If your business is involved in any altitude-related activities, you will want to make sure that you have the right staff training and safety measures in place. That is where altitude assessment comes into play—it can help you identify any risks associated with any altitude-related activity and ensure your team members are well-prepared for such tasks.
In this article, you will learn what altitude assessment is, how oxygen and altitude are related, how to conduct a high-altitude simulation test, and when you should carry out such an assessment.
What Is Altitude Assessment?
Before anything else, let us start off with the basics: what is altitude assessment? Well, it is a process that assesses an individual’s ability to safely operate at certain altitudes. It involves measuring the atmosphere at certain heights in order to identify any potential hazards or risks associated with it.
An altitude assessment also includes tests of physical fitness as well as psychological evaluations to determine how best an individual is able to cope with extreme altitudes. It looks at oxygen absorption levels and their effect on the person’s performance.
This type of analysis can help your business with determining whether your employees can safely operate at a particular altitude and if they need additional training or special equipment.
Oxygen and Altitude: How Are They Associated
Oxygen plays a major role in altitude assessments as levels of this gas will decrease at certain heights. When you are in an altitude-related environment, your body needs to adjust to the thin air and low oxygen levels. This can affect your performance, so it is important to assess how well you do under these conditions.
The amount of oxygen available affects everything from physical agility, coordination, and reaction time to mental acuity and concentration. Low oxygen can cause altitude sickness, which is why a high-altitude simulation test is essential.
In a nutshell, you can say that oxygen and altitude are closely intertwined. The altitude you are working at will determine the levels of oxygen available and that, in turn, will affect your performance.
What Is a High Altitude Simulation Test
A high altitude simulation test (HAST), also known as altitude training, is part of the overall assessment process. It involves the use of altitude chambers, and other pieces of equipment, such as an altitude simulation mask, protective gear, etc., to simulate different altitudes and measure how well an employee can cope with them.
The test measures oxygen saturation levels, vital signs, and physical performance while simulating altitude conditions. It also includes tasks like reading charts, tracking objects on a monitor, or performing memory tests—all of which are done under simulated conditions.
Based on the results of this test, you will be able to determine if your team is ready for altitude-related activities or if they need additional training or safety practices in place.
How to Conduct It Step by Step
To conduct a high altitude simulation test, occupational physicians follow these steps.
Step 1: Get the altitude chamber ready. Check that all the pieces of equipment are in good condition and functional. If possible, have a few altitude chamber technicians present to help in case of a malfunction.
Step 2: Set the altitude chamber to the desired altitude. This is done by adjusting the air pressure within the chamber and ensuring that it simulates real altitude conditions.
Step 3: Instruct each person participating in the test on how to use all of the equipment properly and how to respond during an emergency or other situation that might arise.
Step 4: Have all participants put on their protective gear, including masks, gloves, and helmets if needed.
Step 5: Once everyone is ready, start conducting the altitude tests as planned. Make sure that all tasks are being performed accurately and safely.
Step 6: At the end of the test, analyse the results and make any necessary adjustments to altitude protocols or safety procedures.
When Should You Carry Out an Altitude Assessment
An altitude simulation and test is most often done before sending a team of workers to a high-altitude job site. It is important to assess each individual’s performance at altitude in order to ensure that they can operate safely and effectively. These tests should be conducted regularly, especially when new employees are hired, as this will help identify any potential risks associated with altitude work.
Some companies would include this test as part of their pre-employment medicals to get a better understanding of how employees might cope with certain tasks. Additionally, it is also be done if anyone complains about altitude sickness or other altitude-related symptoms.
Who Should Conduct This Test
It is important to remember that altitude testing is an intricate process and should only be done by occupational physicians who are experienced and knowledgeable in altitude medicine. They understand the risks associated with altitude work and can accurately assess an employee’s performance at certain altitudes.
These occupational physicians also have the necessary equipment and systems to ensure that the procedures are done in the most appropriate manner.
Altitude Assessment FAQs
Q: Are altitude assessments expensive?
A: The cost of altitude assessment depends on the type and complexity of the test. However, in most cases, it is far less expensive than other medical tests carried out to assess employee health and safety.
Q: What should I do with the results of an altitude assessment?
A: The results are used to set up appropriate safety measures and protocols for working at high altitudes. This includes establishing proper training procedures, safety equipment requirements, and emergency plans in case someone experiences altitude sickness or other related conditions.
Q: Are altitude assessments mandatory?
A: While altitude assessment is not a mandatory requirement for businesses in Australia, it is strongly recommended to ensure the health and safety of all employees who may be working at high altitudes.
Conclusion
When done correctly, an altitude assessment will help you create a safer environment for your workers by identifying any potential risks associated with their job. So, if you plan on sending your employees to a job site in the highlands soon, make sure you have them undergo this test first.
With the right safety protocols and assessments in place, you can make sure that your workers remain safe and healthy despite the unique challenges that come with their job.
For more useful business tips and information, you can check out our other posts!