The fourth edition of ''The Practical Guide for Journalists" was published recently by Reporters sans Frontires (RSF) and UNESCO, according to European Journalism Centre.

RSF calls it a vital handbook for journalists going to areas of armed conflict or civil war. The fourth edition has two new chapters, one written with the cooperation of the British Broadcasting Corp. about safety precautions, and the other about first aid procedures. It includes an introduction by Mary Robinson, the U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

Copies in English or French can be obtained by contacting RSF at 5, rue Geoffroy Marie, Paris 75009, France. Tel: (33-1) 4483-8484. Fax: (33-1) 4523-1151. E-mail: rsf@rsf.fr; or contact UNESCO, Unit for Freedom of Expression and Democracy at 1, rue Miollis, 75732 Paris cedex 15, France. Tel: (33-1) 4568-4212. Fax: (33-1) 4568-5584. E-mail: s.coudray@unesco.org.