Aircraft

Accident/Incident
Investigation

On site hazard
prevention
Guidelines for
the investigator

FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

 1

AIRCRAFT ACCIDENT
INCIDENT INVESTIGATION
On site hazard prevention
guidelines for the investigator

PREAMBLE

This document is for guidance purposes only. It aims to provides

the investigators with reminders to minimize potential hazards
during aircraft accident/incident investigations. It cannot be an
exhaustive list of recommendations as each aircraft accident /
incident investigations can be unique. Please bear in mind that,
as it cannot cover all potential situations and hazards, the sound
judgment and common sense of each individual Go Team
members will always be required to assess the particular risk
involved.

As a general guideline:

• Prior to approaching and/or entering a wreckage

perform a risk assessment analysis and take corrective
action so as to cancel or minimize the detected risks.
In all cases wear protective clothing and equipment.

• Do not approach without authorization an unsecured wreckage

(presence of fire, pyrotechnic features, …)

• Depending on accident sites, leave specific tasks to assigned

specialists only (diving, escalating cliffs, …)
2 3

• Do not remove any remaining components from wreckage TYPE OF HAZARD

without approval from appropriate authorities (investigating
judge, accredited police officer, investigator in charge,
ENVIRONMENTAL
national accredited representative, …).
>> Weather
• Do not yourself remove any body parts: leave this to the >> Terrain
appropriate specialists (authorized staff members,
rescue or medical personnel,…). MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL
>> Wreckage and debris
• When assigned to a particular group, remain with that group >> Pressure bottles and accumulators
until relieved.
>> Electrical component
Should you have any doubts or questions, do not hesitate
CHEMICAL & RADIOACTIVE
to contact:
- Airbus Medical Center 05 61 93 21 58 >> Combustion products, hydrocarbons, fuel
- Airbus Crisis room if activated >> Metals and oxide
>> Carbonated halogens
In the event of an injury or disease while on an >> Composites and Fiberglas
accident/incident, contact and file investigation mission
report: when convenient BIOLOGICAL
- Airbus Crisis room if activated
>> Bloodborne pathogens
- Europ Assistance:
Phone +33 (0)1 41 85 85 85 >> Contaminations and transmissible diseases
with contract number Nb: 53687215 >> Wildlife
Europe Assistance will organize if necessary medical care,
hospitalization or repatriation with local medical centers. HEALTH AND OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
- Logistic Manager hot line 05 67 19 11 44 >> Travel
- Flight safety hot line 06 29 80 86 66 >> Food, beverages, workload and physical resistance
- Airbus Medical Center (Report the accident or incapacitation
within 24H00 (Exl: non-working days) 05 61 93 21 58
- For ease of information, a form is available a the end of the booklet. Each potential hazard is described as follows:
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATMENT

AIRTAC :
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY
33 (0) 561 933 400
 ENVIRONMENTAL
ENVIRONMENTAL

>> Weather
>> Terrain
 4 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
>> Weather
CONDITIONS
Precipitations, rain, snow,
wind, sand, dust, fumes.
Low temperatures
High temperatures
White out, poor visibility,
fog, sand or snowstorms,
darkness.
>> Terrain
CONDITIONS
Mountainous areas
Reduced oxygen, possible high
temperature during daytime.
Low temperature at night.
Extreme lighting in sun and snow.
Poor visibility in snow storms.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Slipping, tumbling, falling.
Being hit by flying objects. Irritation
of skin, eyes, mouth, nose and
throat. Wet clothes and bags will
increase weight, fatigue and
exposure to diseases.
Frostbite and hypothermia,
aggravated by wind chill effect
and/or humidity.
Dehydration, heat stroke
aggravated by relative humidity.
Dazzling, blindness.
Disorientation, getting lost.
Loosing contact with others.
Slipping, tumbling, falling.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Mountainous areas
Altitude sickness, dizziness,
tiredness, hypoxia, headaches,
nausea, altitude blindness, frostbite
and hypothermia, aggravated by
wind chill effect and precipitation,
slipping, tumbling, falling.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 5
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Check weather forecast.
Wear protective clothing, mask, hat, gloves.
Wear adapted equipment, several clothing layers, including head
protection against low temperature. Eat and drink (hot) regularly. Avoid
alcohol and nicotine. Avoid sweating. Use cream protection. For further
information refer to appendix exposure to the cold.
Protect skin and head from sun. Provide sufficient quantities of drinking
water. Avoid drinking ALCOHOL, SODA and CAFEINE.
Wear sunglasses. Rope people together. Use beacons, flares,
flashlights. Light the area.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Mountainous areas
Whenever feasible, avoid exertion above 8000 ft - 2400m. Wear adapted
clothing, sunglasses, and have mountain equipment helmet, ice axe,
rope musketoon, etc, … Protect skin and head from sun.
Check weather forecast. Anticipate overnight clothing and equipment.
Have oxygen on hand for high altitude climbing.
(Generally, above 3500-4000m. For further information refer to appendix
exposure to high altitude).
 6 ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
>> Terrain (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Desert
High temperatures during daytime.
Low temperatures at night.
Extreme lighting in sun. Wildlife.
Jungle
High temperatures and
high relative humidity.
Poor lighting in dense vegetation.
Wildlife.
Urban areas and airports
Noise, traffic density.
Crowd can be hostile.
Swamps
Tree roots, holes.
Swamps can be highly
contaminated and infested with
hazardous wildlife or vegetation.
Water operations
Submerged wreckage. Ocean, sea,
lakes. Rivers, torrents, cascades.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Desert
Dehydration, heat stroke aggravated
by lack of water. Dazzling blindness.
Jungle
Heat stress, heat stroke,
and tiredness.
Slipping, tumbling, falling.
Disorientation, being lost.
Urban areas and airports
Hearing and communication
difficulties, causing unawareness
of potential hazards.
Swamps
Slipping, tumbling, falling.
Drowning, wildlife aggressions.
Contamination. Infection.
Water operations
Tumbling, falling, downing.
Being hit by floating objects.
Being thrown against rocks or
trees in strong currents.
Divers sickness (in deeper waters).
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 7
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Desert
Whenever feasible, reduce activity during daytime. Protect skin and head from
sun. Wear sunglasses. Protect eyes, mouth and nose against dust and sand.
Provide sufficient quantity of drinking water (3L mini/person/day) and salt tablets.
Jungle
Limit activity to compensate for humidity and heat. Protect skin from
wildlife and vegetation. Provide sufficient quantities of drinking water
(3L mini/person/day) and salt tablets.
Urban areas and airports
Wear protective clothing and earplugs. Do not walk on or under unstable
zone, or walk under suspended parts.
Install security perimeter.
Organize access and circulation.
Swamps
Wear protective clothing, mask, earplugs, mosquito netted hat. Keep
trousers legs tight (use rubber band), sleeves rolled down and tight, collar
buttoned. Use insect repellent. Prevent swamp water from contacting
open cuts. Do not come close to, nor touch animals, even if they look
familiar. Do not walk barefoot. Use a walking stick. Look out.
Water operations
Leave boat driving and diving to trained personnel.
Use safety belts and ropes. Wear helmet and life jacket.
 MECHANICAL &
MECHANICAL &

ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL
>> Wreckage and debris
>> Pressure bottles and accumulators
>> Electrical component
 8 MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
>> Wreckage & debris
CONDITIONS
Falling parts, opening doors.
Sharp edges from metal,
glass, composites, frayed cables.
Cables, wiring and chains.
Confined area, soot, dust, blowing
sand, fumes, glass fibers,
asbestos…
>> Pressure bottles
and accumulators
CONDITIONS
Oxygen bottles and vessels.
Fire extinguishers. Evacuation
slides inflation bottles. Propeller
spring loaded hubs. Spring
actuated systems. Shock
absorbers and accumulators.
Tyres.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 9
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Crushing, tumbling, falling.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, helmet, safety shoes, glasses.
Look out and watch your steps. Do not walk on or under unstable
Cuts, lacerations, scalp
zone, or walk under suspended parts.
wound.
Use caution when approaching tension loaded cables or chains.
Can break if tension
loaded, and parts can shift.
Can make people stumble.
Irritates or injures eyes and Control atmosphere and wear protective respiratory mask system, stay
respiratory system. upwind. Protect ears, hair, skin, eyes and avoid contact lenses.
Wear protective mask, glasses.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Can reach very high or very low Wear protective clothing, gloves, mask and glasses.
temperatures when activated. Can Make fire extinguishers available. Call systems specialists. Ask for tyres
ignite flammable products, actuate to be deflated and un-pressurized systems before accessing the site.
pyrotechnic devices and induce
further explosions. Can explode or
become projectiles.
 10 MECHANICAL & ELECTRICAL HAZARDS
>> Electrical components
CONDITIONS
Batteries. Electrolytes.
Capacitors. Cathode ray tubes
(CRT's).
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 11
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Shortcuts and sparks may Use extreme caution when removing or disconnecting any electrical
ignite flammable products and component. Make sure there is no flammable product in the area.
induce explosions. Body contact Wear protective clothing, shoes, gloves, glasses and mask.
may cause electrical shock. Make fire extinguishers available. Isolate body from earth contact.
Leaking chemicals (acid, lithium, Do not stand in water. Make sure your body is not wet.
cadmium…) may disperse toxic
fumes and liquids, resulting in
skin, eyes and respiratory system
irritation, burns and intoxications.
Sharp edges (cables, broken
CRT's...) can cut.
 CHEMICAL &
RADIOACTIVE
>> Combustion products,
hydrocarbons, fuel

RADIOACTIVE
CHEMICAL &
>> Metals and oxide
>> Carbonated halogens
>> Composites and Fiberglas
 12 CHEMICAL AND RADIOACTIVE
HAZARDS
>> Combustion Products,
Hydrocarbons, Fuel,
Fuel Additives
CONDITIONS
Combustion products:
Some materials are hazardous in
their normal state and some
become hazardous due to the
effect of impact, fire or combination
of impact and fire. (Post burn
metal oxides, burned fluorolast-
omers, burned polymers, oils,
grease, fuels, battery fluids, …).
Kerosene and derived
products (esthers, benzene…).
Methylphenol. Lead tetraethyl.
Diethyl-glycol. Methanol and
water-methanol.
Tricresylphosphate. Molybdenum
sulfide. Xyline. Amino-aromatics.
Polytetrafluorethylen (PTFE).
Fluoro-elastomers (Viton).
Carbon monoxide.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Short breathe, loose
consciousness. Up to lethal.
Vapours are very flammable.
Fire and explosion hazard. Inhaling
vapours is toxic. Ingestion causes
nausea. Skin contact causes
irritations and burns. Eyes contact
causes burns.
Fire and explosion hazard.
Inhalation causes vertigo, nausea,
ear buzzing, diarrhea, respiratory
problems, hallucinations. Ingestion
causes nausea, gastro-intestinal
troubles, nervous disorders,
paralysis. Skin contact causes
burns and intense irritation.
Inhalation causes vertigo, nausea,
headache, loss of consciousness,
coma, and death resulting from
anoxia.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 13
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Perform a risk assessment analysis and take corrective action
accordingly to cancel or minimize detected risk.
In all cases wear protective clothing, gloves, respiratory mask system,
eye protection and equipment.
In all case, take the advice from responsible agencies, firefighters, etc …
Do not enter fuel tank without complying with regulations, A.M.M and
having a safety person out of the tank.
Keep away from oxygen, sparks and fires. Keep fire extinguisher
available. Wear protective clothing, gloves, glasses and wear autonomous
breathing equipment / oxygen mask.
Do not smoke on site. Wash your hands.
Lather skin with soap and rinse skin or eyes with clean water
for 10 minutes mini. Eliminate contaminated clothes. Do not eat nor drink
on the site. If product is ingested, do not force vomiting.
Control atmosphere and wear autonomous breathing equipment, stay
upwind.
Ventilate the area.
 14 CHEMICAL AND RADIOACTIVE
HAZARDS
>> Metals and oxides
CONDITIONS
Beryllium, lithium, chromium, lead,
cadmium, mercury…
Oxide of aluminium, magnesium,
titanium, zinc, zirconium, boron,
beryllium.
Radioactive elements.
>> Carbonated halogens
CONDITIONS
Extinguishing products.
>> Composites and fiberglass
CONDITIONS
Impact and/or fire change
composite hazards.
Glass fibers.
Carbon fibers.
Kevlar, Asbestos, etc.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Toxic under solid, liquid and/or
gaseous conditions. Lethal under
severe or frequent exposure
conditions.
Skin burns, cancer. Genetic
alterations. Lethal under severe or
frequent exposure conditions.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Affects nervous system, heart and
respiratory systems. Eye contact
causes irritation.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Skin contact and ingestion cause
needle stick injuries, dermatitis.
Inhalation causes asthma,
respiratory troubles. Fumes and
gas are toxic. Some products are
flammable.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 15
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Control atmosphere and wear protective respiratory mask system,
stay upwind Wear protective clothing, helmet, gloves and glasses.
Have the area searched for chemical and radioactive contamination
prior to accessing the site. Regularly measure absorbed radioactivity
doses. Decontaminate clothes, equipment and tools when leaving the
area.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Ventilate the area. Wear protective glasses and gloves. Rinse eyes with
clean water for 10 minutes mini.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Stay upwind. Control atmosphere. Wear protective clothing, gloves,
respiratory mask system for particles and/or gas, glasses avoid contact
lense. Do not eat nor drink on the site. Make fire extinguisher available.
 BIOLOGICAL

>> Bloodborne pathogens

>> Contaminations
and transmissible diseases
>> Wildlife

BIOLOGICAL
 16 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Bloodborne Pathogens
General considerations Have bodies removed before searching
the area. Don't eat nor drink in the site accident; don't expose open cuts.
Wear surgical gloves at all times, even under working gloves; don't reuse
or rinse contaminated clothing or surgical gloves. Don't handle personal
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Immuno-Deficiency Immuno-Deficiency Virus
Virus (HIV; AIDS) (HIV; AIDS)
(All countries, but higher risk in Contamination by blood and sexual
Africa). transmission, and transmitted
genetically. Virus can stay latent for
a long time before symptoms
appear. Lethal.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Contamination by blood and sexual
transmission. Jaundiced skin and
eyes, tiredness, loss of appetite,
dark urine, discolored stools.
Sometimes lethal.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 17
items with used gloves; avoid hand contact with mouth and face; Use or
own disposable razor and syringes only. Apply strict protection measures
when socializing (condoms).
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT
Immuno-Deficiency Virus lImmuno-Deficiency Virus
(HIV; AIDS) (HIV; AIDS)
Wear PPE. No known treatment. In case of cut
Use caution when searching or wound, lather with soap and
debris. rinse with water, clean carefully
with antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide,
chlorhexidin or alcohol).
Hepatitis B (HBV)
Vaccination (3 shot series).
Wear PPE. Hepatitis B (HBV)
Use caution when searching Hepatitis C (HCV)
debris. In case of cut or wound, lather
with soap and rinse with water,
clean carefully with antiseptic
(hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidin or
alcohol) In case of diarrhoea,
increase drinking water ration to
compensate for water loss.
Complete healing requires several
Hepatitis C (HCV)
months of complete rest.
Wear PPE.
Use caution when searching
debris.
 18 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 19

