FAAM AMMA INFORMATION

Facility for AirborneAtmospheric Measurements

FAAM

FAAM AMMA INFORMATION

Ruth Purvis


FAAM

Overview

Aim and Scope

Risk Mitigation

H & S Pack-up

VISAS

Vaccinations

Malaria


FAAM

On any detachment there is a need to export an adequate system of management of ground risks and a clear policy on Health and Safety.

FAAM will lead on promoting Health and Safety compliance on those detachments where FAAM staff are present and where FAAM had an instrumental part in the planning and preparation.

Detachment Health and Safety Organisation


FAAM

All participants in a detachment have a responsibility for safety. The FAAM Detachment Manager has the overall authority to ensure that adequate Health and Safety procedures are addressed whilst on detachment.

The Detachment Safety Committee comprises the FAAM and Directflight Detachment Managers and the lead PI from each institution represented on the detachment.

The Committee:- Monitors all aspects of H&S arrangements. - Considers reports from safety advisers or staff.- Makes recommendations for improving H&S arrangements.- Meets at least once in each detachment location.



FAAM

NERC

FAAMDetachment

Manager

DFL Detachment Manager

AvalonDetachment

Manager

AvalonStaff

DFLStaff

FAAMStaff

University 1 PI e.g. Leeds

University 2 PI e.g. York

University n PI e.g. UEA

Uni. 1.Staff

Uni. 2.Staff

Uni. n.Staff

MetOffice

Met OfficeStaff



FAAM

Operational Procedures

Unfamiliar Diseases and Medical Conditions

Cultural Differences

Security

Local Travel


Pack-Up Contents


FAAM

Africa January/February 2006 (DABEX/DODO)

Identified Hazards Risk Assessments/Safe Systems of Work COSHH Assessments Personnel Details including Competencies Emergency Contact Details Detachment Medical Equipment In Country Recce Reports Security Reports Health Brief


Theatre Specifics


FAAM

Political Risk - M

Niger has had a history of political instability and military rule since independence in 1960.

Current Civilian President was re-elected in free and fair elections in December 2004.

The country is now set on a course of economic reform, but poverty remains a major challenge.

The influence of the formerly powerful military has diminished since 1999.

The Islamist movement, which was formerly growing in influence, is now less militant and does not pose a major threat.

Infrastructure is poor.

Niger - General


FAAM

Niger - General

Security Risk – M (H)

Sporadic public-sector protests over poor pay and standards of living pose the main security risks in the capital Niamey. Such action is normally peaceful and does not pose a major threat to expatriates or the overall security of the country.

Anti-military violence exists in the north and foreigners are occassionally targeted in opportunistic attacks.

Banditry is a problem.

Crime is low in comparison with Nigeria but banditry on the Nigerian border increases risk levels.


FAAM

Niger - General

Terrorism Risk – M

The risk of Islamic militants perpetrating terrorist acts is low.

There are no known local terrorist groups or associates.

Terrorists are active in neighbouring countries, such as Algeria.


FAAM

Niger - General

Travel Risk – L (H)

Travel to many parts of Niger is possible.

Travel to the Libyan and Nigerian border areas generally poses enhanced risks.

Banditry is a more general risk outside towns and cities and Escorted overland travel is advisable.

Residents in Islamic strongholds such as Zinder are resentful of Westerners, though attacks on foreigners have so far been rare.

Citizens of countries that are participating in the US-led war on terrorism should remain vigilant in facilities in Niamey, andespecially in rural areas where security forces have little control.


FAAM

Niger - Niamey

Niger is the second poorest country in the world; this has fuelled crime including thefts, carjacking and armed robberies.

The principal security risk in Niamey is petty theft, both during the day and at night. There has also been an increase in residential robberies and serious carjacking incidents in the capital this year.

Do not go walking on foot at night; vehicle travel at night should be restricted.

Criminals will often operate in groups, with one or 2 members sent to create a distraction and others attacking the unsuspecting victim.

Any travel outside Niamey should only be undertaken with adequate security.


FAAM

Niger - Niamey

There is likely to be a rise in crime rates during the period of the Francophone games.

Niger’s security forces are inadequately equipped and under-resourced, and have poor weapons handling skills.

Personnel should be cautious in approaching security forces and armed police.

There is a risk of incidental violence during sporadic public protests.


FAAM

Niger - Niamey

Avoid all protests and large gatherings to avoid being caught up in violence.

There is no real anti-Western sentiment in Niamey. Do not to carry large amounts of cash. Any essential nighttime travel should be done in the company of an experienced local and with adequate security.

Personnel are advised to keep a low profile and are also advised to vary their routines and routes in light of rising carjacking incidents.

It is highly unadvisable not to put up resistance when attacked.


FAAM

Senegal

Political Risk – L

Democratic elections 2000.

Widespread poverty may shore up future dissent.

Hopes remain that a peace deal will eventually be signed in the separatist region of Casamance.

Senegal continues to depend on the IMF and World Bank for support, which will partly ensure the continuity of business-friendly policies.

The principal obstacles to business are bureaucracy, corruption and the poor state of the infrastructure outside the capital Dakar.


FAAM

Senegal

Security Risk - L (M)

Security conditions are generally good, with the exception of the Casamance region.

Despite a Muslim-majority population, there is no risk of terrorism to Westerners or Western interests that is higher than the overall worldwide threat of Islamic extremist terrorism.

Growing Islamist sentiment prompts occasional demonstrations in Dakar.

Strikes are common.


