OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.

9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
WORKING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS PAGE 1 of 6
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1. SCOPE

This procedure is an addition to the Original WBHO Emergency Procedure and must be read together and applies to any
contract within WBHO where work is performed on a construction project.

2. PURPOSE

The purpose of this document is to have a Standard / Procedure in place when working during inclement weather
conditions with the emphasis on Lightning and Rain Exposure, which needs to be followed by all WBHO Projects and to
ensure that all Contractors and JV Partners adhere to the procedure in the event of any change in weather conditions
that might be life threatening to any worker on a WBHO Project.

The mentioned weather conditions may vary from project to project but includes the following:

 Lightning and Thunder

 Rain or any other wet conditions such as Heavy Fog, Hail, Snow and high Winds.

3. PLANNING

 As part of the overall project planning process, contingency plans must be developed and upgraded
during each phase to perform work safely during inclement weather conditions.
 The above mentioned conditions must be considered during site establishment in order to ensure that the
necessary structures, equipment and facilities are available when weather conditions are about to threaten lives
on site.
 This procedure must be communicated together with the General Induction to all employees and visitors
before they are entering the site. Everyone must sign acknowledgement there off.
 Regular Toolbox-Talks in this regard must be communicated to all employees on site.
 Mobile lightning detection devices is advisable as lighting can occur without obvious visual signs. A site must
purchase the lighting dection device and issued to Supervisors after the necessary training was conducted in the
use there-off.
 The use of the STRIKE ALERT HD mobile lightning detector is recommended for sites, but the stationary SKY
SCAN detector can also be used. The last mentioned model is similar to what is used at Golf courses. (The size of
the site must also be considered when purchasing the units. If the project is for instance a road job and the entire
job is ± 25km long, one needs to consider purchasing 2 to 3 units to cover the whole project).
 Emergency Evacuation drills should be practised at least quarterly or more often in high lightning alert areas.
 Record of such drills must be kept by the site Safety Department to proof due-diligence.

4. DEFINITIONS

 Lightning = Flashes of light seen in the sky when there is a discharge of atmospheric electricity in the clouds or
between clouds and the ground, usually occurring during a thunderstorm.
 Strike Alert HD = Mobile Lightning detector.
 Sky Scan = Stationary lightning detector.
 Ground to Cloud = Lightning strikes originate from the ground towards a cloud. (Rare occasion)
 Cloud to Ground = Lightning strikes originate from a cloud towards the ground. (Common Occurrence)
 Cloud-to-Cloud = Lightning travelled horizontally between clouds. (Most Common Occurrence)

5. LIGHTNING FACTS TO CONSIDER:

 Lightning is one of the most underestimated natural dangers. Thunderstorms are widely spread across Africa.
In the summer months heavy thunderstorms occur that can result in serious injuries as well as fatalities.
 Lightning does not always occur from cloud to ground but also from ground to cloud.
 Ground to cloud lightning is an artificially or triggered category of ground flashes. These triggered lightning
goes from tall structures on the ground, such as towers on mountains, to clouds.

Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark then it is an uncontrolled copy & not subject to revision
Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 Designation Group OHS Director Signature
 OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
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 The top of the clouds carry a positive charge, with the bottom of the clouds d a negative charge.
 Negative lightning is the second most common lightning, which poses the greatest threat to life and property
since it strikes the ground.
 Positive lightning, which mostly occurs from cloud to cloud, carries an electric current 10 times stronger than
negative lightning.

6. HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN THERE ARE LIGHTNING STRIKES

 Plan your daily activities, keep all weather predictions in mind.

