APRIL 24, 2015--For years, OR&R has been concerned about staff’s ability to operate safely and effectively in the harsh arctic environment in the event of a major incident, given the wide range of weather-related and environmental hazards.

The 74-page OR&R Arctic Safety Assessment addresses general physical safety considerations, environmental hazards, maritime and aviation operations, and ground transportation. Beyond just characterizing risks in these areas, the assessment provides clear recommendations for ensuring/enhancing safety within each topic area, and also provides a thorough review of industry safety requirements for Arctic operations, as well as analyses of required and recommended trainings and gear by responder role. Finally, the report provides a detailed list of state, federal, industry and NGO arctic safety contacts to facilitate coordination.

The OR&R Arctic Safety Assessment was produced by CSS in consultation with, and with input from, a broad range of NOAA staff.

For more information, contact Kate.Clark@noaa.gov.

Go back to OR&R Weekly Report.