At ALMA one of our values is care, and therefore we must educate ourselves to prevent all risks to which we are exposed. Between April 28 and May 2, the Safety Department will conduct mandatory training on chronic intermittent hypobaria, an occupational condition that can affect our people who perform their duties above 3,000 meters above sea level.

To prevent risks and take care of our people, at ALMA we permanently study the physiological adaptation to high geographical altitudes, thinking about the well-being of our workers, considering that we receive people from all over the world.

“Our training allows workers to recognize the signs of hypoxia, understand the risks associated with working at extreme geographic altitude, and learn and apply preventive procedures. In the event of an emergency, they will have greater efficiency and confidence to act. By being prepared, workers will be able to take care of themselves and others,” explains Ivan Lopez, our Health, Safety, Security & Environment Manager.

Having an observatory that works at an altitude of 5,000 meters, says Iván, “with extreme atmospheric conditions and where especially the low availability of oxygen represents a risk that we have determined to be real and constant”. Considering these environmental conditions, “we have decided to address this issue in a much more profound way. Hypoxia affects cognitive functions, the decision-making capacity of our workers, and also generates symptoms such as nausea, confusion and, if not detected in time, can have serious long-term health effects,” he adds.

Reduce all risks

Another relevant factor is to take care of those who work in shifts at high altitude and who live closer to sea level.

Chile is a pioneer in the study of population displacement to high altitude areas, due to its geography between the sea and the mountain range. And it is known as chronic intermittent hypobaria (CIH) to the rapid exposure and intermittent time lapses to oxygen depletion. This is what we can experience in our facilities at more than 3,000 meters above sea level.

This training is aimed at preventing the development of diseases such as acute mountain sickness (known as puna), polyglobulin (excess production of red blood cells), cerebral edema, acute pulmonary edema and sleep disorders.

To complement our work in these latitudes and reduce the risk associated with hypoxia, good habits are essential: a diet with fewer calories and more fluids and ensuring a good quality of sleep.

Focused on prevention and care of our people, the trainings will be held in the OSF conference room. Here are the dates:

Additionally, the training will be transmitted from OSF to the SCO auditorium (Licancabur room), on Tuesday April 29 and Wednesday April 30, from 9:00 to 12:00 hours, the latter with English translation.

Keeping ALMA at the height of proper health and safety in our work spaces is a task for all of us.