SAFETY....

• General
• ARC 3.5m Telescope
• ARC 0.5m Small Aperture Telescope
• SDSS 2.5m Telescope
• NMSU 1.0m Telescope
• Garage/Shop Building
• Operations Building and Dormitories
• SDSS Support Building
• APO Site Safety Plan
• Altitude Illness

General

The health and welfare of employees and visitors are our top priority. APO personnel are available to train user's on equipment. Do not engage in activities without proper training. When in doubt, contact the Site Manager.

APO's Site Safety Plan is available in the Library and on the web.

What follows is a brief discussion on hazards or precautions users should be aware of for each area.

In the event of an emergency, it is best to contact the Site Manager, Safety Officer, or other APO personnel listed on the APO emergency phone lists located in all control rooms and the Supply area.

DON'T PANIC. A few moments thinking about what to do will be more than repaid by a faster response from personnel. 

ARC 3.5m Telescope

The enclosure has a number of unique hazards. Do not enter this area without a safety briefing; contact the Site Manager

Emergency "STOP" buttons are located throughout the Operations building and the 3.5-m telescope. When a button is lit, this indicates the enclosure motors are disabled (OFF) from that particular button. When a button is unlit, the motors are enabled (ON) from that button only. All buttons must be unlit to enable the enclosure motors to operate.

TO STOP THE ENCLOSURE MOTORS, PUSH ANY BUTTON TO LIGHT

NOTE THAT THE BUTTONS ARE NOT SUFFICIENT PROTECTION FOR MAINTENANCE WORK. DO NOT PERFORM MAINTENANCE WITH MAKING PRIOR ARRANGEMENT WITH THE Telescope Engineer.

The motors are driven by computer commands and consequently, once activated, may move at any time without warning.

Telescope motor status is listed on the status board in the hallway of the Operations building.

Except for shutters and cranes, mechanical actuators are controlled by computer and can move at any time without warning.

Cryogenics are used to cool various instruments. The extreme cold causes tissue damage just as severe as a burn. Special training and safety equipment is required before handling cryogenics; contact Site Manager.

An emergency eye-wash stand is located on the ground level

ARC 0.5m Small Aperturue Telescope

The telescope is remotely-operated. Current status is located in the 2.5-m control room.

Cryogenics are used to cool various instruments. The extreme cold causes tissue damage just as severe as a burn. Special training and safety equipment is required before handling cryogenics; contact ARCSAT Project Director.

SDSS 2.5m Telescope

The 2.5m telescope has a motorized enclosure, a lower level instrument room, and a pier extending 30' above the ground. The enclosure motors are hand operated; caution should be exercised when approaching the building. An enclosure status board is located in the 2.5m control room; contact Telescope Engineer for access.

Cryogenics are used to cool various instruments. The extreme cold causes tissue damage just as severe as a burn. Special training and safety equipment is required before handling cryogenics; contact Site Manager.

NMSU 1.0m Telescope

This enclosure is remotely operated. Current status is located in the 1.0-m control room. Contact NMSU's 1.0m Engineer for access.

Cryogenics are used to cool various instruments. The extreme cold causes tissue damage just as severe as a burn. Special training and safety equipment is required before handling cryogenics; contact Site Manager.

Garage/Shop Building

Contains numerous tooling machines and hazardous chemicals. Use of machining tools or hazardous chemicals is limited to approved personnel. Arrangements are made with the Site Manager for training. A first aid kit is located in the shop area. An emergency eye-wash stand is located in the garage.

Operations Building and Dormitories

These areas contain virtually the same hazards that are found in private homes. Electrical shock and burns are the most probably injuries within these areas. Use the same caution, especially when dealing with electrical and cooking appliances. First aid kits are available in the Service area and Dormitory #4 - #9.

SDSS Support Building

Used to prepare and install equipment and instruments for the 2.5-m telescope, this area has a sub-level service trench--BE AWARE OF ITS LOCATION. Contact Lead Engineer prior to doing maintenance. A first aid kit is available in the building.

Cryogenics are used to cool various instruments. The extreme cold causes tissue damage just as severe as a burn. Special training and safety equipment is required before handling cryogenics; contact Site Manager.