Safety

This page summarises the main safety rules at SMEAR III. Everyone working at the station, including visiting groups, should read it before their first visit. Station staff give a short safety introduction on site.

1. In an emergency: call 112 and give the address: Erik Palménin aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki. The station is in the parking lot next to Dynamicum. Then contact the station manager. First aid kits and fire extinguishers are in both the station and supersite containers. The main power switch is in the switch box outside, beside the pump room.
2. Working alone: contact the station manager before working at the station, especially outside normal working hours. Do not do risky work alone.
3. Mast: only trained staff climb the mast, never alone, and always with fall protection. If the weather is not suitable for climbing, mast work is postponed.
4. Chemicals and gases: all chemicals and gas cylinders must be stored securely and handled correctly. Do not use them unless you have been trained or have handled them before.
5. Radioactive and X‑ray sources: radioactive neutralisers and X‑ray chargers stay inside the aerosol instruments. Only trained staff may handle them.
6. Electrical, pressure and vacuum: many instruments use high voltage, the compressed air system is under high pressure, and the vacuum lines are under strong suction. Learn how to work with these safely before operating them alone.
7. Winter: watch for ice on the rocks and paths, and for ice falling from the mast.
8. Reporting: report all incidents and near misses to the station manager.