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Safety Toolbox

This toolbox provides information pertaining to safety in wilderness. It includes law and agency policies, management guidelines and tools pertaining to both visitor and employee safety in wilderness. In addition to the resources provided here, you may also be able to obtain advice and recommendations through discussion on Wilderness Connect. Date of last update: 10/2/12.

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Introduction
Safety is only mentioned briefly in the Wilderness Act of 1964 in the context of prohibited uses and minimum requirements. "...except as necessary to meet minimum requirements for the administration of the area for the purpose of this Act (including measures required in emergencies involving the health and safety of persons within the area), there shall be no..." Risk, adventure, discovery and the unknown are valued by many in a wilderness experience. Never-the-less, it is each agencies responsibility to consider the health and safety of both persons who visit and employees who work in wilderness.

Visitor Safety

Law and Policy
1. The Wilderness Act
2. Agency Policy
Management Guidelines, Strategies and Practices
1. FS
  1. Single Log Stringer Diagram (R6)
Case Studies
1. Falling Tree Kills Logger

Employee Safety

Agency Policy
1. FS
  1. 2326.1 - Conditions Under Which Use (of Motorized Equipment or Mechanical Transport in Wilderness) May Be Approved
  2. Health and Safety Code Handbook
  3. Wilderness Ranger Field Guide, Chapter 4: Safety
2. NPS Backcountry Travel Procedures
Management Guidelines, Strategies and Practices
1. NPS
  1. Operational Leadership
  2. IMR Wilderness Executive Committee Safety Issues
  3. IMR Safety and Wilderness Handout
  4. 2011 Employee Safety Handbook (ROMO)
  5. 2011 Backcountry Travel and Tracking Policy (ROMO)
  6. Backcountry Travel Plan Form (ROMO)
  7. Backcountry Travel Tracking Log (ROMO)
  8. Archeology Field Safety Plan (GRCA)
2. Risk Assessment

Resources