Information for PIs and Observing Teams

Visiting Astronomers Summit Safety Orientation

Communication with OA
Familiarize your team with the Emergency Evacuation Plans located in the green binder in the console room and library. The Observing Assistant (OA) is in charge of any emergency situation.

Hypoxia will slightly impair memory and judgement at the summit. Therefore, it is imperative to keep the OA informed of the following:

• Observing team member's location
• Illnesses
• Changes in personal conditions
• Oxygen bottle usage
• Weather changes

Driving

• The summit access road is winding, steep and dangerous. Weather can deteriorate rapidly and ice, snow, wind, or fog are factors that require special attention. Speed limits are for passenger and vehicle safety and MUST be obeyed.
• If an emergency requires you to drive a Keck vehicle, review the driving placard on the driver's visor before operating the vehicle.
• There are grades up to 17% on the access road; brakes can easily overheat, so avoid excessive braking. ALWAYS USE LOW GEAR! In many cases, in order to go downhill properly you must slow the vehicle to a crawl.
• Black ice is a common problem, and a number of vehicles have overturned. If black ice conditions are suspected, keep vehicle in four-wheel drive and DRIVE SLOWLY.
• Each Keck vehicle has a first aid kit and an emergency survival kit that contains: flares, space blankets, body heaters, special first aid supplies. A shovel and chains are also provided.
• Judgement impairment at high altitude cannot be over-emphasized! DO NOT TAKE CHANCES!

In the case of an accident or vehicle malfunction whereby you may be stranded:

• Call from the cellular phone.
• It is easier to find a vehicle than someone wandering about; stay with the vehicle until assistance or rescue arrives: use emergency kit supplies.
• Blinding snow or whiteout conditions can lead to severe vertigo.
• Extreme cold and wind-chill can lead to serious hypothermia and frostbite.

First Aid:

• The Emergency Evacuation Plan gives more information regarding working at high altitude, physiologic adjustments, altitude illness, oxygen use and pressure breathing.
• All CARA summit staff are certified in first aid and CPR. First aid kits are located in the first aid room, machine shop, Nasmyth deck and all summit vehicles. Conventional CPR is not effective at this altitude; special resuscitator masks are available with the oxygen unit. These masks do not have to be attached to the oxygen unit to be effective; squeezing the bulb will deliver sufficient air.
• Emergency supplemental oxygen is available in the first aid room. The supply is very limited. Please inform the OA whenever oxygen has been consumed; there is nothing worse than having an emergency only to find an empty oxygen cylinder! Read the information provided in the emergency evacuation binder. Pressure breathing is far more useful than supplemental oxygen and can be employed anytime.
• Mild discomfort at high altitude is common among first time visitors. Symptoms are usually confined to headache, slight tunnel vision and/or mild disorientation. Occasionally symptoms progress to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), which is usually transitory. However, AMS can become severe; some investigations indicate pulmonary edema rates between 1% and 6%. Follow the instruction of the OA or swing tech. There are "tricks" to help alleviate certain AMS symptoms: drink plenty of fluid (Gatorade helps immensely), pressure breathe, slow down, avoid excess exertion.
• For severe problems, getting to lower altitude is critical!
  • Report any changes in symptoms.
  • Watch for physical or behavioral changes in others.
  • Remember, judgment may deteriorate rapidly with worsening AMS.

Weather:

• Carry a flashlight when going outside. Night vision is reduced 30% - 50% at this altitude and obstacles become more dangerous.
• Snow and ice are common year round. Watch for slippery surfaces and FALLING ice. High winds can exacerbate the situation. Install tire chains during bad weather. Ice, snow and wind are a dangerous combination.
• Wind often gusts to 35 mph or more. Sustained winds above 50 mph are not uncommon, nor are gusts of 100 mph or more. Blowing debris can cause serious injury. When ice is present, large blocks can be blown from the dome with tremendous force.
• A wind of 30 mph added to a normal night temperature of 0 degrees C will result in a wind-chill equivalent of -20 degrees C. Any exposed skin will quickly freeze. Never leave the building without proper attire, even briefly. Hypothermia is life threatening.

Egress:

• Know your way around. Check the emergency exit maps posted throughout the facility. Make sure the exits are clear; in winter, snowdrifts often block the Keck I control room exit.
• Always carry a radio with you. Tell the OA if you are leaving the control room and give your estimated time of return.
• Night vision is severely impeded at high altitude. DO NOT ENTER THE DOME WITHOUT A FLASHLIGHT!
• If you do go outside, take a radio and a flashlight. Make sure you can return.
• LET SOMEONE KNOW and tell them when you will return. There is a bell at the visitors’ entrance (i.e., Keck I entrance).

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