.
  
  
• Always work at the site with a buddy.
  
  
• Beware of holes, snakes, prickly vegetation and watch out for road crossings near the site.
  
  
• Do not put yourself or others at risk of falling into unknown water and beware of stream currents and undertows when sampling.
  
  
• Pack a First Aid kit.
  
  
• Wash your hands with soap after the survey.
  
  
• Minimise your impact on the stream habitat.
  
  
• Be gentle when sorting bugs.
  
  
• Always return your bugs to where you found them — alive