9 Get there, be safe: safety and logistics 9.1 Introduction The operation of SNG uplinks inevitably brings both the operator and occasionally the public into con- tact with a number of potential hazards. In this chapter, we will examine the range of hazards and the measures that can be taken to minimize the risks. There is health and safety legislation in many countries covering these hazards, so for illustrative purposes we will look at how these are addressed by safety agencies in the UK and in the US. In the UK, the primary safety agency is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), and in the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These two safety agencies have adopted best practice in formulating their safety policies, and both of these primary safety agencies defer to special- ist agencies where there are specific hazards of a highly technical nature. Secondly, we will look at the various issues of planning and logistics when deploying SNG uplinks, both domestically and internationally. This will involve looking at the use of road transport, the trans- portation of SNG systems on aircraft, and the influence of time pressures on achieving a safe, speedy and cost-effective deployment. We will also look at the intertwined issues of safety and logistics when operating in hostile environments, particularly natural disasters and war zones. 9.2 Safety The most important consideration when operating an SNG uplink is safety, and there is a saying in the busi- ness, `no story is worth a life'. To consider the impact on the operation it is necessary to identify the specific risks. As we are going to spend some time looking at risks and hazards, it is perhaps worth reminding our- selves of the definition of `risk' and `hazard', as occasionally there is confusion in their usage. A `hazard' is anything that can cause harm; e.g., electricity is a hazard associated with SNG equip- ment. `Risk' is the chance, whether high or low, that somebody will be harmed by the hazard; e.g. how much of a chance is there that someone will be electrocuted in either operating or being close to an SNG uplink. It is important that the hazards and risks are clearly identified for two reasons. Firstly, a human injury or life may depend on the correct action being taken, and secondly, the owner and/or operator of the SNG equipment may be liable to prosecution for failing to identify the hazards and take suitable steps to minimize the risks.