TO:   VISITORS TO U.K. TELESCOPES ON MAUNA KEA
IMPORTANT MEDICAL ALERT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, FOLLOW UP AS NECESSARY, SIGN THE FORM, AND RETURN IT TO THE 
JOINT ASTRONOMY CENTRE. 

The telescopes in Hawaii operated by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) are located 
on Mauna Kea at an altitude of approximately 14,000 feet.  Ascent to this altitude exposes you to a reduction in 
atmospheric pressure, which can result in a variety of medical conditions.   In certain cases, severe illness or even 
death can result.

Visitors to the telescopes may suffer headaches, tiredness, irritability, anorexia, insomnia, reduced intellectual 
capacity, impaired exercise tolerance, and possibly vomiting. It is also possible to develop one of the more severe 
mountain sicknesses, pulmonary or cerebral oedema, both of which can be fatal.

The altitude may also aggravate pre-existing disease, particularly cardio- vascular and respiratory diseases.

STFC strongly recommends that you bring the above information to the attention of your medical practitioner, and 
seek appropriate medical advice and clearance. It is also recommended that if you have a pre-existing condition, 
which could be affected by altitude, you bring this to the attention of the Telescope System Specialist so that they 
are better able to assist in case of a medical emergency.

This warning is given freely without legal obligation.  The STFC does not undertake a duty properly to warn or 
otherwise to relinquish its rights, immunities, or other protections under Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 520.

No visitors under the age of 16 are permitted.  

THE STFC DOES NOT ACCEPT ANY LIABILITY FOR VISITORS TO MAUNA KEA IN RESPECT OF THE 
POTENTIAL ADVERSE EFFECTS OF ALTITUDE.  IF YOU INTEND TO VISIT THE TELESCOPES RUN BY 
THE STFC ON MAUNA KEA, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO SIGN THE DECLARATION BELOW.  YOU 
ASSUME ALL RISKS.
                               _______________________________________________________________

I have read and understood the medical alert provided by the STFC above, concerning the potential harmful 
effects of altitude.  I have been recommended to seek appropriate medical advice.

I accept that the STFC shall not be held responsible for any adverse effects resulting from exposure to high 
altitude.

Print Name & Institution/Address
____________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________


Signed_____________________________________________________________ Date_____________________
                           (Parent or Legal Guardian if Under Age 18) 

Observer on:             _____JCMT     _____UKIRT          

One-time visitor to:  _____JCMT     _____UKIRT

Mail to:   Joint Astronomy Centre                                         
                c/o Linda Gregoire (JCMT) or Anna Lucas (UKIRT)
                660 N. A'ohoku Place
                Hilo, HI  96720  USA

or fax to (808) 969-6591                                                        

(version of April 1, 2007)