NSA Related Links

Visiting the NSA

View a custom Google map with driving directions to the Barrow site. Zoom in on the map for more detail.

Safety First!

Before visiting the site, you must do the following:

• Submit a Site Access Request Form
• Review all relevant ES&H materials posted below
• Complete Safety Orientation

At the site, you must do the following:

• Follow directions given by site personnel
• Follow hazard warnings posted or otherwise instructed
• Have explicit authorization before operating any project equipment

Environmental, Safety, & Health Documents

These pages contain environmental health and safety policies and guidelines for NSA site visitors and workers. All site visitors should be familiar with the Site Safety Orientation. Those staying at the duplex should also familiarize themselves with the Barrow Office/Duplex Rules. The other ES&H documents are intended for those with formal work assignments at NSA facilities. Questions or comments regarding these documents should be directed to Mark Ivey at mdivey@sandia.gov

An aerial shot of Barrow, Alaska.

• NSA ES&H Policy Statement (PDF, 30K)
• NSA ES&H Standard Operating Procedure (PDF, 179K)
• Site Safety Orientation, (PDF, 60K)
• Cold Weather Hazards, (PDF, 100K)
• Alternate Buddy System (PDF, 38K)
• Bear Safety Plan (PDF, 68K)
• Firearm Safety Plan (PDF, 207K)
• Remington 870 Operator's Guide
• Tip Tower Lowering Procedure (PDF, 393K)
• Operating Procedures for Scaffold Use (PDF, 337K)
• Emergency Response Plan (PDF, 28K)
• Sandia National Laboratories Accident Reporting Form (PDF, 19K)
• Barrow Office/Duplex Rules (PDF, 72K)
• Barrow and Atqasuk Visitor Guide (PDF, 439K)

Transportation

To Barrow — The only viable way to get to Barrow is by commercial air. There are no roads leading to Barrow! Currently, Alaska Airlines provides the only jet service from Anchorage and Fairbanks. Be prepared and dress warmly; these aircraft board and exit outside at Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Barrow.

Once at Barrow, land transportation is by taxi.

To Atqasuk — The only way to get to Atqasuk (60 miles southwest of Barrow) is by air from Barrow. There are currently two air carriers offering scheduled flights. See the table below for contact information. We recommend buying a one-way ticket and buying your return ticket in Atqasuk. This gives you maximum flexibility in leaving. There are no buildings at the airport, so dress accordingly. Based on the time/season of year, you may be in for a wait!

Hotels and Community Information

There are several places to stay while in Barrow. For official business, we will try to reserve a bed for you at the NSA Duplex. There are six rooms available at the NSA Duplex. If rooms are shared, the NSA Duplex can accommodate up to 11 people. You may check availability on the NSA Calendar, which will also provide you a list of all site visitors. If the duplex is full (your reservations are confirmed via email after you submit a Site Access Request), you will have to stay at one of the local hotels. During most of the year, and especially during the tourist season (June - September), these hotels may be full. Please plan accordingly.

For a small town, Barrow has many establishments that will provide a fine meal.

Hardware

There are several places to buy hardware in and around Barrow. If you can't find it in Barrow, you can call many places in Fairbanks or Anchorage and it will be air shipped either the same day or the next day. In Barrow, hardware may be purchased from: Spenard Builders Supply (at UIC/NARL); Alaska Commercial (aka Stauqpuk); and NAPA Auto Parts.

Groceries

Barrow has several grocery stores that offer a splendid selection. Be prepared for prices that are significantly higher than what you might expect in the lower 48 states. Remember, everything is flown in!

Shipping and Contact Information

Before shipping items to the NSA, please fill out a NSA Site Shipping Form (select "Ship Log" to begin a new form). See the NSA Shipping Form Instructions (PDF) for step-by-step guidance.

Shipping Companies

The following is one of the known shippers that ships all the way to Barrow:

NAC-Link - A freight forwarding service that can get nearly anything up to Barrow. They are a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Air Cargo (NAC).

If you are using FedEx, please be aware that FedEx delivers to Anchorage only, and then hands the shipment over to either NAC, the post office, or one of the other freight companies to get it from Anchorage to Barrow. Especially for shipments over 75 lbs, the handoff has not been smooth, and the shipments sometimes stay in Anchorage for several days. After making shipment arrangements with FedEx or any freight carrier, you should contact NAC-Link directly to make handoff and forwarding arrangements to Barrow for your shipment. Please provide Walter Brower or Doug Whiteman, for Atqasuk shipments, with any information you may have so they can try to keep informed of where the shipment is.

If there are any questions regarding shipments to Barrow or Atqasuk, please call Jeff Zirzow (505.284.4446) or Walter Brower (907.878.4780).