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Home > Astronomy > Health and Safety Issues for Visitors |
Health and Safety Issues for Visiting Observers
The Observatory site is situated at an altitude of 2400 metres above sea-level. This
height is not usually a problem and no medical examination is
required for visiting observers.
But if for any reason you think it
might affect your physical condition, it would be advisable to check
with your local doctor before coming out. Check out the observatory's environmental conditions.
You are strongly advised to declare any serious medical condition
to the Director of the ING (director Astronomical observing is a potentially dangerous occupation. It frequently involves the operation of heavy equipment, in pitch darkness, at high altitude, and in lousy weather. Severe accidents have occurred at astronomical observatories, so visitors must take safety issues seriously. Visitors should note that the ING safety policy applies to them as well as to observatory staff. For that reason, they are provided with one of the following safety checklists upon arrival at the observatory, which should be read and returned signed: WHT, INT. The responsibility for safety on site during daytime working hours is vested in ING's Leader of the Operations Team, and at night in the Observing Support Assistant (OSA). They are the first point of contact in case of any emergency, and they have the authority to take decisions on safety issues, such as determining that the buildings or the observatory site should be evacuated, and such decisions must be obeyed. The IAC Residencia provides a 24-hour porter service who can also be contacted in case of an emergency. Always write the name/s of the observer/s (including room number/s) in the INT log book, and remember to submit the ING Booking form in advance of your run. This is essential e.g. in case of site evacuation. #For emergency procedures please refer to the Healt#h and Safety First aid, emergencies and medicinesThe OSA's mobile number is +34 616 974 513. He/She starts work 30 minutes before sun set. The IAC night porter's mobile number is +34 609 554576 and works until 23:00, stays on site and is on call for emergencies. During working hours you may contact the operations team by making a general call dialing 670 using the ING Cisco phones. The WHT control room (telephone number: +34 922 405559, +34 922 425452) is manned throughout the night (except when abandoned due to bad weather). The general emergency number in Spain is 112; they will speak your language! If you feel unwell, notify the operations team or your OSA or get someone to do so. For your own safety, do not, under any circumstances, go to your room and lie down without telling someone. If someone else tells you they feel unwell, make sure that the ING's Leader of the Operations Team, the OSA or the IAC Residencia porter are informed In case of an emergency contact ING's Leader of the Operations Team at daytime normal working times, or the Observing Support Assistant (OSA) at night. The IAC Residencia provides a 24-hour porter service who can also be contacted in case of an emergency. Observers who are resident in a European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland are advised to carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to facilitate any medical care within the Spanish public health system that may be needed during your stay on La Palma. Residents of the Netherlands and UK may apply for their EHIC respectively at: and Residents of other EEA countries and Switzerland should apply for their EHIC through their national health insurance systems. Without this card you will be required to pay any doctor and hospital charges. Note that the range of medicines available on site is extremely limited, since ING is not legally permitted to dispense medicines. This legal restriction includes non-prescription items such as aspirin, and visiting observers would be well-advised to bring their own supply. Other items which visitors are advised to bring include lip-salve (the atmosphere on site can be extremely dry), sun shield (particularly for those who intend to do much walking on site) and travel-sickness tablets (for those who might be affected by the journey up and down the mountain road). At the telescope buildingAlcoholic drinks are not allowed in the telescope buildings. Smoking is prohibited in all ING buildings. Drinks and cold snacks are allowed in the control rooms; please use the kitchen for hot meals. You may use the refrigerators, however please remove all your items at the end of your run. It is good practice to label (name and date) what you put in the fridge. If there is snow and ice DO NOT go out of the control room or the double south door at the INT onto the roof! Be aware of the risks related to handling liquid nitrogen. Working on siteObservers working alone at night are at particular risk. Carry the lone worker alarm and mobile phone always with you. Your Support Astronomer will show you how it works.
Procedure in case of a fireIf you discover a fire:
On hearing the evacuation signal:
The operations leader or the ING contact person will call 112 if a fire has been discovered that cannot be tackled. If a fire is discovered the operations leader or the ING contact person must inform the IAC reception, ING management and the ING safety adviser. Once a fire incident has been resolved the operations leader or the ING contact person, after agreeing with ING management or the ING safety adviser, will inform staff and visitors how to proceed. Walking and driving around siteBe aware of snow/ice risks during wintertime. If you intend to leave the site to walk, always tell somebody before you leave. Read this information about driving on site. Clothing |
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