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Develop an Inclement Weather Policy that contains a section for Lightning stand down for outdoor construction activities that include a safe work radius and safe shelter time before returning to work after the last indicated lightning strike. Also needs to cover general storms and snow/ice weather

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Safe Work Procedure: Inclement Weather Policy for Construction Activities

Document Number: [SWP-NUMBER] Revision Date: [DATE] Next Review Date: [NEXT REVIEW DATE] Department: [DEPARTMENT NAME]

1. Scope

This Safe Work Procedure (SWP) outlines the guidelines and procedures to be followed during inclement weather conditions at all construction sites. It applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors involved in construction activities. This SWP aims to ensure the safety and health of all personnel by providing a framework for decision-making and action during adverse weather events. This procedure covers general storms, snow/ice weather, and lightning stand-down procedures for outdoor construction activities, including safe work radius and safe shelter time before returning to work after the last indicated lightning strike.

2. Definitions

Inclement Weather: Weather conditions that may pose a hazard to personnel or equipment, including but not limited to lightning, heavy rain, high winds, snow, ice, extreme temperatures, and any combination thereof.

Lightning Stand-Down: A temporary suspension of outdoor work activities due to the presence or imminent threat of lightning in the vicinity.

Safe Work Radius: The minimum distance from a lightning strike within which all outdoor work activities must cease. [Define distance based on regulatory requirements and site-specific risk assessment]

Safe Shelter: A location that provides adequate protection from the hazards of inclement weather, such as a fully enclosed building or a vehicle with a metal roof and closed windows.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

  • Monitor weather conditions and forecasts regularly.
  • Make decisions regarding work stoppage and resumption based on weather conditions and this SWP.
  • Communicate weather-related safety information to all workers.
  • Ensure that all workers have access to safe shelter during inclement weather.
  • Enforce the requirements of this SWP.

3.2 Workers

  • Monitor weather conditions and report any concerns to their supervisor.
  • Follow supervisor's instructions regarding work stoppage and resumption.
  • Seek safe shelter immediately when instructed or when lightning or other hazardous weather conditions are observed.
  • Adhere to all safety precautions outlined in this SWP.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

  • Assist in the development and implementation of this SWP.
  • Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on weather-related safety issues.
  • Conduct periodic reviews of this SWP to ensure its effectiveness.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

HazardRiskControl Measures
LightningElectrocution, burns, injury from indirect strikesMonitor weather, implement lightning stand-down procedures, seek safe shelter 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10
Heavy RainReduced visibility, slips, trips, and falls, floodingProvide adequate drainage, use slip-resistant footwear, adjust work practices, postpone work if necessary [1]
High WindsFalling objects, structural collapse, loss of control of equipmentSecure materials and equipment, postpone work at heights, monitor wind speeds
Snow and IceSlips, trips, and falls, reduced visibility, frostbite, hypothermiaProvide snow and ice removal, use slip-resistant footwear, wear appropriate clothing, take frequent breaks in warm areas [1]
General StormsReduced visibility, falling objects, wind damageMonitor weather, secure the site, postpone work if necessary

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential for minimizing the risks associated with inclement weather conditions.

  • High-visibility apparel: To ensure visibility in low-light conditions or during heavy rain or snow.
  • Slip-resistant footwear: To prevent slips, trips, and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
  • Waterproof clothing: To protect against rain and snow.
  • Insulated gloves and hats: To prevent frostbite and hypothermia in cold weather.
  • Eye protection: To protect against wind-blown debris and glare from snow or ice.

Inspect PPE before each use and replace any damaged or worn items immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the correct equipment and tools is crucial for maintaining safety during inclement weather.

  • Weather monitoring devices: To track weather conditions and provide early warnings of approaching storms.
  • Snow and ice removal equipment: To clear walkways and work areas of snow and ice.
  • Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs): To prevent electrical shock in wet conditions [2].
  • Lighting: Ensure sufficient lighting to enable work to be done safely 9, 14.

Inspect all equipment and tools before each use and ensure they are in good working condition.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must receive training on this Inclement Weather Policy and related safety procedures. Training should cover hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and emergency procedures [3].

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Conduct a pre-job briefing before the start of each shift to discuss potential weather-related hazards and review the control measures to be implemented. Include a review of the weather forecast and any specific precautions to be taken [3].

