Item: Avalanche Safety Measures for Highways
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Title: Avalanche Safety Measures for Highways
Proceedings: Proceedings of the 1976 International Snow Science Workshop, Banff, Alberta
Authors:
- G.L. Freer
Date: 1976
Abstract: Highway safety measures fall into four categories: 1. Training of highway maintenance crews. 2. Avalanche safety equipment. 3. Operational measures, and 4. Warning broadcasts. In British Columbia, training and refresher programmes for highway personnel are conducted each winter. Course material includes: a) Instruction on snow, weather, and avalanche observations. b) Recognition of avalanche terrain. c) Procedures during hazardous periods. d) Procedures if caught in an avalanche, and e) Rescue procedures. Training provides the foundation for the remaining categories, and cannot be overstressed. Avalanche rescue caches for highway operations should contain such items as probes, shovels, markers, lanterns, and other items that would typically be found in ski area rescue caches, and, in addition, some heavier rescue items such as lighting towers, picks, heavy shovels, and metal detectors. Vehicles and equipment operating in avalanche areas should have two-way radios in order to monitor personnel positions. The vehicles should be equipped with probes and shovels, and personnel should carry rescue transceivers. Vehicles may be further protected with roll-bars, metal-mesh windows, and automatic engine shut-off valves to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
Language of Article: English
Presenters: Unknown
Keywords: terrain, rescue, hazard, caches
Page Number(s): 229-231
Subjects: avalanche rescue caches avalanche hazard
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Digital Abstract Not Available
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