At ALMA, one of our core values is care, and we continuously educate ourselves to prevent risks associated with working at high altitudes. Between April 28 and May 2, the Safety Department successfully conducted mandatory training sessions on chronic intermittent hypoxia, an occupational condition affecting individuals performing their duties above 3,000 meters above sea level.
The training sessions empowered our workers to recognize the signs of hypoxia, understand the risks of working at extreme geographic altitudes, and apply preventive procedures. As explained by Iván López, our Health, Safety, Security, and Environment Manager, “These trainings provided workers with the tools to act with greater efficiency and confidence in emergencies, fostering a culture where everyone takes care of themselves and their peers.”
Having an observatory at an altitude of 5,000 meters presents unique challenges. Iván highlighted that “low oxygen availability is a constant risk, affecting cognitive functions and decision-making capacity and potentially causing symptoms such as nausea, confusion, and, if left undetected, serious long-term health effects.”
Reducing all risks
The training also addressed the needs of those working shifts at high altitudes who normally live closer to sea level. Due to its geography, Chile is a pioneer in studying population displacement to high-altitude areas. This phenomenon, known as chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH), involves rapid exposure and intermittent time lapses to oxygen depletion, a common occurrence in our facilities.
During the sessions, our colleagues learned about preventing diseases like acute mountain sickness (puna), polyglobulia (excess red blood cell production), cerebral edema, acute pulmonary edema, and sleep disorders. They were also reminded of the importance of good habits, such as a diet with fewer calories and more fluids, along with ensuring good sleep quality, to mitigate the effects of hypoxia.
The trainings, held in the OSF conference room and streamed to the SCO auditorium, were an essential reminder that maintaining health and safety is a shared responsibility. By fostering awareness and preparedness, we strengthen our commitment to caring for one another and ensuring ALMA operates safely at extraordinary heights.
Our collective task is to keep ALMA at the height of proper health and safety in our workspaces.
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