7.3 Work Area Preparation

  • Ensure that the work area is properly drained to prevent flooding.
  • Clear walkways and work areas of obstructions and slip/trip hazards [4].
  • Secure all materials and equipment to prevent them from being blown away by high winds.
  • Ensure that adequate lighting is provided, especially during periods of reduced visibility 9, 14.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Lightning Stand-Down Procedure

  1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
  2. Establish Safe Work Radius: Define a safe work radius around the construction site. [Specify the distance, e.g., 10 miles]. If lightning is detected within this radius, a lightning stand-down must be initiated.
  3. Initiate Stand-Down: Upon detection of lightning within the safe work radius, the supervisor must immediately initiate a lightning stand-down. All outdoor work activities must cease.
  4. Seek Safe Shelter: All personnel must seek safe shelter immediately. Acceptable shelters include:
    • Fully enclosed buildings
    • Vehicles with a metal roof and closed windows
    • Avoid being near or under tall isolated structures
  5. Wait Time: Personnel must remain in safe shelter for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last detected lightning strike within the safe work radius.
  6. Resumption of Work: After the 30-minute wait time has elapsed and weather conditions have improved, the supervisor will assess the site for any hazards and provide clearance for work to resume.

General Storm Procedure

  1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
  2. Secure the Site: Secure any loose materials or equipment that could be blown away or damaged by the storm.
  3. Seek Safe Shelter: If the storm is severe, all personnel should seek safe shelter in a designated area.
  4. Wait for the All-Clear: Remain in the safe shelter until the storm has passed and the supervisor has given the all-clear to resume work.

Snow/Ice Weather Procedure

  1. Monitor Weather Conditions: Continuously monitor weather conditions using reliable sources such as weather apps, local news, or on-site weather monitoring devices.
  2. Clear Walkways and Work Areas: Clear snow and ice from walkways, stairs, and work areas to prevent slips and falls.
  3. Use Sand or Salt: Apply sand or salt to icy surfaces to improve traction.
  4. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Dress in layers and wear waterproof and insulated clothing to stay warm and dry.
  5. Take Frequent Breaks: Take frequent breaks in a warm area to prevent hypothermia.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

  • Weather Monitoring: Continuously monitor weather conditions and forecasts to anticipate potential hazards.
  • Communication: Maintain clear communication channels to disseminate weather-related safety information to all personnel.
  • Safe Shelter: Identify and designate safe shelter locations on the construction site.
  • Work Stoppage: Be prepared to stop work if weather conditions become too hazardous.
  • Site Assessment: After any inclement weather event, conduct a thorough site assessment to identify and address any potential hazards before work resumes.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a weather-related emergency, follow these general procedures:

  • Activate the emergency alarm system.
  • Evacuate the work area to a designated safe shelter.
  • Account for all personnel.
  • Provide first aid to any injured workers.
  • Contact emergency services if necessary.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

  • Lightning Strike: If a worker is struck by lightning, immediately call for medical assistance and provide first aid. Move the injured worker to a safe location and monitor their condition until help arrives.
  • Flash Flood: If a flash flood occurs, evacuate the work area immediately and move to higher ground. Do not attempt to cross flooded areas.
  • Tornado: If a tornado warning is issued, seek shelter in a designated storm shelter or the lowest level of a sturdy building. Stay away from windows and doors.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

  • Emergency Services: 911
  • [Company Safety Officer]: [PHONE NUMBER]
  • [Project Manager]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to inclement weather must be reported to the supervisor immediately. An investigation will be conducted to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

12. References and Related Documents

  • [Reference 1: Relevant OSHA or local regulations]
  • [Reference 2: Company safety manual]
  • [Reference 3: Weather monitoring service provider]

Approved by: [NAME AND POSITION] Date: [APPROVAL DATE]

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4 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] CAT 330 GC Excavator Operation and Maintenance Manual

Page 36

Open source document

Source excerpt

- · If the high pressure fuel lines are torqued correctly and the high pressure fuel lines are leaking the high pressure fuel lines must be replaced. - · Ensure that all clips on the high pressure fuel lines are in place. Do not operate the engine with clips that are damaged, missing or loose. - · Do not attach any other item to the high pressure fuel lines. - · Loosened high pressure fuel lines must be replaced. Also removed high pressure fuel lines must be replaced. Refer to Disassembly and Assembly for your engine. i01122596 ## Electrical Storm Injury Prevention SMCS Code: 7000 When lightning is striking in the vicinity of the machine, the operator should never attempt the following procedures: - · Mount the machine. - · Dismount the machine. If you are in the operator's station during an electrical storm, stay in the operator's station. If you are on the ground during an electrical storm, stay away from the vicinity of the machine. i00771840 ## Before Starting Engine SMCS Code: 1000; 7000 Start the engine only from the operator compartment. Never short across the starter terminals or across the batteries. Shorting could damage the electrical system by bypassing the engine neutral start system. Inspect the condition of the seat belt and of the mounting hardware. Replace any parts that are worn or damaged. Regardless of appearance, replace the seat belt after three years of use. Do not use a seat belt extension on a retractable seat belt. Adjust the seat so that full pedal travel can be achieved with the operator's back against the back of the seat. Make sure that the machine is equipped with a lighting system that is adequate for the job conditions. Make sure that all machine lights are working properly. Before you start the engine and before you move the machine, make sure that no one is underneath the machine, around the machine, or on the machine. Make sure that the area is free of personnel. i07746368 ## Visibility Information SMCS Code: 7000…