>> Contaminations and

transmissible diseases
General considerations Keep your vaccination up to date. Do not
participate in body removal operations. Do not eat nor drink on the site of
the accident. Do not expose open cuts. Wear surgical gloves at all times,
even under working gloves. Do not reuse nor rinse contaminated clothing
or surgical gloves. Do not handle personal item with soiled gloves or
hands; avoid touching your face. Allow wounds to bleed freely, if
necessary, clean with and antiseptic such alcohol, chlorhexidin or
hydrogen peroxide.

CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT

Tetanus Tetanus Tetanus Tetanus

(all countries). Bacillus transmitted by
contaminated soil through wounds
and cuts, affecting nervous
systems, causing contractions and
muscular pain. Sometimes lethal.
Yellow fever Yellow fever
(South America, Asia, Africa). Viral disease transmitted by
mosquitoes, causing severe fever
for several days.
Poliomyelitis Poliomyelitis
(all countries). Viral disease transmitted through
infected water, affecting nervous
system and paralysis. Sometimes
lethal.
Meningitis Meningitis
(Africa: Sahel; Asia: Mongolia, Infection of the meninx, causing
Central China, Saudi Arabia). severe fever, headache, neck
stiffness, nausea, mental
confusion.
Vaccination (effectiveness:
10 years). Wear working gloves.
Yellow fever
Mandatory vaccination
(effectiveness: 10 years).
Protection against mosquitoes.
Poliomyelitis
Vaccination (10 years
effectiveness). Drink only bottled
water. Do not use ice in beverages.
Do not eat crude vegetables.
Do not walk barefoot on beaches
or swamps. Do not bathe in
suspect pools, rivers, lake or sea.
Meningitis
Vaccination (3 years effectiveness).
Do not bathe in suspect pools,
rivers, lakes or sea.
In case of cut or wound, lather
with soap, rinse with water, use
antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide,
chlorhexidin or alcohol). Call a
doctor and have a booster injection
as soon as possible.
Yellow fever
Keep victim quiet. Control body
temperature and give antipyretics
(Paracetamol). Call a doctor.
Poliomyelitis
Call a doctor.
Meningitis
Call a doctor.
 20 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Contaminations and
transmissible diseases (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Encephalitis
(Rural and wooded area in Europe).
Japanese encephalitis
(Rural areas in East and South-
East Asia, frequent in rice fields
areas).
Diphtheria
(Eastern and North-Eastern
European countries).
Hepatitis A
(All countries).
Dengue fever
(South-East Asia, Caribbean,
Central America, Venezuela, Peru,
Africa).
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Encephalitis
Viral disease transmitted by tick
bites, causing fever, headache,
neck stiffness, nausea, mental
confusion.
Japanese encephalitis
Viral disease transmitted by
mosquitoes. Affects nervous
system, causing fever, headache,
neck stiffness, nausea, mental
confusion.
Diphtheria
Bacillus transmitted through dirty
hands and saliva. Membranes
develop in the throat, and
paralysing toxin is disseminated
in the body.
Hepatitis A
Transmitted by faecally or orally
contaminated food, beverages,
glasses, dishes, kitchen tools.
Jaundiced skin and eyes,
tiredness, loss of appetite, dark
urine, discolored stools.
Dengue fever
Bacillus transmitted by insects.
Symptoms similar to the flu: fever,
headache, coughing, pain in joints
and muscles.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 21
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT
Encephalitis Encephalitis
Protection against ticks. Remove tick. Control body
temperature and give antipyretics
(Paracetamol).
Call a doctor.
Japanese encephalitis Japanese encephalitis
Vaccination by double injection with Control body temperature and give
one week interval, available only at antipyretics (Paracetamol).
French Embassy or vaccination Call a doctor.
center and another one one month
later. Protection against mosquitoes.
Diphtheria Diphtheria
Vaccination Call a doctor.
(effectiveness: 10 years). Do not
touch your face and mouth with
dirty hands.
Hepatitis A Hepatitis A
Vaccination (10 years Call a doctor.
effectiveness). Wash carefully and
disinfect forks, knives, dishes and
glasses before use.
Dengue fever Dengue fever
Protection against insect bites. Keep victim quiet.
Control body temperature and give
antipyretics (Paracetamol).
Call a doctor.
 22 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Contaminations and
transmissible diseases (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Rabies Rabies
(all countries). Viral disease transmitted by bites
of some wild and domestic animals
(dog, cat, monkey, bat, fox…).
Symptoms : excitation, gradual
paralysis, often lethal.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis
(all countries). Bacillus especially transmitted in
high promiscuity situations. Affects
various organs, mainly respiratory
system.
Malaria (paludism) Malaria (paludism)
Rural areas in tropical and sub- Transmitted from sunset to sunrise
tropical countries. Also in rural and by mosquitoes. Severe fever
urban areas in Africa. appears after 10 days to 4 weeks
. time.
Typhoid Typhoid
(All countries). Transmitted by orally or faecally
contaminated food
and beverages. Diarrhoea.
Fever.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Rabies
Do not touch any wild nor
domestic animal, even if it seems
amiable or docile. Do not touch
any dead animal.
Tuberculosis
Vaccination BCG. Regular testing
against tuberculosis. Hygiene.
Malaria (paludism)
Protection measures against
mosquitoes. Prevention measures
are not 100% efficient and depend
on visited country, season of the
year and duration of the night
Typhoid
Vaccination (3 years
effectiveness). Drink only bottled
water and do not use ice in
beverages. Do not eat crude
vegetables. Do not bathe in
suspect pools, rivers, lakes,
and sea.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 23
TREATEMENT
Rabies
In case of animal bite, clean
wound with antiseptic (hydrogen
peroxide, chlorhexidin or alcohol)
or soap and rinse with water. Call a
doctor and have a rabies vaccine.
Tuberculosis
Use antibiotics.
Call a doctor.
Malaria (paludism)
If symptoms appear, keep victim
quiet.
Control body temperature and give
antipyretics (Paracetamol).
Call a doctor.
Typhoid
Keep victim quiet.
Control body temperature and give
antipyretics (Paracetamol).
In case of diarrhoea, increase
drinking water ration to
compensate for water loss.
Call a doctor.
Give antibiotics.
 24 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 25

