SOL: 8
12/21/2015 / Mon
HSO James A. F. Giammona
This report includes my survey of the First Aid equipment, my analysis of safety hazards and mitigation strategies, and my summaries of crew health thus far in the capacity of Health and Safety Officer at the Mars Desert Research Station.
First Aid Cabinet Survey
I catalogued and re-organized the First Aid Cabinet on the second floor in the Hab.
Bottom Shelf (Bandages): Bandages, gauze, sterile pads, cotton balls, mole skin, syringes, cohesive flexible pads, aloe lotion
Middle Shelf (Kits + Equipment): Gloves, balm, medical tape, blood pressure meter, neck brace, alcohol prep pads, tooth kit, water purifier kit, foot powder, petroleum jelly, bite and sting first aid kit, hand sanitizer
Top Shelf (Medicine): Anti-diarrheal (Loperamide HCl), Milk of magnesia, Pepto-Bismol, Gas Relief (simethicone), Stool Softener (Docusate sodium) antacid tablets, Ibuprofen, Advil, Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Benadryl, Anti-allergy (loratadine), Mucinex, antibiotic ointment, saline solution, aloe, sun screen, moisturizer, vitamin C tablets, fish oil tablets, flaxseed tablets, Airshield (anti-cold), rubbing alcohol
Fire Extinguisher, Fire Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Tests and Summary of Safety Hazards
I surveyed the safety equipment and checked all areas of the Hab for safety hazards.
Loft Area:
1. Fire Detector – Functional
2. Light Awning should be cordoned off instead of partially legible warning written on floor.
3. Small amount of exposed wiring on water pump. Should be covered with electrical tape.
Kitchen Area:
(Under awning):
1. Fire Detector – Functional
2. CO Detector- Functional
(Far Left Kitchen):
1. Small Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Green
(Right of Refrigerator):
1. Large Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Green
2. Fire Ladder – Present. Perhaps crews should practice using escape ladder before sim starts during a fire drill.
Stairs:
1. Fire Detector – Functional
2. CO Detector – Functional
3. Wood at the top of stairs is cracking. The connection to the second floor should be reinforced.
Engineering and Lab Area:
(Next to engineering airlock):
1. Heater is quite hot and could catch materials on fire if put too close. Consider adding a large warning sign and/or protective grating.
(Next to bathroom):
1. Large Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher – Green
2. Fire Detector – Light on, but could not get audible beep
(Toolbox):
1. Tools and power tools are inherently dangerous. They are stored neatly and safety goggles are present.
2. Consider adding heavy duty gloves.
Outside Engineering Airlock:
(Deck):
1. The step ladder is too small and difficult to navigate while in an EVA suit especially if the helmet is fogged up. Larger stairs should be built.
Also, chemical and hazardous substances and equipment necessary to experiments and research appear to be properly and safely stored in the Lab area in a number of drawers, cabinets, and cupboards attached to the wall.
To date, with respect to the crew health and well-being status:
1. No traumatic events, injuries, or accidents to report except,
a. A small insect bite which has been treated
b. A heel blister which has been treated
2. No infection or illness to report
To date, with respect to the EVA suit:
1. The EVA suits helmets often fog up completely. The lack of vision is a safety hazard. Fixing this should be a priority. Perhaps an inside windshield wiper or chin mounted wiper could fix this.
To date, with respect to food supply:
1. A careful check of the food supply stored in the pantry confirmed a good food status currently for this mission.