[2] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1731

Open source document

Source excerpt

Division 2 - 1910.268 (d)(2) If work exposes energized or moving parts that are normally protected, danger signs shall be displayed and barricades erected as necessary, to warn other personnel in the area. - [redacted phone] (2) Employee protection in public work areas - (b) Once a work area has been established, it shall be the employer's responsibility to provide adequate supervision and periodic surveillance to assure that the above requirements are met. - [redacted phone] (3) Before work is performed on overhead lines, underground (such as in manholes), or in buried plants, the employer or designated representative shall make a complete evaluation of the work location to determine if a hazard exists or could be created in the performance of the work. The employer or designated representative shall determine from this evaluation, a safe procedure for performing the work and those means or methods shall be implemented before the work proceeds. Examples of possible work site conditions that may be hazardous include, but are not limited to: - (a) Manhole, pit, and pole locations, street intersections, alleys and isolated areas; - (b) Weather and road conditions (such as ice, snow, and rain); - (c) Visibility; - (d) Time of day; - (e) Manhole atmosphere conditions (such as explosive gases, exhaust fumes, and oxygen deficiency); - (f) Jointly occupied manholes with foreign utilities; and - (g) Power hazards. - 1910.268 (d)(3) The employer shall insure that an employee finding any crossed or fallen wires which create or may create a hazardous situation at the work area: - (i) Remains on guard or adopts other adequate means to warn other employees of the danger and - (ii) has the proper authority notified at the earliest practical moment.

[3] Rules for the Administration of the Oregon Safe Employment Act (General Occupational Safety and Health, Division 2, OSHA Oregon)

Page 1730

Open source document

Source excerpt

Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division Division 2 - (c) Training. Employers shall provide training in the various precautions and safe practices described in this section and shall insure that employees do not engage in the activities to which this section applies until such employees have received proper training in the various precautions and safe practices required by this section. However, where the employer can demonstrate that an employee is already trained in the precautions and safe practices required by this section prior to his employment, training need not be provided to that employee in accordance with this section. Where training is required, it shall consist of on-the-job training or classroom-type training or a combination of both. The employer shall certify that employees have been trained by preparing a certification record which includes the identity of the person trained, the signature of the employer or the person who conducted the training, and the date the training was completed. The certification record shall be prepared at the completion of training and shall be maintained on file for the duration of the employee's employment. The certification record shall be made available upon request to the Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health. Such training shall, where appropriate, include the following subjects: - (1) Recognition and avoidance of dangers relating to encounters with harmful substances and animal, insect, or plant life; - (2) Procedures to be followed in emergency situations; and, - (3) First aid training, including instruction in artificial respiration. Note: See OAR 437, Division 2/K, Rule [redacted phone], for Medical Services and First Aid requirements. - (d) Employee protection in public work areas. Note: Federal rule 1910.268(d)(1), was NOT adopted by OR-OSHA. Instead, OAR 437-0020316(2)(a) applies: - [redacted phone] (2) Employee protection in public work areas - (a) Before work is begun in the vici…

[4] Occupational Health and Safety Code

Page 123

Open source document

Source excerpt

## Part 12 General Safety Precautions ## Housekeeping 185 An employer must ensure that a work site is kept clean and free from materials or equipment that could cause workers to slip or trip. ## Lighting 186 (1) An employer must ensure that lighting at a work site is sufficient to enable work to be done safely. 186 (2) An employer must ensure that a light source above a working or walking surface is protected against damage. - 186 (3) An employer must ensure that there is emergency lighting at a work site if workers are in danger if the normal lighting system fails. - 186 (4) Emergency lighting must generate enough light so that workers can - (a) leave the work site safely, - (b) start the necessary emergency shut-down procedures, and - (c) restore normal lighting. ## Pallets and storage racks 187 (1) An employer must ensure that pallets used to transport or store materials or containers are loaded, moved, stacked, arranged and stored in a manner that does not create a danger to workers. - 187 (2) An employer must ensure that racks used to store materials or equipment - (a) are designed, constructed and maintained to support the load placed on them, and - (b) are placed on firm foundations that can support the load. - 187 (3) A worker must report any damage to a storage rack to an employer as quickly as practicable. - 187 (4) The employer and the workers at a work site must take all reasonable steps to prevent storage racks from being damaged to the extent that their integrity as structures is compromised. ## Placement of roofing materials - 187.1 (1) An employer must ensure that supplies and roofing materials stored on the roof of a residential building under construction are located not less than 2 metres from a roof edge. - 187.1 (2) An employer must ensure that the weight of supplies and roofing materials referred to in subsection (1) is uniformly distributed.

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