Health and Safety |
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 A Risk Assessment of an investigation site will be compiled by the Team Leader prior to the investigation/event starting.
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All fieldwork will be covered by Public Liability Insurance.
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It is preferable that the team has a qualified First Aider on site at all times. However, in cases where this is not possible, the team must be aware of the site's first aid box location in case of emergencies.
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No alcohol is allowed during or before a fieldwork exercise.
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Hard hats and high visibility equipment must be worn where necessary.
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All team members should inform someone (such as a relative) as to where they have gone, and a contact number should be given to the team leader prior to starting the investigation.
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When on site, never wander alone. Always travel in pairs or more.
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Always carry extra clothing to ward against late night/early morning chill, even during the summer. On outdoor investigations, also carry waterproofs even if no rain is forecast. On summer days, remember to bring sunblock and plenty of water.
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All investigators must sign a personal liability disclaimer before embarking on investigations.
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A list of investigators will be lodged with the venue prior to the investigation taking place.
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On-site Protocols
All members of an OWNE Survey Team whilst on-site must:
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Act in a mature and professional manner.
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Act in accordance with the wishes of the site's owner/custodian.
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Treat members of the public/other visitors with respect.
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Respect any historical site guidelines and protocols in place.
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Follow any and all Health and Safety measures required.
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Follow a strict no alcohol rule.
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Treat the property being investigated with respect (ie, do not deface the property, including litter and cigarette ash/butts).
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Be aware of your own perceived activities in public areas after dark. In some cases, such as graveyards, it is suggested that the Police be informed that you are there.
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Record any and all phenomena in as much detail as possible.
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If floor plans of the venue have been used, any activity should be mapped.
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An Otherworld team will never set foot in a property without first obtaining the express permission of the venue owners, and will stick to any time and location restrictions set by them.
Post-Investigation Protocols
- Immediately post-investigation the team must check that the site is in the state in which it was found, and any rubbish produced by the team must be taken off-site.
- All notes and maps should be passed to the designated Report Writer. He/she will then compile a report, which will be completed and a copy given to the venue owner as soon as possible.
- The Team Leader must leave contact details with the venue in case further consultation is required.
- Before leaving the site it is necessary that the team leader confirms that it is okay to publish the report to the Website.
- Any queries or problems that the site owner / custodian has should be dealt with before leaving the site.
- All photographic/video evidence should be thoroughly studied and any natural phenomena ruled out.
Pre-Investigation Protocols
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 Each team member is responsible for his/her own equipment. Make sure it is in working order before the investigation begins, and bring all instruction manuals.
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Carry a good supply of batteries.
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Carry a good supply of memory cards / 35mm camera film (a selection is preferable, ie colour, black and white, infra red etc) and make sure the film is of good enough quality for low-light shots.
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For the consideration of the owner's of the venue, it is requested that the team meet up beforehand, and enter the venue as a group.
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It is the responsibility of the investigation organiser to find out bathroom/kitchen facilities available to the team prior to entering the site.
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If possible, floor plans of the venue should be found, including electricity, gas, water etc.
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Members of the team must be made aware that they in person are solely responsible for any injuries or damage caused to or by themselves or property when on site. A disclaimer form in most cases must be signed.
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