>> Contaminations and

transmissible diseases (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT

Cholera Cholera Cholera Cholera

(All countries). Transmitted by orally or faecally
contaminated food
and beverages. Diarrhoea.
Fever.
Bilharziasis Bilharziasis
(Africa, South America, Middle East Parasite penetrating through the
and Far East). skin. Flu-like symptoms appear
after eight to twelve weeks with
fever, coughing, asthma, diarrhoea.
Amaebiasis Amaebiasis
Transmitted by amoeba in water
and crude vegetables, causing
bloody diarrhoea, dysenteria.
Plague Plague
Bacillus transmitted by gnawing
animals (rats) and their fleas.
Soaking of the skin and wounds,
infection of wounds, blisters and
insect bites.
Drink only bottled water and do
not use ice in beverages. Do not
eat crude vegetables. Do not
bathe in suspect pools, rivers,
lakes, and sea.
Bilharziasis
Do not bathe in rivers. Do not walk
barefoot on beaches nor in
swamps. General body hygiene:
have regularly a shower and use
body disinfectants.
Amaebiasis
Hygiene of food and beverages:
only drink bottled water; don't use
ice in beverages; don't eat crude
vegetables. Don't bathe in rivers,
lakes, swamps.
Plague
Protection against insect bites.
Destroy rats.
Keep victim quiet.
Control body temperature and give
antipyretics (Paracetamol).
In case of diarrhoea, increase
drinking water ration to
compensate for water loss.
Call a doctor.
Give antibiotics.
Bilharziasis
Wash and disinfect wet socks
and bathing suit.
In case of diarrhoea, compensate
the water loss by increasing
drinking water ration.
Call a doctor.
Amaebiasis
Give intestine antiseptics and
loperamid (Imodium).
In case of diarrhoea, increase
drinking water ration to
compensate
for water loss.
Call a doctor.
Plague
Use antibiotics
Call a doctor.
 26 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Wildlife
CONDITIONS
Tick
Oval grey or brown body, 0.5 cm
to 2 cm when mature. Found on
low shrub, grass and trees, carried
around by wild and domestic
animals.
Chigger
Tiny 1 mm long oval with red, or
colorless velvet covering. Found in
low damp places with vegetation,
shaded woods, high grass or
weeds, lawns, …
Scorpion
Crab-like 4 to 8 cm yellow body
with irregular black stripes on the
back, claw pincers and tail ending
in bulbous sac and stinger. During
day, burrows in sand, under
stones, bark boards, but roams
freely at night, and crawls under
doors into houses. Lethal types
found only in warm desert-like
climate.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Tick
Attaches to skin, bites and sucks
blood. After removal, there is a
danger of infection, especially if
mouthparts are left in the wound.
Transmits tularemia, encephalitis
and fever.
Chigger
Attaches to the skin by inserting
mouthparts into hair follicle. Injects
a digestive fluid causing itching
from secreted enzymes several
hours after contact, with red welts
and infection.
Scorpion
Painful sting. Swelling or
discoloration indicates a non-
dangerous sting; dangerous sting
do not change the appearance of
the area, which becomes hyper-
sensitive. First three hours are
critical with excessive salivation,
sluggish tongue, facial distortions,
high temperature, convulsions,
nervous exhaustion and death.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Tick
Keep trousers legs tight (rubber
band), sleeves down and tight,
collar buttoned. Use appropriate
repellent. Remove ticks from
clothing. Regularly inspect neck
and hair.
Chigger
Apply proper repellent to clothing,
particularly near uncovered areas
(wrists, ankles, neck…) and skin.
Scorpion
Do not walk barefoot, even at night
in an hotel room. Do not leave
bags, clothes, suitcases or shoes
on the ground, not even in an hotel
room. Carefully inspect clothes and
shoes before putting these on.
Wear gloves. Use caution when
searching debris.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 27
TREATEMENT
Tick
Remove with tweezers, making
sure none mouthparts are left in
the wound. Lather with soap and
rinse with water.
Apply antiseptic. Do not use Ether.
Consult doctor for potential
treatment
Chigger
Lather with soap and rinse
to remove chiggers.
Use antiseptic cream.
Severe lesions require anti-
histamine ointment.
Scorpion
Keep the victim quiet and call a
doctor.
Do not cut the skin.
Use “Aspivenin” and cold pack
above the bite to minimize venom
effect.
 28 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Wildlife (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Black widow spider
Dark brown/black 5 mm body, 30
mm legs extended, covered with
hair.
Female wears red or yellow
hourglass marking on the
abdomen.
Found with eggs and web in
vacant holes, under logs, stones,
long grass, hollow stumps and
brush piles
Brown recluse spider
Oval yellow to dark brown body,
10 mm long, 5 mm wide, 15 mm
extended legs. Distinctive mark on
the back (fiddler). Prefers dark
places, trash piles, debris, rough
ground.
Mosquito
Small dark fragile body with
transparent wings. Numerous
species found throughout the
world, with various undesirable
effects.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Black widow spider
Painful bites, local redness with
two tiny spots, causing muscular
rigidity, temperature increase,
perspiration, nausea, breathing and
talking difficulties, sometimes
constipation, urine retention and
convulsions. Death may occur from
respiratory paralysis.
Brown recluse spider
Bites only if disturbed. Painless
bite followed 2 to 8 hours later by
blister, swelling, ulceration and
haemorrhage. Some people
experience rash, nausea, jaundice,
chills, cramps or joints pain. May
be fatal to children or weak adults.
Mosquito
Female mosquitoes bite and suck
blood, causing itching and
localized swelling, sometimes
turning to red. Transmit yellow
fever, encephalitis and malaria…
Scratching the bite mark may
cause infection.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Black widow spider
Wear gloves. Use caution when
searching debris. Do not walk
barefoot. Spray insecticide in
suspect areas, and destroy egg
sacs.
Brown recluse spider
Wear gloves. Use caution when
searching debris. Do not walk
barefoot.
Mosquito
Wear mosquito netted hat. Use
insect repellent cream on exposed
skin every 4 to 6 hours. Use a
mosquito net in sleeping rooms.
Wear thick long sleeved clothing at
night. Use pyrethrum insecticides.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 29
TREATEMENT
Black widow spider
In case of bite, keep victim quiet;
call a doctor: may require
hospitalisation for a few days.
Do not suck the wound or cut
tissues: it increases the risks of
infection. Bleeding will not remove
the venom. Clean with antiseptic,
such as alcohol or hydrogen
peroxide.
Brown recluse spider
In case of bite, call doctor: bite
may require hospitalisation for a
few days. Full healing may take 6
to 8 weeks.
Mosquito
Do not scratch itching bite marks:
apply antiseptic to relieve itching.
Lather with soap and rinse with
water to avoid infection. Refer to
appropriate action in case of
transmitted diseases.
 30 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 31

>> Wildlife (cont'd)

CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT

Wasp Wasp Wasp Wasp

Winged body, yellow and black Sting causes localized itching. It takes Destroy nests and hives. Avoid Gently scrape the stinger without
stripes, different species varying 2 minutes to inject all the venom into wearing sweet fragrances and plucking nor squeezing the venom
from 10 to 25 mm. Lives in aerial the skin. Swelling may occur to other bright, colored clothing. Move sac. Lather with soap and rinse
or underground nests or hives, parts of the body. Allergic people slowly or better, stand still in with water. In case of allergy
widely distributed throughout the react with nausea, unconsciousness, vicinity of wasps. Keep food (swelling, faintness) occurance,
world. shock. Stings in mouth area cause covered. Inspect food, especially keep victim quiet and warm and
swelling of tongue, mucous tissues, fruit. call a doctor.
difficult breathing and talking,
sometimes death.
Cobra – Naja
Venomous snake found in Asia and
Africa, mostly under stones and in
rock cavities, also in low grass,
sandy and rocky ground. The Naja
snake is a cobra species from
India. Cobra – Naja Cobra – Naja Cobra – Naja
Crotale Crotale Crotale
Viper Viper Viper
Snakes usually take flight when Use caution when searching Keep the victim quiet and call a
approached by a person, and only debris. doctor.
become aggressive when Wear gloves. Do not cut the skin.
disturbed. Attack their victim by Do not walk barefoot. Use “Aspivenin” and cold pack
thrusting head violently forward, If under threat of a snake, above the bite to minimize
Crotale (rattle snake)
biting and injecting venom into the avoid moving, and call for help. venom effect.
Venomous snake found in America,
wound.
mostly under stones and rock
cavities.
Viper
Venomous snake found throughout
the world, mostly in low grass,
sandy or rocky ground.
32 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
>> Wildlife (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Mycosis
Microscopic mushroom developing
inside skin folds, mainly on feet
and toes, taking benefit of body
heat and moisture.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Mycosis
Soaking of the skin and wounds,
infection of wounds, blisters and
insect bites.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Mycosis
Have spare underwear and socks
available and change clothes
frequently, especially socks, in
moist situations, or when sweating.
Clean, dry-clean or bleach clothes
when possible, disinfect shoes.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 33
TREATEMENT
Mycosis
Inspect and clean any cut, blister,
wound or insect bite and use
antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide,
chlorhexidin) to avoid infection.
Lather skin with soap, rinse with
water. Use anti-mycosis ointment
on affected areas and repeat
frequently.
 HEALTH &
OCCUPATIONAL
>> Travel
>> Food, beverages, workload
and physical resistance

OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH &
 34 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Travel
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Jet-lag Jet-lag
Disturbances of physiological
rhythms: tiredness, sleep
disturbance, loss of appetite,
decrease mental and physical
performances.
Difficulties in catching Difficulties in catching
sleep. sleep.
Insomnia, frequent sleep
disturbances, nightmares,
sometimes aggravated by altitude.
Airplane "Economy class" Airplane "Economy class"
syndrome syndrome
Phlebitis, swollen legs and feet
resulting from uncomfortable
seating and lack of movement.
Motion sickness Motion sickness
(Airplane, boat, car, bus). Yawning, paleness, salivation,
sweating, muscular weakness,
vertigo, sleepiness, tiredness,
nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea,
dehydration. Risk increases with
hunger, tiredness, cold, alcohol,
and tobacco.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Jet-lag
Use destination time as from
departure. Adjust sleep and meals
to the destination hour.
Use ear-plugs and blindfold to
ease sleeping conditions during
travel. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Difficulties in catching
sleep.
Observe as much as possible day-
night circadian rhythms. Use
destination time and rhythms as
from departure. Use earplugs and
blindfold to ease sleeping condition
during travel.
Airplane "Economy class"
syndrome
Drink regularly; avoid alcoholic
beverages. Wear comfortable
clothing. Wear elastic stocking
upon medical advise. Walk
regularly.
Motion sickness
Drink regularly; avoid alcoholic and
soda beverages. Take light food. If
possible, lay down and rest.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 35
TREATEMENT
Jet-lag
Use rapid effect sleeping pills.
(Zolpidem, Stilnox).
Difficulties in catching
sleep.
Use rapid effect sleeping pills.
(Zolpidem, Stilnox).
Airplane "Economy class"
syndrome
Call a doctor.
Motion sickness
Use anti-histamines such as
Nausicalm, Mercalm,
Dimenhydrinate (take 1 to 2 every
8 hours, starting from 1 hour
before departure) or Scopoderm,
scopolamine (apply behind the
ears 1 hour before departure).
 36 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Travel (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Barotrauma
Travelling by air, pressure inside
body cavities (ears and sinuses)
may not adjust appropriately,
mainly during descent and
changes in cabin pressure.
Air conditioned areas
(airplane, car, bus, buildings).
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance
CONDITIONS
Food
Poor food quality and quantity,
inadequately scheduled meals.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Barotrauma
Violent pain in ears, nose, face
and/or frontal sinuses, sometimes
bleeding nose, ears or throat.
Higher risk when suffering from
cold, throat infection, otitis or
sinusitis.
Air conditioned areas
Dry and cold air from conditioning
systems causes dehydration,
irritation of respiratory system,
trachaeitis. Aggravated by smoking
or proximity of smokers.
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Food
Fatigue, stomach-ache, shivering,
hypoglycaemia, decreased mental
and physical capabilities, loss of
consciousness. Absorbing unfresh
and contaminated food, crude
vegetables or fruit, causes
diseases and incapacitation.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 37
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT
Barotrauma Barotrauma
Yawn or swallow regularly, chew Use ephedrine droplets into nose
gum or candies, make shear cavity before the aircraft descent
movements with the jaws. Only if (available from flight attendants).
there is no infection in the mouth
and throat area, use the Valsalva
process, by blowing air into the
inner ear with closed mouth and
nose.
Air conditioned areas Air conditioned areas
Drink regularly; avoid alcoholic In case of trachaeitis, use
beverages (alcohol increases antipyretics (paracetamol) to
dehydration). Have light, warm reduce possible fever.
clothing available. Don't smoke, Use throat antiseptic.
and prefer non-smoking areas.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS TREATEMENT
Food
Don't skip breakfast, which should
be the most caloric meal. Have a
light lunch and dinner. Don't nibble
between meals. Be careful with
rapid-sugar type of food (sweet
snacks, candies, etc…).
38 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Beverages Beverages
Excessive loss of body water
(sweating, vomiting, having
diarrhoea) causes dehydration.
Besides psychological and
behavioural disturbances,
excessive alcohol drinking causes
dehydration. Absorbing
contaminated water can cause
diseases.
Food intoxication Food intoxication
4 to 24 hours after foot ingestion,
sweating, paleness, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, high
temperature, headache.
Cold Cold
Hypothermia.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Beverages
Drink two litres a day at least;
increase to 4 litres of hot
beverages in cold weather, or 4
litres of cold beverages in hot
weather. Avoid public water for
drinking, brushing teeth or making
ice. Only drink bottled water; make
sure bottles are opened in front of
you. Don't use ice in beverages.
Don't eat crude vegetables. Hot
beverages are safe only if boiled
for 15 minutes (coffee, tea). Milk
must be boiled or pasteurised
before use. Don't bathe in suspect
pools, rivers, lakes or sea. Avoid
alcoholic beverages.
Food intoxication
Make sure your food is fresh.
Verify time limit of canned food,
eggs, milk products. Have hall
meat well done. Avoid crude
vegetables, fruit and deep frozen
food.
Cold
Increase food ration with protides
and vitamins, especially for
breakfast. Have hot food. Increase
water ration.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 39
TREATEMENT
Beverages
To obtain drinking water:
• boil for 15 minutes,
Or
• Add 1 tablet of hydroclonazone,
Micropure in 1 litre of water; wait
for 1 hour before drinking,
Or
• add 3 drops of chlorine bleach in
1 litre of water,
Or
• add 10 drops of iodine tincture
in 1 litre of water,
Or
• filter water with a “Katadyn“ type
of filter.
Food intoxication
In case of vomiting or diarrhoea,
rehydrate by increasing the water
ration, or drinking preferably
Coca-Cola, or similar.
Call a doctor.
Cold
Take complex vitamins in the
morning. Take ham, cheese and
eggs for breakfast.
 40 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Heat
Physical work
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
High-risk areas are Africa, Latin
America, India, South-East Asia
(except Hong-Kong, Singapore,
Taiwan). Medium risk areas are
North-Eastern Europe,
Mediterranean countries, and
Tropical china.
Ciguaterra
Fish foods intoxication in the Isles
of Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and
Caribbean Sea.
Workload and schedules
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Heat
Hyperthermia
Dehydration
Loss of appetite.
Physical work
Fatigue, breathlessness, muscular
pain, cramps.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
Affects 35% of travellers, causing
nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
cramps.
At least 3 liquid stools per day.
Causes dehydration.
Ciguaterra
About 12 hours after ingestion,
pins-and-needles sensation on
arms and legs, lips, tongue and
nose, salivation, sweating, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, and
dehydration.
Workload and schedules
Fatigue, decrease mental and
physical capabilities, symptoms of
exhaustion, burnout, depression
and behavioural distortions.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Heat
Eat cold food. Don't skip meal,
increase water ration. Increase salt
ration.
Physical work
Increase food ration with lipids for
breakfast and glucides for dinner.
Increase water ration.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
Carefully lather hands after
using the toilets. Avoid public
water for drinking, brushing
teeth or making ice. Only drink
bottled water.
Avoid ice cream, seafood,
crude vegetables or salad.
Food has to be well cooked,
and meat well done. Only eat
fruit that you have peeled
yourself.
Workload and schedules
Observe a pause at least every 2
hours, especially in heavy workload
environment and schedules or
reduced sleep duration.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 41
TREATEMENT
Heat
Keep victim quiet, in coolest
environment
Physical work
Take energizing food, animal fats,
pasta, rice, potatoes.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
In case of diarrhoea or
vomiting, rehydrate by
increasing the water ration,
or preferably drinking
“Coca-Cola”, or similar,
Take Loperamide (Imodium)
and/or Diosemctite (Smecta)
Call a doctor.
Workload and schedules
Isolate and keep the affected
person in a quiet area. Call a
doctor if symptoms persist.
42 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Proximity of dead bodies Proximity of dead bodies
Emotional shock.
Behavioural instability, tears,
nervous breakdown, stubborn
silence or excessive speech.
Somatic diseases, disgust, nausea
and vomiting.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Proximity of dead bodies
Keep physical and psychological
fitness. Avoidance techniques : do
not insist on looking; avoid suspect
areas; have a strong "technical" or
"professional" state of mind; try
dedramatizing the situation:
consider parts as organic material,
not as human remains. Do not get
involved with family of victims.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 43
TREATEMENT
Proximity of dead bodies
Keep quiet. Isolate the stressed
person from the area.
Stimulate his or her verbalization
and stress coping process.
Manage group anxiety in
stimulating individuals to talk.
Watch introvert and silent
individuals for potential breakdown.
Give anxiolytics (Bromazepam,
Lexomil) preferably under medical
surveillance.
Call a psychologist or a doctor.
38 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Beverages Beverages
Excessive loss of body water
(sweating, vomiting, having
diarrhoea) causes dehydration.
Besides psychological and
behavioural disturbances,
excessive alcohol drinking causes
dehydration. Absorbing
contaminated water can cause
diseases.
Food intoxication Food intoxication
4 to 24 hours after foot ingestion,
sweating, paleness, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, high
temperature, headache.
Cold Cold
Hypothermia.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Beverages
Drink two litres a day at least;
increase to 4 litres of hot
beverages in cold weather, or 4
litres of cold beverages in hot
weather. Avoid public water for
drinking, brushing teeth or making
ice. Only drink bottled water; make
sure bottles are opened in front of
you. Don't use ice in beverages.
Don't eat crude vegetables. Hot
beverages are safe only if boiled
for 15 minutes (coffee, tea). Milk
must be boiled or pasteurised
before use. Don't bathe in suspect
pools, rivers, lakes or sea. Avoid
alcoholic beverages.
Food intoxication
Make sure your food is fresh.
Verify time limit of canned food,
eggs, milk products. Have hall
meat well done. Avoid crude
vegetables, fruit and deep frozen
food.
Cold
Increase food ration with protides
and vitamins, especially for
breakfast. Have hot food. Increase
water ration.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 39
TREATEMENT
Beverages
To obtain drinking water:
• boil for 15 minutes,
Or
• Add 1 tablet of hydroclonazone,
Micropure in 1 litre of water; wait
for 1 hour before drinking,
Or
• add 3 drops of chlorine bleach in
1 litre of water,
Or
• add 10 drops of iodine tincture
in 1 litre of water,
Or
• filter water with a “Katadyn“ type
of filter.
Food intoxication
In case of vomiting or diarrhoea,
rehydrate by increasing the water
ration, or drinking preferably
Coca-Cola, or similar.
Call a doctor.
Cold
Take complex vitamins in the
morning. Take ham, cheese and
eggs for breakfast.
 40 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS
Heat
Physical work
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
High-risk areas are Africa, Latin
America, India, South-East Asia
(except Hong-Kong, Singapore,
Taiwan). Medium risk areas are
North-Eastern Europe,
Mediterranean countries, and
Tropical china.
Ciguaterra
Fish foods intoxication in the Isles
of Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean and
Caribbean Sea.
Workload and schedules
POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Heat
Hyperthermia
Dehydration
Loss of appetite.
Physical work
Fatigue, breathlessness, muscular
pain, cramps.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
Affects 35% of travellers, causing
nausea, vomiting, and abdominal
cramps.
At least 3 liquid stools per day.
Causes dehydration.
Ciguaterra
About 12 hours after ingestion,
pins-and-needles sensation on
arms and legs, lips, tongue and
nose, salivation, sweating, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhoea, and
dehydration.
Workload and schedules
Fatigue, decrease mental and
physical capabilities, symptoms of
exhaustion, burnout, depression
and behavioural distortions.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Heat
Eat cold food. Don't skip meal,
increase water ration. Increase salt
ration.
Physical work
Increase food ration with lipids for
breakfast and glucides for dinner.
Increase water ration.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
Carefully lather hands after
using the toilets. Avoid public
water for drinking, brushing
teeth or making ice. Only drink
bottled water.
Avoid ice cream, seafood,
crude vegetables or salad.
Food has to be well cooked,
and meat well done. Only eat
fruit that you have peeled
yourself.
Workload and schedules
Observe a pause at least every 2
hours, especially in heavy workload
environment and schedules or
reduced sleep duration.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 41
TREATEMENT
Heat
Keep victim quiet, in coolest
environment
Physical work
Take energizing food, animal fats,
pasta, rice, potatoes.
Diarrhoea ("Tourista")
In case of diarrhoea or
vomiting, rehydrate by
increasing the water ration,
or preferably drinking
“Coca-Cola”, or similar,
Take Loperamide (Imodium)
and/or Diosemctite (Smecta)
Call a doctor.
Workload and schedules
Isolate and keep the affected
person in a quiet area. Call a
doctor if symptoms persist.
42 HEALTH & OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
>> Food, beverage and physical
resistance (cont'd)
CONDITIONS POTENTIAL CONSEQUENCES
Proximity of dead bodies Proximity of dead bodies
Emotional shock.
Behavioural instability, tears,
nervous breakdown, stubborn
silence or excessive speech.
Somatic diseases, disgust, nausea
and vomiting.
PROTECTION / PRECAUTIONS
Proximity of dead bodies
Keep physical and psychological
fitness. Avoidance techniques : do
not insist on looking; avoid suspect
areas; have a strong "technical" or
"professional" state of mind; try
dedramatizing the situation:
consider parts as organic material,
not as human remains. Do not get
involved with family of victims.
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY 43
TREATEMENT
Proximity of dead bodies
Keep quiet. Isolate the stressed
person from the area.
Stimulate his or her verbalization
and stress coping process.
Manage group anxiety in
stimulating individuals to talk.
Watch introvert and silent
individuals for potential breakdown.
Give anxiolytics (Bromazepam,
Lexomil) preferably under medical
surveillance.
Call a psychologist or a doctor.
 APPENDIX

