USAP Safety and Health Gwendolyn M. Adams Safety and Occupational Health Manager NSF/Office of Polar Programs Environment, Safety and Health Section

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health Personal safety and health Scientific research Recreational activities

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health 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

August 2006 U.S. Antarctic Program, New Investigators Workshop USAP Safety and Health What are your questions????? Thank you for your time And Attention