USAP Safety and Health

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USAP Safety and Health
Environment, Safety and Health Section

• Gwendolyn M. Adams
• Safety and Occupational Health Manager
• NSF/Office of Polar Programs
• 703-292-7438
• gadams_at_nsf.gov

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USAP Safety and Health

• Personal safety and health
• Scientific research
• Recreational activities

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USAP Safety and Health
Bottom line up front

• 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

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USAP Safety and Health
Personal 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

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USAP Safety and Health
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

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USAP Safety and Health
Scientific research

• (All of the activities listed below require
  specific approvals. )
• Radioactive materials
• Scientific diving
• Remote field party deployment
• High altitude work (gt2,500 meters)
• Use of explosives
• Traversing crevassed areas
• Mountaineering
• Laboratory safety
• Use of heavy equipment
• Work around aircraft and vessels

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USAP Safety and Health
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)

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USAP Safety and Health
Recreation

• 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

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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 (gt2,500 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

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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

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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

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USAP Safety and Health

• What are your questions?????
• Thank you for your time
• And
• Attention