IAGC LAND GEOPHYSICAL SAFETY MANUAL Edition 9 ... - CGISS

communicate those positions, HSE response is significantly faster. These proceduresare applicable to most exploration areas.It may be desirable to have a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) receiver in majortrucks, crew management vehicles, bulldozers, buggies, snow vehicles, aircraft (fixedwing and rotary) and major crew boats. When traveling over open water, flying overjungle, desert, rain forest, or snow fields, the terrain all looks the same and having theassurance of a Global Positioning System (GPS) position is essential.Working in “politically unstable” areas requires pre-planned evacuation routes andbackup contingencies. A portable receiver loaded with way-points obtained duringactually dry-running the evacuation route would be beneficial on such a crew.The Global Positioning System (GPS) is an excellent tool in locating and avoiding rivers,quick sand bogs, sand bars, snow crevasses, environmentally sensitive areas, artifactand cultural resources and anything that requires a location.All personnel who are assigned to a crew that may have an emergency evacuation orwho may have to use a unit should be trained in the use of the portable receiver.1) Remember the system requires a line of sight to function. The receiver must be ableto “see” the satellites (normally 10° or more above the horizon) in order to receive thesignals. Clouds and mist will not block the signals, light foliage, heavy rain or theoccasional intermittent blockages of one or two satellites may start to degrade theposition accuracy. Sheltering under a bridge, in at room, vehicle or under a heavyjungle canopy will cause the loss of signals, and the receiver will be unable toprovide a current position.Page 41 of 136