>> Exposure to high altitudes

>> Exposure to the cold
>> Index

APPENDIX
 I EXPOSURE TO HIGH ALTITUDES II
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

• From sea level, where the blood is 100% saturated • If, during your first hours at high altitude, you suffer from:
with oxygen, up to an altitude of 1,500 m, the amount - headaches
of oxygen breathed in is sufficient to ensure - insomnia
- loss of appetite
haematosis (oxygenation of the red blood cells)
- nausea
without any compensation mechanism. - breathlessness
- dry cough
• The first physiological signs appear between 1,500 - dizziness
and 3,000 m, where the blood's oxygen saturation
level is only 87%: • Think of hypoxia:
- increased heart rate, - drink abundantly. You must drink sufficiently to ensure
- increased respiratory rate, your urine is clear.
- do not make any physical effort, take the lift, do not carry heavy
- disturbed night vision,
luggage, do not run.
- sleeping disorders. - take an aspirin or paracetamol tablet.

• Above 3,000 m, the blood's oxygen saturation • In the following cases:

decreases despite the adaptation mechanisms.
Acute hypoxia may appear during the first hours
of a stay at high altitude.
Definition:
hypoxia: decrease in the quantity
of available oxygen molecules.
Misconception:
oxygenation is better
at high altitudes.
The organism acclimatises gradually in 8 to 10 days
as the number of red blood cells increases.
• Hypoxia symptoms:
- hyperventilation, tachycardia
aggravated by dehydration due to the altitude
aggravated by the weather conditions: sun, wind, cold.
- a headache that is not cleared by the aspirin or paracetamol,
- vomiting,
- breathlessness when at rest,
- abnormal or serious tiredness,
- lowered diuresis (no urine),
- bruising on your face,
- abnormal cough.
Call a doctor !
Danger the four hypos!
• hypoxia > lack of O2
• hypoglycemia > lack of sugar
• hypothermia > lack of heat
• hypohydration > lack of water
III EXPOSURE TO HIGH ALTITUDES IV
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

Calculate
your Mountain Sickness score

A clinical score can be calcutated directly Add up your points per symptom,
from the symptoms observed and calculate your score

Definition of
• Headaches Score Acute Mountain What you should do
• Nausea or loss of appetite Sickness
1 point
• Insomnia
• Dizziness 1 to 3 Slight • Aspirin or paracetamol
• Drink abundantly

• Headache that are not

cleared with aspirin 4 to 6 Moderate • Aspirin, rest,
or paracetamol 2 points no physical effort

• Vomiting • Call a doctor

• Stop your progression
to a higher altitude

• Breathlessness when at rest

• Abnormal or serious tiredness 3 points > 6 Severe • Call a doctor as
a matter of urgency
• Drop in diuresis (no urine)
 V EXPOSURE TO THE COLD VI
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

CLOTHING
It is only possible to support extreme cold,
especially if a physical activity is involved, with
individual equipment of the highest standard.
The goal is to create a microclimate around the
body by accumulating insulating layers of air.
It is therefore essential that you should wear
several layers of clothing. Your clothes must be
loose-fitting to keep the air between each layer
(choose clothes that are a size too big).
• Wear a Polar fleece balaclava helmet or chapka. Without a hat you can
loose up to 40% of your body heat via your head.
• Wear insulated, antiskid protection shoes. Keep a spare of protection
shoes for when you work indoors.
• Protect your eyes against UV radiation by wearing glasses suitable for
working in snow on a sunny day.
• Wear braces rather than belts because the latter can hinder your blood
circulation.
• Wear a mask to protect your face against cold winds.
• Do not wear dirty or greasy clothes because they will have lost a great
deal of their insulating qualities.

Furthermore, these clothes must allow your

perspiration to escape from the skin to the outside
and protect against the wind and snow, which is the SPECIAL TIPS
case with fabrics such as "Capilène" and "Gore-tex".
Avoid taking a shower in the morning (bodily secretions provide
protection).

When working outdoors: Never go out without your balaclava helmet, glasses and gloves.
Never touch metal with your bare hands.
• Wear underclothes with long sleeves and legs (they must be personal
and you must change them regularly). Do not wear tight clothes so as to avoid perspiring (prolonged but not
very intense efforts).
• Wear several layers of trousers of the type: Capilene, Polar fleece, cloth
+ waterproof trousers.
• Wear woollen socks to protect your feet and ankles. Take a spare pair Do not forget
with you in case they get wet or in case of excessive perspiration, and • sunscreen
change socks if necessary. • moisturising cream,
• Wear special overgarments: head, top, bottom and hands. • handcream (Vitadermacide)
• lipstick
• Wear mittens rather than gloves insofar as possible (leather mittens are
more supple). • wraparound sunglasses
(glacier type)
• Do not wear gloves or scarves which could get caught up in machines
• tissuepapers…
in operation.
VII EXPOSURE TO THE COLD VIII
FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY

DIET FROSTBITE

Two major preoccupations: Frostbite occurs when ice crystals form in the tissue of part of the body
exposed to the cold, which destroys that tissue. To begin with, you may
feel pain at the extremities, usually the toes, fingers and nose which
become pale and numb.
The skin turns white, and becomes hard, numb and insensitive, usually at
the level of the cheeks, earlobes, nose, fingers and toes.

