Emergency Preparedness (ERPP)

ERPP (14 ) LIGHTNING SAFETY PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES

Take into consideration that some work jurisdictions may have regulations that
stipulate what activities construction operations may carry out during active
lightning storms, close or faraway from the project location. Always refer to the
work jurisdictions OHS Regulations for more information to ensure the company
is in compliance.
What is lightning?
Lightning is an atmospheric discharge of electricity accompanied by thunder, which
typically occurs during thunderstorms, and sometimes during volcanic eruptions or dust
storms. In the atmospheric electrical discharge, a leader of a bolt of lightning can travel
at speeds of 60,000 m/s (130,000 mph), and can reach temperatures approaching
30,000 C (54,000 F), hot enough to fuse silica sand into glass channels known as
fulgurites which are normally hollow and can extend some distance into the ground.
Practices and Procedures to Consider during or when there is a risk of a
Lightning Storm

If lightning and thunderstorms are prone to a work area or region, do your research,
find out when the peak seasons are, how frequent the storms are and what other
construction companies do in the event a lightning storm hits the area.

Always monitor weather conditions, especially when going outdoors. Be

prepared to shut down the job if thunderstorms are forecast.
Keep an eye on the weather throughout the day. Stay tuned to the radio for
updates on the weather.

Communicate lightning storm shut down procedures with personnel (field crew,
operators, etc.) on site if subcontractors are using the crane, make sure the
procedures are also communicated to them.
Do not operate a crane or use rigging that has been struck by lightning.
If lightning is close by the work site (i.e. it is visible from the work site), postpone
crane operations promptly. Follow all safe work practices and safe job procedures
for shutting down /parking the crane and any related craning operations. Do not wait
for the rain. Many people take shelter from the rain, but most people struck by
lightning are not in the rain.
If possible, lower the boom of the crane. Lightning usually strikes the tallest object.
Therefore, by lowering the crane boom, a lightning strike could be avoided.
Avoid handling and hanging metal objects. Ensure all hoisted loads (metal or nonmetal) are lowered to a safe area, because a risk of a lightning strike is greater
when metal objects are hanging from a cranes boom.
Here are some guidelines in preventing this electrifying hazard:

Page 1 of 3

Emergency Preparedness (ERPP)

If lightning threatens, seek shelter indoors.

If a storm is up and youre caught outdoors, seek the appropriate shelter. Here are
examples of safe shelter sites:
substantial buildings
low ground seek cover in clumps of bushes
fully enclosed metal vehicles with the windows rolled up
trees of uniform height
The following are unsafe areas to seek shelter in:
electric/power poles
electrical equipment
heavy equipment (excavators) and road machinery (paver)
solitary trees
high ground and caves
water
open fields
all outdoor metal objects, like gates and fences
high mast light poles
metal bleachers
You can determine the distance of lightning by listening carefully to the thunder that
accompanies it. If you hear thunder, the associated lightning is at most 6-8 miles
away. The distance lightning can strike ahead of a thunderstorm can also be a
number of miles. If you hear thunder, immediately suspend activities while allowing
enough time to seek shelter.
If you feel your hair standing on end, and/or hear crackling noises, you are in
lightnings electric field and it is close.
If lightning is extremely close to you and you are caught outside without shelter,
immediately remove baseball cap and other metal objects and place them away
from you. Put your feet together, duck your head, and crouch down low in baseball
catchers stance with hands on knees.
Wait at least 15 minutes from the last observed lightning or sound of thunder before
resuming activities.
Be cautious in following a thunderstorm as the lightning may not be over.
If a co-worker gets struck by lightning, administer first aid immediately. Remember
that it is safe to touch them as they do not carry an electric charge. Seek medical
assistance immediately.

PROCEDURE FOR SHUTTING DOWN SITE DUE TO THUNDER AND LIGHTNING

STORM (As the Prime Contractor)
1. Monitor weather daily
2. In the event of an approaching storm, Supervisory Personnel/ Site Safety
Coordinator will monitor weather reports. At that time, they will make a decision
whether or not to shut down the site.
3. Boom down cranes and heavy equipment.

Page 2 of 3

Emergency Preparedness (ERPP)

4. Shut down all the equipment (if there is a dewatering system, leave it on).
5. All workers to evacuate the work area, returning to vehicles and drive to a
designated parking/ staging area. If workers are working on both sides of the bridge,
communication between both work locations will be done using radios or cell
phones.
6. Once at the designated parking/ staging area, Supervisory Personnel/ Site Safety
Coordinator will do a head count.
7. Workers are to remain in their vehicles until Supervisory Personnel / Site Safety
Coordinator instruct crew to return to work when safe to do so

Page 3 of 3