Working conditions in the Middle East?

If you are aware of the living conditions, etc., for employees working for various companies like KBR on military bases and camps in the Middle East (Iraq, Kuwait, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and North Africa) please comment.

Joe I am out of my office right now, but when I can get back to my office PC I can send you some info.

Thank you, I am especially interested in their electrical systems, types of buildings, and any conditions related to electrical safety and hazards.

This is all I have. :mrgreen:

**Iraq In-Country Working/Living Conditions
**• Must live on a government facility, military facility or military base. These bases can be potentially
dangerous, for example: random gunfire, rocket or mortar fire.
• Confined to the base at all times for protection.
• Potential of being captured and/or detained by hostile forces is possible.
• **Living Quarters: **8-30 man medium tents; you will be sleeping on cots and provided a sleeping bag.
**Upgrades not expected.
**• Temperatures can range from below 0 to 120+ degrees.
• Sunglasses that provide UV protection and a hat are strongly recommended.
• There are a lot of mice, snakes, scorpions, ticks, fleas and spiders in the camp and living quarters.
• Sand storms and dust storms are very common in this region. Expect to be dirty the majority of the
time. Dust gets everywhere: eyes, mouth, clothes, food, and living quarters.
• There will be excessive mud and standing water during the rainy season, which normally runs late
October through early March. Rubber boots are recommended during this time of year. Mud will get
everywhere, including living quarters.
• Showers could be cold water only, and sometimes there are only bottled water showers available.
However, hot water is available at most locations most of the time.
• **[NO ALCOHOL OR DRUGS ALLOWED!] **Alcohol or drug violations carry a zero tolerance
factor and can lead to termination on the first infraction.
• Meals provided – mostly hot food in dining facilities, but could be an MRE (Meals Ready to Eat).
• All jobs require hands-on effort. Regardless of the position, every employee must be prepared to do
physical labor.
• Safety violations carry a zero tolerance factor and can lead to termination on the first infraction.
• Employees could work alongside military personnel or work in stand alone shops operated by
civilians.
• Employees will be required to walk from and to various locations while deployed. After-hour bus
service is available at most locations, but is not always reliable and everyone must expect to have to
walk to/from dining facility, shower, PX, gym, etc, depending on where they are living/working while
in Iraq.
• The electricity in the camps is 220 volts/50 HZ. You must purchase a 220V to 110V
transformer/converter to use 110V.
• CAUTION - Adhere to all handling instructions for proper care, use, and hazards associated with the
use of insect related products.
**Travel
**• **Luggage: **(Iraq regulation as of Jan ’08) **Limit two (2) pieces of checked luggage not to exceed
**

Thank you, I found this document as well:

http://www.jobnetworkcenter.com/pdfs/RecruitingCheckList29Aug07.pdf

so Joe are you looking for a job there ???

Actually, I am interested in the problems that were found there and may have an opportunity for further NEC and Electrical Safety training of military and civilian personnel.

I have already presented over eight seminars around the country on US Government military sites.

I am presenting a three day seminar next week in Virginia for over 60 Army Corp of Engineers, and will cover the electrical inspection process, grounding and bonding, and electrical safety related to new and existing buildings.

Iraqi Electrical Wiring Method Quiz #1

Listen to the story!](http://mssparky.com/2008/07/my-story-on-the-story-aired-today-72908/)

Read these reports](http://oversight.house.gov/story.asp?ID=2129)

My Favorite Links

http://www.joetedesco.org/ms_sparky.jpeg

Electrical Accident](http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=995_1213752982)

Download NIOSH Safety Video](http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/products/product152.htm)

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