The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 6.5m telescope: Safety management at the extremely high altitude at Chajnantor mountain

Joaquin Collao; Takashi Miyata; Yuzuru Yoshii; Mamoru Doi; Kotaro Kohno; Masuo Tanaka; Takeo Minezaki; Shigeyuki Sako; Tomoki Morokuma; Toshihiko Tanabe; Bunyo Hatsukade; Masahiro Konishi; Takafumi Kamizuka; Kentaro Asano; Hiroaki Sameshima; Natsuko Kato; Mizuki Numata; Hidenori Takahashi; Tsutomu Aoki; Takao Soyano; Ken'ichi Tarusawa; Hisaka Iwano; Yukihiko Hamamichi; Osamu Mastubara

doi:10.1117/12.2561954

13 December 2020 The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 6.5m telescope: Safety management at the extremely high altitude at Chajnantor mountain

Joaquin Collao, Takashi Miyata, Yuzuru Yoshii, Mamoru Doi, Kotaro Kohno, Masuo Tanaka, Takeo Minezaki, Shigeyuki Sako, Tomoki Morokuma, Toshihiko Tanabe, Bunyo Hatsukade, Masahiro Konishi, Takafumi Kamizuka, Kentaro Asano, Hiroaki Sameshima, Natsuko Kato, Mizuki Numata, Hidenori Takahashi, Tsutomu Aoki, Takao Soyano, Ken'ichi Tarusawa, Hisaka Iwano, Yukihiko Hamamichi, Osamu Mastubara

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11445, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes VIII; 1144567 (2020) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2561954
Event: SPIE Astronomical Telescopes + Instrumentation, 2020, Online Only

Conference Poster

Abstract

Since the University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory (TAO) is located in extremely high altitude (5,640 m.a.s.l.), safety management is one of the most important issues for the project. We have developed safety management program for work at the site in order to prevent medical illness for humans. In this program all staff have to take medical examinations such as Electrocardiogram and Hipobaria before their work starts. The results are reviewed by medical doctor. Only authorized staff can be permitted to work at the site. During stay in site, all staff need to always use oxygen supply because there is only half of the oxygen at the site. It is also important to understand physical workload at the site. Our safety staff reviews it and determines necessary resting time for each worker, e.g. great load works need to work 50 minutes and rest 10 minutes. In addition to low air pressure, very low temperature, extremely high UV radiation, and extremely dry atmosphere should be concerned. Our program requests all staff to use winter clothes, sunblock and UV protection sunglasses and a lot of potable water consumption. Keep communication is also very important to secure the safety. Normal telephone communication is not available as well as internet connectivity. We have established satellite communication as well as UHF internal communication for general works and safety coordination with other observatories in Atacama area.

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Joaquin Collao, Takashi Miyata, Yuzuru Yoshii, Mamoru Doi, Kotaro Kohno, Masuo Tanaka, Takeo Minezaki, Shigeyuki Sako, Tomoki Morokuma, Toshihiko Tanabe, Bunyo Hatsukade, Masahiro Konishi, Takafumi Kamizuka, Kentaro Asano, Hiroaki Sameshima, Natsuko Kato, Mizuki Numata, Hidenori Takahashi, Tsutomu Aoki, Takao Soyano, Ken'ichi Tarusawa, Hisaka Iwano, Yukihiko Hamamichi, and Osamu Mastubara "The University of Tokyo Atacama Observatory 6.5m telescope: Safety management at the extremely high altitude at Chajnantor mountain", Proc. SPIE 11445, Ground-based and Airborne Telescopes VIII, 1144567 (13 December 2020); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2561954

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