FAAM

Senegal

Terrorism Risk – L

Senegal has no recent history of terrorism and there are no local terrorist groups.

The risk of transnational extremist groups targeting foreign interests is low.


FAAM

Senegal

Travel Risk - L (M)

The security situation is acceptable for travel to most of the country and most visits are trouble-free.

Petty theft remains a problem in the main business and tourist areas. Travel to the southern Casamance area beyond the coastal tourist resorts is inadvisable because of banditry and a proliferation of landmines. The area bordering Guinea-Bissau has the highest travel risk.


FAAM

Senegal - DakarDakar is also considered a high crime risk city.

Minor crimes such as pick pocketing, thefts from vehicles, minor assaults and burglaries are common and more violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons have increased.

It is unsafe to walk the streets at night and doing so by day is likely to result in approaches from aggressive vendors and exposes the individual to opportunist crimes such as pick-pocketing or mugging.

Public protests, demonstrations and strikes occur regularly and should be avoided as police are likely to use batons and tear gas to control crowds.

Senegalese law requires that you have valid identifying documents on your person at all times so visitors are advised to carry photocopies of passports, driving licenses and other ID.


FAAM

No major security issues are identified in relation to Ouagadougou airport.

Ouagadougou Airport, Burkina Faso


FAAM

No major security concerns identified.

Elections in March 2006 are likely to fuel tensions in the run-up but this is unlikely to affect airport security.

Cotonou Airport, Benin


FAAM

No major security issues were identified.

Mali’s land-locked position and porous borders increase the airport’s exposure to cross-border crimes.

Bamako Airport, Mali


FAAM

African Airports - General

A degree of security awareness whilst refueling at African airports is necessary:

- Keep aircraft locked whenever possible to avoid looting.

- Be wary of being invited to do anything which involves leaving the aircraft alone, such as visiting the terminal or air traffic control.

- Be aware that the airport’s perimeters are not likely to be intact.

- Be discreet about presence of expensive equipment in aircraft.


FAAM

Political Risk – LSecurity Risk – L (M)Terrorism Risk - M

Travel Risk – L

UK


FAAM

VaccinationsYELLOW FEVER- Certificate of vaccination is required to enter Niger- The certificate is valid 10 days after inoculation

Recommended immunisations- Polio- Hepatitis A- Typhoid Fever- Tetanus- Diptheria

Considered immunisations- Hepatitis B- TB- Rabies (Clinic in Niger has treatment in case of infection, not considered a big risk in Niamey / Dakar)


FAAM

Malaria

Malaria is present in all areas of Niger and Senegal

Recommended anti-malarial drugs

- Doxycycline (sensitive to the sun)

- Malarone

- Mefloquine


FAAM

VISAS

A VISA is required for entry into NIGER (valid for three months)

SENEGAL – EU OK for less than three months, but individuals responsibility to check

VISA forms available on

http://www.action-visas.com

Can order them through the website or take forms to Niger Embassy in Paris


FAAM

DFL PASSES

A DFL Pass is required to fly on the UK ARA

This involves getting clearance through Disclosure Scotland

http://www.disclosurescotland.co.uk

And references

More info on www.faam.ac.uk or contact me or Jamie Trembath


FAAM

Dress Code

Feedback from the recce is that to move around the airport freely some kind of uniform will be required, more information will come out from this campaign

No open toe shoes to be worn on the aircraft – it should be treated like working in a lab


FAAM

AIRCRAFT FIT


FAAM

AIRCRAFT WEIGHTSDEC 2005 AMMA

Basic weight 26877 26877

Config Options 2059 2936

Variable load 183 183

Flight crew, doc, toilet charge, potable water

256 256

Basic operating weight 29375 30470

Catering (1.81 kg/person) 38 (21 people) 38

Dry operating weight 29413 30508

People (86 kg) 1634 (19 people) 1634

Zero fuel weight 31047 32142

MAX T/O WEIGHT 42184 42184

Max fuel this config 11137 10042

Approx flying time 5 hours 4.5 hours


FAAM

What FAAM need to know

• Is there a requirement for a science transit?This needs to be known ASAP as it affects planning and logistics

• Suitcase flights? – landing permissions important

• Mission scientist training – May 2006

• Flight plans, aircraft tool kit

• Separate warm up / flight operators


FAAM

Information from FAAM

• Jamie Trembath – AMMA Campaign Specialist ([email protected], 01234 754520)

• Bob Wells – FAAM Operations Manager ([email protected], 01234 754864)

• Steve Devereau – FAAM Technical Manager ([email protected], 01234 754523)


FAAM

Info from DABEX

HotelEarly breakfasts (before 6am) availableHotel now takes VISAHotel rooms have safes

AirportEngineers room complete, air con and power on airport secure supplyToilet renovatedStore room completed and cleanedUpstairs lab incomplete – hoping to be completed by 15 JanDFL Office in control tower complete but installation of telephone line problematicAir con unit for aircraft, complaints that it is too cold!Access to airport with DFL pass


FAAM

Info from DABEX

Internet

Vsat system not working, the satellite dish supplied was not large enough256kB wireless system obtained for £300, seems to be sufficient at present. If works out OK will not pursue Vsat for AMMAR/BGAN reliable but expensive ($1000 in first week)

Telephones

Mobile phones have been purchased for all personnel, SIM cards purchased to allow phones to be used on ASECNA network, meaning calls between these mobiles are free. Can be reached from the UK 00227######

Documents

FAAM AMMA INFORMATION