Field Equipment Checklist

SOP-F002 Revision 1.2
Author

Marc Los Huertos

EA Program, Pomona College

Published

2026-06-26

1 Purpose

This SOP provides standardized checklists for packing, verifying, and returning field equipment. Using a checklist before every field outing prevents forgotten items, reduces time lost in the field, and ensures that equipment is returned clean, functional, and ready for the next user. This SOP complements the safety and planning procedures in SOP-F001 Field Safety and the equipment inventory in SOP-L007 Equipment Inventory.

2 Scope

  • Applies to: All EA Program field outings, including research sampling events, class field trips, and equipment loans
  • Does not apply to: Laboratory-only procedures; drone operations (see dedicated SOP when available)
  • Location: Equipment stored in SGM 131, 132, 133, and 134; deployed to all EA field sites

3 Responsibilities

Role Responsibility
Field Lead Verify checklist completion before departure; confirm equipment return
Trained Personnel Pack and check equipment; clean and return after use
New Students Assist with packing under supervision; learn storage locations

4 Definitions

Not applicable. This SOP covers logistical checklists using standard English equipment names that require no technical definition. For definitions of field measurement terms, consult the method-specific SOPs listed in Section 5 (Equipment Modules).

5 References

6 Procedure

6.1 Before Departure

  1. Identify which activity modules (Section 5) apply to the planned field work. Most outings require the Core Module plus one or more activity-specific modules.
  2. Print or copy the relevant checklists. Check off each item as it is packed.
  3. For instruments requiring calibration (Eureka Manta2, pH meter), calibrate in the lab before packing. Record calibration results in the field notebook.
  4. Verify that all batteries are charged (Crime-Lite, GPS, walkie-talkies) and that backup batteries are included.
  5. Confirm cooler ice or ice packs are frozen and ready.
  6. Complete the Field Work Planning Form in SOP-F001, Section 13.
  7. The field lead initials the checklist and confirms vehicle reservation per SOP-F100 if applicable.

6.2 On Site

  1. Unpack systematically; keep items organized to avoid loss.
  2. At the end of the sampling event, re-check the checklist to confirm all items are accounted for before leaving the site.
  3. Note any damaged or malfunctioning equipment on the checklist.

6.3 After Return

  1. Clean all equipment per the relevant method SOP (rinse sampling equipment with DI water, wipe down instruments, dry sieves).
  2. Return every item to its designated storage location (see room assignments below and SOP-L007).
  3. Recharge batteries and replace consumables (sample bottles, filters, preservatives) for the next user.
  4. Report any damaged, lost, or malfunctioning items to the field lead or lab manager immediately.
  5. File the completed checklist with the field data sheets.

6.4 Storage Locations

Storage Room Equipment Category
SGM 131 Tapes, sieves, survey scopes, infiltrometers, walkie-talkies
SGM 132 Vehicles, coolers, generators
SGM 133 Sampling bottles, sondes, VanDorn bottles, LiCor sensor, microscope, analytical instruments
SGM 134 DI water system, glassware, vacuum filtration supplies

7 Equipment Modules

7.1 Core Module (Every Field Outing)

This checklist applies to every field trip regardless of activity type.

Item Storage Check
Completed Field Work Planning Form (SOP-F001) – [ ]
Field notebook (Rite in the Rain) and pens SGM 133 [ ]
Cell phone, charged, with emergency contacts Personal [ ]
First aid kit In vehicle [ ]
Sunscreen and sun hat Personal [ ]
Full water bottles (one per person) Personal [ ]
Nitrile gloves (box) SGM 133 [ ]
GPS unit or smartphone with GPS app SGM 133 [ ]
Camera (or phone camera) Personal [ ]
Vehicle keys and fuel card In vehicle [ ]
Walkie-talkies (if splitting into groups) SGM 131 [ ]
Trash bag (leave no trace) – [ ]
Clipboard SGM 133 [ ]

7.2 Water Sampling Module

Use for surface water grab sampling, stormwater sampling, and bacteria sampling. See SOP-F300 and SOP-F302.

Item Storage Check
Pre-labeled sample bottles (poly and/or glass, with preservatives) SGM 133 [ ]
Cooler with ice packs or ice SGM 132 [ ]
Chain of custody (COC) forms SGM 133 [ ]
Sample tags SGM 133 [ ]
Extension pole with bottle attachment SGM 133 [ ]
Sterile 100 mL Colilert bottles SGM 133 [ ]
0.45 µm syringe filters and syringes SGM 134 [ ]
Deionized water (squeeze bottle) SGM 134 [ ]
Paper towels SGM 134 [ ]
Field data sheets (water sampling) SGM 133 [ ]
VanDorn bottle (if needed) SGM 133 [ ]
Wading boots (if entering water) Personal [ ]

7.3 Soil Sampling Module

Use for soil profile description, bulk density, and grab samples. See SOP-F400 and SOP-F407.

Item Storage Check
Soil auger or hand trowel SGM 131 [ ]
Pre-labeled Ziploc bags or Whirl-Pak bags SGM 133 [ ]
Munsell color chart SGM 131 [ ]
Soil core rings (bulk density) SGM 131 [ ]
Rubber mallet SGM 131 [ ]
Field data sheets (soil) SGM 133 [ ]
Cooler with ice (perishable samples) SGM 132 [ ]

9 Training Record

Before leading a field outing independently, personnel must:

  1. Read this SOP in full
  2. Identify the correct storage room for each major equipment category
  3. Complete a supervised pre-departure checklist for one field outing
  4. Be signed off by the field lead or PI