Standard Operating Procedure

Radiotelescope

School of Physics August 2004

Description

The radiotelescope is used for detecting radiofrequency signals from 1.4GHz to 13GHz from stars, planets, satellites and other sources within its positioning limits.

Authorisation

  • The Academic Supervisor must approve use of the radiotelescope.
  • There must be at least two people operating the radiotelescope at all times, with at least one person who has undergone safety training and is authorized for rooftop access (if needed).
  • All users must familiarise themselves with the operating and safety procedures manual.

Resources

All equipment necessary is located in the receiver room.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

If work is to be carried out on the rooftop telescope site for more than ten minutes between 10am and 3pm, then the following is needed to be worn (located in the receiver room:

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses

Instructions

The door to the receiver room must be open at all times when occupied.

If the feedhorn is not installed on the radiotelescope then consult the Standard Operating Procedure – Feedhorn. Otherwise:

  • Sign in the logbook.
  • Before proceeding to the roof, inform the Academic Supervisor.
  • At least one person must accompany you to the roof. If you go to the roof and the receiver room is unoccupied, then the door must be locked and the “Gone to roof” sign displayed on the door.
  • On the roof, connect the intercom system to the breakout box and display the radiotelescope in use sign.
  • Power up the system according to the operating manual.

At the conclusion of observing session;

  • Shutdown the system according to the checklist in the operating manual. Sign out of the logbook, making comment of any problems.

Key Hazards.

The radiotelescope is a large moving object. Do not step onto the concrete pad unless the stop button is pressed. Failing to obey this could result in serious injury by crushing.

Emergency Procedure

Ensure the area is safe to enter, press the stop button, administer first aid (first aid kit can be fetched from rooms 128, 134, 101 or 104), call emergency services and UNSW Security if needed, turn off power supplies in receiver room, inform the academic supervisor of the emergency, secure any equipment, enter the event into the logbook.

EMERGENCY: call SECURITY x56666 or 9385-6666

(My Location is: Radio Telescope, Level 2 wing2 roof, Old Main Building)

David Kruss, Physics Students Society, School of Physics, UNSW 9823 8340