SHE SC08 Appendix 2 Environmental

SC08 Appendix 2 Environmental
11 May 2023

Yes
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Environmental: Climate and Geology

Hazard	Effect and possible Controls for the Hazard
Exposure to unfamiliar or extreme conditions e.g. altitude, hot deserts, frozen climates, monsoon and high humidity	Awareness of the locality and conditions likely to be experienced. For example, STFC staff regularly visit the European Southern Observatory in the Atacama Desert, at high altitude, and where exposure to higher levels of UV radiation occurs. Other sites include frozen climates e.g. Svalbard, where the potential for hyperthermia is possible. When a person is exposed to conditions to which they are not accustomed they can be prone to fatigue and physical stress. Controls to reduce the risk Be aware of the likely environmental conditions you will have to contend with and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk and mitigate any eventualities. Be aware of symptoms of High Altitude Illnesses. Acute Mountain Sickness, or worse conditions, can be minimised through acclimatisation at intervening altitudes or prophylaxis such as with acetazolamide. Exposure to harmful UV radiation (UVA and UVB) is greater at the equator than the poles and also increases approximately 5% for every 300m altitude gain. Appropriate skin and eye protection and limiting exposure time around solar noon will help minimise effects of sunburn and acute keratitis (“snow blindness”). Check that any medication being taken will not affect sensitivity to UV radiation. Exposure to high temperatures results in water and electrolyte loss from the body and can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so continual replenishment is important. Exposure to hot, dry, dusty air may lead to irritation and infection of the eyes and respiratory tract. Avoid contact lenses in order to reduce the risk of eye problems
Extreme geological events e.g. volcanic eruptions and earthquakes	Be aware of the potential for these extreme events if you are going to travel to such countries as Chile, Japan etc. since they can cause great devastation and loss of life; as well as affecting the local infrastructure after the event. Some consideration should be given to secondary events e.g. tsunami’s produced by earthquakes etc. Controls to reduce the risk Be aware of the potential for these hazards and what measures should be taken in the event that you are unfortunate enough to experience such an event. If you have a local contact they should be a good source of information on how to respond. Follow any advice or instruction given by local civil or military authorities in the event of an emergency. Consider how you could be extracted from the area in the event of seismic activity.
Extreme climatic events e.g. tidal extremes, storms, typhoons/hurricanes and avalanches.	Be aware of the potential for these extreme climatic events since they can cause great devastation and loss of life; as well as affecting the local infrastructure after the event. Controls to reduce the risk Avoid travelling to destinations that regularly suffer from these events if possible. Be aware of what action you should take in the event that you are subject to these extreme conditions. Follow any advice or instruction given by local civil or military authorities in the event of an emergency

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