USAP Safety and Health Gwendolyn M. Adams Safety and Occupational Health Manager NSF/Office of Polar...

USAP Safety and HealthUSAP Safety and Health

Gwendolyn M. Adams

Safety and Occupational Health Manager

NSF/Office of Polar Programs

703-292-7438

[email protected]

Environment, Safety and Health SectionEnvironment, Safety and Health Section

mailto:[email protected]

21 - 22 August 2006U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop


• Personal safety and health

• Scientific research

• Recreational activities



• Unfriendly continent• Inherently dangerous• Mitigate the risks

– Pay attention to the safety briefings

– Read the manuals

– Take the required safety training

– Follow the instructions

– Listen to your instincts

– Think about consequences before you act

– Ask questions

Bottom line up front



• Predeployment• Must pass physical and dental examinations• Psychological examination required for

winter-over participants only• Not physically qualified

– Does not meet the usap medical screening guidelines

• Waiver program– NSF decides

Personal safety and health



– Take your own prescribed medications• NZ Government limits

• Consult with RPSC medical staff

– Deployment:• USAP provides all medical care on the ice

• Operates clinics at three stations

• Dispensaries on two research vessels

• Some medical care at the larger and more remote field camps

Personal safety and health


USAP Safety and Health

(All of the activities listed below require specific approvals. )• Radioactive materials

• Scientific diving

• Remote field party deployment

• High altitude work (>2,500 meters)

• Use of explosives

• Traversing crevassed areas

• Mountaineering

• Laboratory safety

• Use of heavy equipment

• Work around aircraft and vessels

Scientific research



• Required safety training– Snow survival

– Helo and aircraft safety

– Waste management• Biohazards

• Recyclables

– Recreational safety

• “House rules”– Laboratory facilities

“Codes of Conduct”

– Research vessels

– Remote field work (e.g., radio checks)

Scientific research



• Know your own limitations• Learn the “do's and don'ts”• Be responsible• When away from the main station, check-in,

as required• Do not take unnecessary chances• Ask questions

Recreation


USAP Safety and HealthUSAP Safety and Health• Antarctica is the coldest, highest, driest, continent

– Wear your ecw• On the aircraft before you land in antarctica

• On all out of town trips

• When the conditions outside warrant it

• When you are departing antarctica

– Follow acclimatization procedures if you are going to the south pole or working at high altitude (>2,500 meters) drink plenty of water

• Fire – one of our biggest fears• Keep flammable items away from heat sources

• Do not smoke in bed or other prohibited areas



• Avoid injuries– Keep your work and living areas clean and free of

debris that can cause tripping, falling or other injuries

• Use alcohol and prescribed medications responsibly– Do not drink and operate machinery

– Do not drink on the job

– Do not drink to excess

– Do not drink prior to boarding any usap aircraft or vessel



Bottom line restated

Come back alive and well

Remember:

“This continent is dangerous”• You can mitigate risks, if you

– Read the manuals

– Take the training

– Follow the rules

– Stay vigilant



What are your questions?????

Thank you for your time

And

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USAP Safety and Health Gwendolyn M. Adams Safety and Occupational Health Manager NSF/Office of Polar...

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