Altitude

Altitude (Download)

ALTITUDE INTRODUCTION 40 Million people live at altitudes over 3000 m Impossible to live at altitudes over 5500 m for more than a few months. Improvements in technology are allowing for construction activities to occur in more difficult and dangerous areas. Safety concerns include tight working spaces, maintenance of mechanical equipment and worker safety. Medical concerns are very serious and attended to with every precaution. NOTABLE HIGH ALTITUDE CONSTRUCTION Breckenridge, CO Highest U.S. ski resort (12,998 ft.) Source : http://www.breckenridge.com/mountain/mountain-information.aspx Österreichischer Touristenklub Austrian Tourist Club, Grisons Alps, Austria Highest modern passive building (7,062 ft.) Source : http://www.cipra.org/en/alpmedia/news/1810 Qinghai Tibet Highest trail system (16,640 ft.) Source : http://www.chinatibettrain.com/ LOCATION Highest Elevations in the U.S. Alaska: 20,320 ft. (Mt. McKinley) California: 14,494 ft. (Mt. Whitney) Hawaii: 13,796 ft. (Mauna Kea) Source : http://geology.com/state-high-points.shtml EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE All the medical effects of high altitude are caused by oxygen deprivation. The reduction in oxygen is best described by the fall in inspired partial pressure of oxygen These altitudes can have serious physical effects on humans. The three major areas that are affected are: Mental performance Physical performance Quality of sleep Source : Curtis, Rick , Outdoor Action Program, 1995, Princeton University EFFECTS OF HIGH ALTITUDE Mental Performance arithmetical errors reduced attention span increased fatigue impaired short-term memory increased difficulty in making decisions. Conditions improved after acclimatization. ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS Typically occurs at elevations above 8,200 feet Symptoms: Nausea Fatigue Headaches Vomiting Insomnia Source : http://firstaid.webmd.com/mountain-sickness-acute ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS Typically, symptoms can be reduced by descending in elevation If descent is not possible, other treatments include: Hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag) Oxygen respirators HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE) Typically occurs at elevations above 13,000 feet Symptoms: Nausea Fatigue Severe Headaches Vomiting Lack of Coordination Source : The Institute for Altitude Medicine at Telluride, CO. HIGH ALTITUDE CEREBRAL EDEMA (HACE) Treatments: Descending to a lower altitude Significantly reducing heavy exertion for the first 1-2 days exposed to high altitudes Dexamethasone pills Source : The Institute for Altitude Medicine at Telluride, CO. Hyperbaric chamber (Gamow bag) HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE) An accumulation of fluid in the air sacs of the lungs due to leaky capillaries Severely inhibits exchange of oxygen in the lungs Symptoms: Shortness of breath with exercise Persistent cough sometimes with blood Chest tightness or congestion Severe weakness Source : The Institute for Altitude Medicine at Telluride, CO. HIGH ALTITUDE PULMONARY EDEMA (HAPE) Untreated patients can suffer comas and possible fatalities Treatments: Oxygen/hyperbaric chamber Rest Descent Blood pressure medication Source : The Institute for Altitude Medicine at Telluride, CO. FATALITIES No construction fatalities directly linked to acute mountain sickness, HACE, or HAPE investigated by OSHA from 1990 thru 2009 It must be realized that workers at altitude may be injured indirectly because of the hazards associated with working at altitude Source : Extracted from OSHA Accident Investigation Data 1990-2007 ALTITUDE AND OSHA GUIDELINES There are no directly applicable OSHA regulations pertaining to working at altitude. SAFETY PROCEDURES When working in higher altitudes, greater strain is put on the body because of the lack of oxygen Lack of oxygen causes a physical distraction for workers; distractions can led to more injuries and slower completion time Workers should spend at least 1-2 days at high altitude before work begins SAFETY PROCEDURES Workers should not over-exert themselves Workers should maintain good hydration, but not alcohol Workers should stop working immediately if they feel any symptoms related to high altitude sickness as these symptoms will cause mental and physical distractions for the workers Get lots of rest Wear sunscreen as sunburns are easier to get THINK SAFETY WORK SAFELY

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