 Use weather forecasting websites.
 TV weather channel: Radio channel
 Lightning detectors, offsite meteorological services.
 Supervisors to make sure to accommodate the hazard of bad weather in the DSTI.
 If lightning is expected, plan activities to allow for speedy evacuation and minimize the effect of a stoppage for
lightning.
 As soon as a thunderstorm closes in, seek proper shelter in a building, or at least a vehicle.
 Projects, which progresses over a distance, such as Road and Earthwork Projects, must plan ahead, to ensure a
proper, earthed shelter is close-by.
 Move to a safe location such as:
 A large permanent building / structure, shipping containers or vehicles. Modular offices will also give
some protection.
 For general building sites, workers should not be left exposed on the roof levels, but should be safe internally
as the column reinforcing will act as a conductor to bring the lighting current to the ground.
 It is advisable not to work with concrete pumps, even with a rubber hose at the end during lighting events.
 Unsafe places are near metal or water; under trees; hills; near electronic/electrical equipment. Tents are not
considered a safe location.
 Avoid all elevated areas.
 Get down from Scaffolding and shuttering.
 Move away from Steel erected structures.
 Move away from open Reinforcing areas.
 Avoid Utility poles, ladders, trees and large equipment such as bulldozers and cranes, (WBHO and
subcontractor will ensure that all cranes are properly grounded per manufacturers specifications) backhoes, truck
loaders and tractors.
 Do not touch materials and surfaces that can conduct electricity, including metal scaffolding, metal equipment,
utility lines, water, water pipes and plumbing.
 Leave areas with explosives and ammunition.
 If there is no other safe place to hide from lightning, your best option will be to take cover in a vehicle with a
steel roof and sides. (Fibreglass canopies do not provide sufficient protection in the back of a LDV)
 Avoid contact with all conductors of electricity, lean away from the doors and do not touch any working parts
inside the vehicle such as the steering wheel, indicators and gear leaver.
 Hide inside a solid structure with walls and a roof.
 Do not hide in TENTS, CARPORTS, OPEN GARAGES, and PATIOS OR GREEN HOUSES, as they do not provide
adequate protection.
 It will help if the solid structure you are taking shelter in is equipped with electricity and water mains. In case
of a direct hit by lightning, this will be the path that the current will take.
 Stay away from any objects in the structure that has a live electrical current or uses water such as, washbasins,
baths and showers.
 Avoid telephones until the storm is clear.
 Do not monitor the thunderstorm through an open window or door.
 Stay in your safe place for at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.
 When you are in an open area far away from shelter, take up the lightning position by going on your hands and
knees pull in your body and head and keep your ears closed.
 If there are, many people that have to take cover do not do it too close to one another, if there is a hit it
increases the possibility that other employees may also be struck.

Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark then it is an uncontrolled copy & not subject to revision
Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 Designation Group OHS Director Signature
 OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
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 All Crane activities must be stopped and where possible the booms needs to be lowered.

7. CRANE OPERATION IN INCLEMENT WEATHER

 As part of the Overall Project Planning Process, Contingency Plans must be developed and upgraded during each
phase to perform work safely during inclement weather conditions
 For sites with a Tower Crane, the crane will act as a lighting conductor, giving a protected zone assuming a 45-
degree angle from crane top.
 It is advisable to remove people from the top exposed floor even with a crane protecting them, especially if they
are standing on exposed reinforcing.
 Workers must be advised not to touch the Tower Crane and should stay 3m away from the vertical section of the
crane during lighting.
 Workers should not be allowed within an 8M radius of the Tower Crane during lighting events as the differential
voltage across the ground can cause severe problems.
 Crane work becomes critical when wind speeds exceed the lesser of the Crane Manufacturer’s Recommendations
or 25 mph (40kmph). This also holds true when load control becomes unsafe with hand held taglines. When these
conditions are exceeded, either initiates the “Crane Critical Lift Procedure,” or immediately secures the boom and
load.
 All crane operation must cease when the presence of lightning is detected and shall not resume until the threat
has subsided. Work should resume only after the Operator and their Supervisor concur to do so.

8. INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN BE SEPARATED INTO 3 DIFFERENT CATEGORIES

 WIND: Most crane manufacturers state at what speed (usually 20 mph) (32 kmph) reductions to capacity must be
made in performing lifts. Several manufacturers also state at what wind speed all crane operations must cease
altogether. They will vary from 25 to 30 mph, (40 to 48 kmph) depending on the manufacturer. These guidelines
must be followed at all times. However, for those that do not have any recommendations in their literature, 25
mph (40 kmph) will be considered the maximum allowable wind speed for all crane operations. Lightweight, large
area loads are particularly affected by wind and require greater movement control. Use of the Crane Critical Lift
Procedure allows for some variation after a formal review of conditions.

 LIGHTNING: Due to the extreme risk of injury or death during electrical storms, all crane operations must be
stopped until the threat has passed. The decision to resume normal crane activities is the joint responsibility of
the Operator and their Supervisor,
Since thunder is the sound produced by lightning, its presence must be assumed, although it may not be seen.
Personnel must avoid areas around the crane and other elevated metal structures unless they are adequately
grounded.

 WET WEATHER: Ensure that the following activities are reviewed during periods of constant, intermediate or
heavy rain and not performed where hazards and risks are identified.

