INDOEX Logistic Bulletin: INDOEX Field Safety Issue Information and Staff


PIs have primary responsibility for safey within their individual field work area. These responsibilities include:

Following are general topical safety areas that should be given some thought and reviewed by participants in the field phase of INDOEX. These safety areas should be second nature to most individuals and should already be incorporated in most basic safety operations. However, it is good to be aware of them, especially while in the field where other things may seem to be of higher priority.

Some general comments regarding work areas include: keep the floors clear of all obstructions, especially aisles and exits; avoid storing glass or chemicals on the floor; use appropriate notification signs warning of hazardous materials, radiation, no smoking or open flame; only use appropriate power connections.

Aircraft and research vessels will have safety regulations to be followed by investigators. it is the responsibility of the safety officers on these research platforms to make the regulations known to the participants. There will be regulations at the airport, both within the building and while on the ramp. It is the responsiblility of each PI to see that regulations in effect at their home institution are followed in the field. It will be necessary for each PI to post a sign warning of any hazardous conditions present in their respective work area.

Many chemicals and gases on site are flammable. Considerations should include proper flammable storage containers and labeling, both during use and during storage. PIs must inform the Ops Center Office of the need for a fire extinguisher and ensure that personnel working within their assigned work area are trained in the use of the extinguishers. Compressed gases must be handled in accordance with known regulations. PI's are responsible to ensure that all connections/valves are appropriate for the application and that the bottles are properly secured.

Spill containment kits are available for both organic chemicals and acids/bases. It would be prudent for a few PI's to have a couple of kits that can be shared among various labs.

If waste chemicals are generated, arrangements will need to be made for storage, transport, and disposal. Ops Center staff will be available to assist you in making these arrangements.

Depending on how and where chemicals are stored, chemical compatibility may be an issue. Proper storage practices are usually listed on the MSDSs. Thought should be given to how the chemicals are actually secured and stored during both use and transport. Corrosive chemicals are typically not stored above shoulder height. Often secondary containers are used on research platforms where turbulence is possible.

If toxic chemicals/gases are used, provision must be made for adequate ventilation. Individuals must be warned of the presence of such toxic materials when entering an area in which they are being used.

Users of radioactive materials or equipment containing radioactive elements may have had to obtain special licenses through state or national agencies that oversee radioactive materials. It is the responsibility of each PI to ensure that they are in compliance with regulations associated with their licenses. Special documentation will be required to ship radioactive materials. If UCAR, through Interconex, is responsible for your shipping, Ms. Mae Chu (see Shipping Bulletin) will apprise you of any documentation required and will assist you in completing the necessary forms. Signs and labels must be attached to all radioactive materials, and all personnel must be properly trained in their use. The use of radioactive materials must be posted outside the entrance of a work area. Prior to or shortly after arrival in the Maldives, PIs should submit to the Ops Center Office a written inventory of all radioactive materials and their location(s).

Emergencies, such as fires, chemical spills, leaks, and injuries should be reported immediately to an Ops Center staff. General concerns about the work area hazards and safety and environmental issues should be reported to the relevant PI and the Ops Center Office staff.



If you have questions or need clarification regarding information contained in these Bulletins, contact Ms. Diane Lask, JOSS, at (+1) 303-497-8684, lask@ucar.edu.


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Last modified: 6 January 1999