Overview:

Several safety risks were identified today that will need to be addressed immediately.

The fire escape in the ceiling is unsafe and should not be used in the current configuration. I practiced using it and found that without the ability to stand on the overhang that is directly under the exit it is very cumbersome and dangerous to even get on to the roof. Once I was on the roof and started the decent on the rope I realized that because of its elasticity, diameter and the decent distance I sustained rope burn, blisters and extreme arm fatigue. The time it took me to complete the evacuation procedure was on the order of 5 to 10 minutes. This unacceptable considering that six people would need to escape taking between 30 to 60 minute for all too safely reach the ground. In addition to the inadequate escape route the fire extinguishers present a false sense of security due to their size. The duration of usefulness is 10-15 seconds and could only extinguish a fire that was contained in a small waste basket.

Recommendation of Improvement:

1. I strongly believe that it is important to make this a safe and viable escape route by installing rope ladder and possible in the future a permanently affixed ladder to the side of the hab. Tomorrow we will attempt to buy a rope ladder if we can find one during our shopping trip.
2. The overhang needs to be retrofitted so that it is a weight bearing platform.
3. All crews should conduct at least on surprise fire drill during sim.
4. At least one full sized fire extinguisher should be on each level.

Medication:

Most of the medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) are expired and need to be replaced. I have pulled all the expired drugs and will purchase new ones tomorrow in addition to emailing the flight surgeon with a list of prescription that need to be replaced.

Kitchen Area:

The condition of the kitchen facilities was extremely unsanitary and posed a major risk for infection or food poisoning. The refrigerator had meat blood and other spilled food covering all the inside surfaces and the freezer had a thick layer of frost. Also, I found expired food in the refrigerator and food that needed to be refrigerated put away in the cupboards after they were opened (example: ketchup, tomato sauce, etc.)

The dish drainer and water catch pan were covered with dirt, mold and other particles (hair, food, etc.). The sponges and hand towels soiled to the point of needing replacement and/or washing. The majority of the appliances and surfaces needed cleaning as well.

I also discover that sewer gases were coming from an open pipe that was beyond the P-trap because one side of the sink is not properly plumbed. I also have a concern that the water is not safe to drink directly from the tap and what appears to be a filter tap has no information in the operations manual about when filters should be changed or record of the maintenance.

Improvement made and needed:

• The refrigerator was thoroughly cleaned, defrosted and spoiled food and food that was left out was disposed of.
• The dish drainer, appliances, and surfaces were cleaned and disinfected.
• Sponges and hand towels were replaced with clean ones and the dirty hand towels will need to get washed.
• The open pipe has been temporarily sealed off with tape but will need to be properly plumbed eventually.
• For now we have been boiling/microwaving the water from the tap and will purchase bottled water tomorrow. If there is any information about the acceptability of the water filter please notify me ASAP.
• I plan to develop proper dish washing procedures and a task list of routine cleaning that the subsequent crew can follow.

Additional Saftey Issues:

Today, on two different occasions someone was locked inside the GreenHab accidentally by another crew member. If this were to happen in the middle of the day and the person was left for any extended period of time they could suffer from heat stroke and dehydration. I recommend that any crew member going to the GreenHab should carry a radio until the door lock is retrofitted to be operated from the inside.

The staircase inside the hab that goes to the upper deck should have a rope to hold on to since the hand rails do not provide any assistance. I would also like to install a pulley/rope system to be used for hosting up groceries, luggage and other heavy items.