The following is a list of recommended equipment for WAsafe Responders. It is based on the ATC Field Manuals and lists from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, 2019) and U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA, 2019). Items should be adjusted for specific incidents and situations.
Go-kit items – each responder should have and bring with him/her when deployed
Protection and safety items
- Cell phone with charger
- High visibility safety vest
- NIOSH N-95 masks, or respirator
- Earplugs
- Gloves - Durable and disposable
- Headlamp with extra batteries (60 lumen +)
- Hand sanitizer or hand wipes
- Hard hat
- Steel toe/shank work boots
- Insect repellant
- Magnetic compass
- Rain gear and rubber boots (if rain and mud are issues)
- Safety glasses (fits over glasses) - not goggles
- Safety whistle (wear around neck)
- Small first aid kit
- Sunscreen
- Water container or canteen
- Water purification tablets (only if there is a ‘boil water’ notice for potable water – do not try to purify flood water with these!)
- Dog Biscuits
Field work items
- Backpack with lock (most things can be put in this)
- Clipboard
- ATC-20 and ATC-45 field manuals
- Paper or notebook
- Waterproof Pouch (Ziploc style 10.5" x 13.5")
- WAsafe ID card with lanyard
- Waterproof marking pens
- Waterproof writing pens or pencils
Necessary personal items
- Credit card, and/or cash
- Device chargers
- Extra clothing and towels
- Personal hygiene supplies
- Personal identification (driver’s license is OK)
- Over the counter medications (Tylenol, anti-diarrhea, etc.)
- Prescription medication for at least the length of stay plus two days
- Sleeping bag and inflatable mattress, depending on whether tents will be used or not.
Suggested items that may be considered
- Binoculars (to observe conditions too high or remote to see easily)
- Digital Camera with spare batteries (GPS labelling preferred)
- Global positioning system (GPS) unit with charger and/or batteries
- Reading materials for after-hours
- Small battery-powered radio for after-hours
- Shower slippers, if in a tent or camping setting
- Swiss army knife or multi-tool
- Tape measure
- Waterproof paper or notebook