 Any electrical work,

 Working on open elevated wet steel
 Slippery working surface
 Flooding which may create wash outs or contamination
 Reduced natural lighting due to cloudy rain conditions

9. PRACTICAL TEST TO DETERMINE IF A STORM WITH LIGHTNING IS GETTING CLOSER: (30 / 30 Rule)

 After the sound of the first lightning strike is heard, count 30 seconds.
 If the next strike is heard within the 30 seconds, it means that the storm is drawing closer.
 Immediately seek shelter to protect you from the lightning.

Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark then it is an uncontrolled copy & not subject to revision
Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 Designation Group OHS Director Signature
 OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
WORKING DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS PAGE 4 of 6
Record Keeping Project OHS Files, Divisional OHS Coordinators, Site Agents, OHS Officers, Site Management

10. TIME / DISTANCE SAFETY CHART – GUIDELINE ONLY FOR SAFE EVACUATION

TIME TO
LIGHTNING DISTANCE
CLEAR
64 km 100 min
40 km 60 min
35 km 53 min
30 km 45 min
25 km 37 min
20 km 30 min
15 km 23 min
10 km 15 min
5 km 8 min

11. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF AN EMPLOYEE BEING STRUCK BY LIGHTNING.

 Contact ER24 / Netcare / (Local Emergency Services) for immediate medical attention
 If necessary immediately start with CPR once in a safe protected area.
 Continue with treatment until the arrival of ER24 / Netcare / (Local Emergency Services).
 Contact Your Supervisor and Safety Department as soon as possible after the injured has been taken to Hospital.

12. PROCEDURE
Place
Place and and activate
activate
lightning
lightning detectiondetection
unit
unit to to be
be available
available
Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark and
and
then it ison
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Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 times
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 OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
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Unit detects lightning

and provides audible
alarm

Warning
Indication

Lightning Detected in Lightning Detected in

Range: 15 – 30km Range: 0 – 15km

Warn all employees of

potential danger and Sound the alarm and remove all employees
continuously monitor from elevated, open and exposed areas and
approach of the storm evacuate to covered areas

Monitor conditions until such time that the

storm has dissipated and no warnings are
Warning received prior to returning employees to
Indication work areas – at least 30 minutes after last
thunder strike

Lightning Detected in
Range: 15 – 30km Complete emergency Emergency
drill report and identify Drill Report
areas for improvement
and recommendations
Continuously monitor
conditions

 If there is a possibility of thunder storms ensure that, the site Strike Alert HD device is activated well in
advance.
 Ensure that the batteries within the unit are still in a good working condition and that there are spare batteries
with the unit.
 Electrical devices / radios / vehicles might affect the Strike Alert HD device. Do not travel within a vehicle with
the device switched on. Find a place and park the switch vehicle off and turn on the device or take the device and
set it up in an area where there are no electrical devices within 2m from the device.
 When lightning is detected, follow the procedure diagram above.
 Ensure that all foreman and supervisor report back when all employees are evacuated and in a safe area.
Record the times for the evacuation report that must be completed afterwards.
 After 30 minutes if there was no other red strikes (strikes within 15km) take a photo of the Strike Alert screen
to proof that there was no other red strikes within the 30min before employees are send back to work.
 Compile the evacuation report. (very important to proof that procedure is followed and improved where
needed)
Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark then it is an uncontrolled copy & not subject to revision
Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 Designation Group OHS Director Signature
 OCCUPATIONAL H & S MANAGEMENT SYSTEM OHS Section 4.4.7.9
EMERGENCY PROCEDURE FOR REV 6.4 24/07/2017
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11. REFERENCES

 “Park Ridge Already Thankful for Lightning Predictors” by Wilma Randle. Chicago Tribune (Wed. July, 1997)
 “When Lightning strikes” by Gary M. Crist, JD. Golf Course Management (April 1996).
 “Before Lightning Strikes”. American Red Cross, National Headquarters News.
 “Thunderstorm Information Index”. USA TODAY (2/10/98)
 “Lightning Facts”. Advanced Lightning Technology, Inc.
 “Lightning Protection Systems”. Advanced Lightning Technology, Inc.
 Sky-Scan Lightning Detection – Data Sheet (2011)
 Strike Alert Mobile Lightning detection (2011)

Note: Hard copy: - If this document does not have a coloured WBHO logo, or a “Controlled Copy” watermark then it is an uncontrolled copy & not subject to revision
Reviewed By Name George Kleinsmit Date 24/07/2017 Designation Group OHS Director Signature