Many surveyors like to carry emergency supplies around with them in the form of bandaids, aspirin, cough drops, imodium, etc, for the oft-time self inflicted pain. Some used to carry a Swiss army knife which came in handy on many occasions, sometimes, but rarely, for terminating the self-inflicted pain! However, due to security procedures, this and many other useful tools may not now be carried in hand baggage on flights.


A camera is again obligatory with weight being saved by use of a digital camera or nowadays, a smartphone. However, the macho surveyor must have the largest camera possible with a super zoom lens, whilst the more modest members of our profession have learned to keep it small and compact to save space and weight. The old comparison with the number of sparrows and “I’m not bragging but…” comes to mind here.


Nowadays, many surveyors carry a laptop computer so that they can reduce downtime and start the report on site. These again can range in size, complexity and weight but these are now available in smaller and lighter sizes for those who travel often. Unfortunately, the digital camera, possible rechargeable flashlight and computer need regular recharging and thus many cables and adapters must be carried. Some will carry spare batteries for battery operated equipment. The copper wire in the cables and batteries are in fact what add most of the weight to the bag. As batteries can be purchased anywhere, these could be omitted. A simple test of equipment before leaving base or the hotel room will reveal if replacements are needed.


Apart from the above standard items, the surveyor may be required to carry ultrasonic thickness testing equipment, ultrasound hatchcover testing equipment, specialised


thermometers, moisture content meters, tape measures, rulers, paint thickness gauging equipment, gas and oxygen detectors, together with a hard hat, although most of the aforementioned may not need to be carried simultaneously.


The bag should also have space for the traveler’s wallet, containing passport, tickets, foreign currency, credit cards, loyalty program cards, etc. The bag should therefore have the ability to be locked for security purposes.


As a consequence of its weight the straps will need to look trendy but be comprised of high tensile steel braiding. As it is likely to be heavy, wheels are an advantage to save the vertibrae in your spine!


Lastly, it should be light enough to be carried long distances and small enough to be stowed in the hand baggage compartment above the aircraft seats to allow a rapid exit from the airport.


Working gloves are an essential. Hard leather gloves are inconvenient in that they do not allow the surveyor to write notes with a pen or pencil. The soft cotton gloves with rubber pimples are far more convenient and hard wearing for climbing steel ladders. Soft Japanese chamois leather gloves are by far the best but expensive and often difficult to find.


The Report • September 2022 • Issue 101 | 117


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