The Polar Environment, Safety and Health Section (PESH) manages and oversees the environmental, safety, and health aspects of research and operations conducted in polar regions.

To learn more about PESH, click here.

Announcements

Statement from Dr. Kelly K. Falkner regarding COVID-19 and Antarctica OPP science support and operational changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Office of Polar Programs Safety and Occupational Health policy New U.S. Antarctic Program deployment requirement: Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine is now mandatory On March 21, 2013, the National Science Foundation issued a summary response to the recommendations of the U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel that was charged with advising NSF on how to improve and streamline its logistical capabilities to more efficiently support world-class Antarctic science. The response is available here. The U.S. Antarctic Program Blue Ribbon Panel report was released by the Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science Foundation on 23 July 2012 during a press conference at the National Academy of Sciences. The report, More and Better Science in Antarctica through Increased Logistical Effectiveness, is available here.

ARCTIC ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY AND HEALTH LINKS

Staff practice rescuing a human-sized mannequin dangling from a 50-meter instrument tower at Summit Station, a research outpost on Greenland's ice cap that is funded by the NSF in cooperation with the Greenland government. (Photo credit: Larry Gullingsrud, Polar Field Services/CH2M HILL Polar Services)

• CH2MHILL Polar Services
  • Greenland Guide (living and working in Greenland)
  • Medical clearance information and forms for Greenland fieldwork
  • Summit Users Guide
  • Remote Medical Services and Kits
  • Field Safety and Medical Training
  • Field Safety & Risk Management
  • CH2MHILL Polar Services Permit Information Page

ANTARCTIC ENVIRONMENT, SAFETY AND HEALTH LINKS

Environmental staff member cleaning up an old dump site in the Taylor Valley. (Photo credit: Clair VonHandorf, Best Recycling)

• U.S. Antarctic Environmental Stewardship
  • Comprehensive Environmental Evaluations (CEES)
  • U.S. Antarctic Environmental Documents List
  • Antarctic Conservation Act (ACA) —a summary
  • Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Public Law 95-541) as amended by Antarctic Science, Tourism, and Conservation Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-227)
  • ACA application and permit form
  • U.S. Regulations Governing Antarctic Meteorites
  • Don't Pack a Pest: preventing non-native species introduction to Antarctica
    
    
• U.S. Policy on Private Expeditions to Antarctica
  
  
• USAP.gov Information for Participants
  • U.S. Antarctic Program Field Manual
    This manual discusses safety procedures and requirements for a variety of polar research topics.
  • U.S. Antarctic Program Participant Guide (selected chapters):
    • Conservation, Permits, and Science Cargo
    • Living and Working at U.S. Antarctic Program Facilities
  • Physical Qualification (PQ) Requirements and Forms
  • Altitude in Antarctica Training