1 Combating dehydration:
cold air, particularly when it is dry, tends to increase water losses.
When you make an intense effort, the fact of sweating can cause Preventing frostbite:
losses of more than one litre an hour. Dehydration causes
• Do not wash your face
fatiSgue, cramps, headaches, and reduces your resistance to the
in the morning
cold…
• Do not apply any cream
You must eat highly hydrated foods and drink large quantities (at to your face
least 4 litres per person a day). Make sure that it is OK to drink
• Do not smoke
the local water, otherwise take water with you.
• Drink lots of hot drinks, but
avoid coffee and alcohol

2 Combating constipation:
Changes of life style and behavioural habits, combined with food
that is poor in fibre may cause constipation. Your food must
therefore be rich in fibre and poor in fat.
 IX INDEX FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY X

A Boron oxide 14 Diving 1, 7 Headache 4, 12, 18, 20, 38,

Accumulator 8 Breakfast 37, 39, 41 Drinking water 5, 7, 17, 23, 25, 39 Appendix
Acid 10 Brown recluse spider 28, 29 Dust 4, 7, 8 Heat 4, 6, 7, 32, 40, 41, Appendix
Africa 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 30, 40 Dysenteria 24 Helmet 5, 7, 9, Appendix
AIDS 16, 17 C Hepatitis 16, 17, 20, 21, Appendix
Alcohol 5, 17, 19, 23, 29, 34, 37, Cadmium 10, 14 E High altitude 5, Appendix
38, Appendix Capacitors 10 Electrical component 11 High temperatures 4, 6, 26, 38
Altitude sickness 4 Carbon fibers 14 Electrical shock 10 Histamines 27, 35
Aluminium oxide 14 Carbon monoxide 12 Electrolytes 10 HIV 16, 17
Amaebia 24, 25 Caribbean 20, 40 Emotional shock 42 Hong-kong 40
America 18, 20, 24, 30, 40 Cathode ray tubes 10 Encephalitis 20, 21, 26, 28 Hydrocarbons 12
Amino-aromatics 12 Central america 20 Ephedrin 37 Hydroclonazone 39
Animal 7, 22, 23, 24, 26, 41 Chemical 10, 15 Europe 2, 20, 40 Hydrogen peroxide 17, 19, 23,
Antibiotics 23, 25 Chigger 26, 27 Explosion 8, 10, 12 29, 33
Anti-histamine 27, 37 China 18, 40 Hyperthermia 4, 38, Appendix
Anti-mycosis 33 Cholera 24, 25 F Hypoglycaemia 36
Antipyretics 19, 21, 23, 25, 37 Chromium 14 Far east 24 Hypothermia 4, 38
Antiseptic 17, 19, 23, 25, 27, 29, Ciguaterra 40 Fatigue 4, 36, 40 Hypoxia 4, Appendix
33, 37 Circadian rhythms 35 Fats 41
Asbestos 8, 14 Clothes 4, 13, 15, 27, 33, Appendix Fever 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 I
Asia 18, 20, 30, 40 Clothing 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, Fiberglass 14 Imodium 25, 41, Appendix
Asthma 14, 24 18, 27, 29, 31, 35, 37, Appendix Fire extinguishers 8, 9, 11, 13, 15 India 30, 40, Appendix
Cobra 30, 31 Flammable 8, 10, 11, 12, 14 Indian ocean 40
B Cold 5, 27, 31, 34, 36, 38, 39, 41 Fluoro-elastomer 12 Infection 6, 18, 26, 28, 29, 32, 33,
Bacillus 18, 20, 22, 24 Combustion products 12 Food 20, 22, 24, 25, 31, 35, 36, 36, 37
Barotrauma 36, 37 Composites 8, 14 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, Appendix Insect 7, 20, 21, 24, 26, 29, 32, 33
Batteries 10 Crotale 30, 31 Fuel additives 12 Insomnia 34, Appendix
Beryllium 14 Fumes 4, 8, 10, 14 Intoxication 10, 38, 39, 40
Beryllium oxide 14 D Iodine tincture 39
Beverages 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, Dehydration 4, 6, 34, 37, 38, 40 G
35, 37, 38, 39 Dengue fever 20, 21 Glass fibers 8, 14 J
Bilharziasis 24, 25 Dermatitis 14 Gloves 5, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, Jet-lag 34, 35
Black widow spider 28, 29 Desert 6, 7, 14 18, 19, 27, 29, 31, Appendix K
Bleach 33, 39 Diarrhoea 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 34, Kevlar 14
Bloodborne pathogens,16, 38, 39, 40, 41 H
Body temperature 19, 21, 23, 25 Diethyl-glycol 12 Halogens 14
Booster injection 19 Diphtheria 20, 21 Hat 5, 7, 29
 XI INDEX FOR INTERNAL USE ONLY XII

L O Shock absorbers 8 V
Latin America 40 Otitis 36 Sinusitis 36 Vaccination 17, 18, 19, 21, 23
Lead tetraethyl 12 Oxide 12, 14 Sleep 34, 35, 41 Vegetables 19, 23, 24, 25, 36, 39,
Lethal 12, 14, 16, 18, 22, 26 Oxygen 4, 5, 8, 13, Appendix Snake 30, 31 41
Life jacket 7 Oxygen bottles 8 South America 18, 24 Venezuela 30
Lighting 4, 6 South-East Asia 20, 40 Venon 27, 29, 30, 31
Lipids 41 P Spider 28, 29 Venomous 30
Lithium 10, 14 Pacific Ocean 40 Stress coping 43 Vertigo 12, 34
Paludism 22, 23 Submerged wreckage 6 Viper 30, 31
M Peru 20 Sugar 37, Appendix Viral disease 18, 20, 22
Magnesium oxide 14 Phlebitis 34 Sun 4, 5, 6, 7, Appendix Vitamins 39
Malaria 23, 28 Physical work 40, 41 Suspended parts 7, 9 Viton 12
Mask 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, Appendix Plague 24, 25 Swamp 6, 7, 19, 25 Vomiting 13 34 38 39 40 41 42,
Meat 39, 41 Poliomyelitis 8, 19 Appendix
Mediterranean 40 Polytetrafluorethylen 12 T
Meningitis 18, 19 Precipitation 4 Taiwan 40 W
Meninx 18 Pressure bottles 8 Tetanus 18, 19 Wasp 30, 31
Mental confusion 18, 24 Protective clothing 1, 5, 7, 9, 11, Throat 4, 20, 36, 37 Water operations 6, 7
Mercury 14 13, 15 Tick 20, 21, 26, 27 Water ration 17, 23, 25, 39, 41
Metal 8, 12, 14, Appendix Protides 39 Titanium oxide 14 Weather 4, 5, 39
Methanol 12 Pyrethrum 29 Tobacco 34 White out 4
Methylphenol 12 Tourista 40, 41 Wildlife 6, 7, 26, 28, 30, 32
Middle East 24 R Toxin 20 Wind 4, 9, 13, 15, Appendix
Molybdenum sulfide 12 Rabies 22, 23 Trachaeitis 36, 37 Workload 40, 41
Mongolia 24 Radioactivity 15 Transmissible diseases 18, 20, Wreckage 1, 2, 6, 8
Mosquitoes 7, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, Rattle snake 30 22, 24
23, 28, 29 Travel 34, 35, 36 X
Motion sickness 34, 35 S Tricresylphosphate 12 Xyline 12
Mountainous areas 4, 5 Sahel 18 Tuberculosis 22, 23
Mycosis 32, 33 Salt ration 41 Tularemia 26 Y
Salt tablets 7 Typhoid 22, 23 Yellow fever 18, 19, 28
N Sand 4, 7, 8, 26, 30 Tyres 8, 9
Naja 30, 31 Saudi Arabia 18 Z
Nausea 4, 12, 18, 20, 28, 30, 34, Scopoderm 35 U Zinc oxide 14
38, 40, 42, Appendix Scorpion 26, 27 Unconsciousness 30 Zirconium oxide 14
Nausicalm 35 Seafood 41
Neck stiffness 18, 20 Shock 10, 30, 42
Team member accident/incident:
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Eyewitness: Name – First Name –
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On site aircraft accident / incident investigation
Team member accident / incident data for Airbus Medical Center.

to be faxed: 33 (0)5 62 11 07 66
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