Page 20 - Spring 2014 World of Welding

THE WORLD OF WELDING http://www.welding.org

EXCITING ADVENTURE TO THE SOUTH POLE

When Patrick “Scott” Beam arrived at Hobart Institute in
January for the Preparation for the American Welding Society
Certified Welding Inspector Examination course, he had an
interesting experience to share. And he thought winters in
Ohio were very mild! This past year, he had the opportunity
to witness first-hand the amazing sight of the Aurora Australis
(southern lights) as he worked at the geographic South Pole.

Scott, a safety engineer, was working with Pacific Architect
Engineers and Lockheed Martin, subcontracted to the
National Science Foundation. He was one of 44 people (36
th
men and 8 women) – or, more exactly, the 1358 individual
who was fortunate to spend the winter at the Amundsen-Scott
South Pole Station. Candidates for the project must undergo
extensive physical and psychological testing to make sure
they can withstand the ten months of enclosed work.
Scott Beam inspeciting tunnels and emergency escape shaft.
“It was the most exciting adventure of my life,” said Scott.

The last flight out was on February 14 and the first flight
back in was November 1. It is truly a “land of the midnight
sun” as sundown occurs on March 21 and the sun rises again
September 21. Temperatures reach a negative 163 degrees
F. – ambient and wind chill combined – and white-outs lasting
one to two weeks are not uncommon. Sporadic Internet /
satellite communication is available four to six hours each day
as the satellites pass over the pole.

The group who winters-over is there in support of the National
Science Foundation as they conduct their work in astronomy,
ice exploration, meteorological and atmospheric studies. The
U.S. has maintained a station at the South Pole since 1957.
During the winter months, the safety engineer is responsible
for cold-weather training, safety checks, confined space
lockout/tagout, and some maintenance welding to maintain
the vehicles, water wells and the station.
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
His tour, Scott said, was mostly uneventful except for a
few cases of frostbite, a couple of broken toes, and a few
personality conflicts. Flying in on the last flight – that was
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station is a compound of 33 hours of actual flight time from his home in West Virginia
approximately 12 buildings located on three miles of ice. The to the South Pole – was, however, a bit more exciting as
main structure is 140,000 square feet. It is a relatively new, there were difficulties with the landing gear and some engine
aluminum and steel structure that is very heavily insulated. problems causing virtually a low level, low speed fly-over to
There is a series of flags marking the path from one building quickly disembark.
to the next that allow passage between the buildings during the
rugged wintertime and white-outs. There are also underground Scott retired from the U.S. Air Force in 2006 and has been
ice tunnels available for emergency use. welding since then after training with Boilermakers Local 667.
(Continued on page 21)

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