Safety issues in ground-penetrating radar and near-surface geophysical prospecting

In this contribution we present and discuss safety and health issues associated to Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) and, more in general, Near-Surface Geophysical (NSG) prospecting. In spite of the increasing demand of geophysical surveys all over the world, safety matters are rarely considered in this framework. We believe they are worth being considered and widely debated, in order to increase awareness about risks and precautions in scientists and professionals performing the surveys. Recently, the COST Action TU1208 “Civil engineering applications of Ground Penetrating Radar” has made efforts in this sense, which resulted in the publication of a book where a series of recommendations are provided for the safety of people and equipment in GPR and NSG prospecting. Such volume is issued by the European Association of Geoscientists. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first volume on this topic published by a scientific editor. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss a selection of safety and health issues associated to GPR and NSG prospecting, with the twofold purpose to disseminate knowledge about these topics and foster a wider discussion.