Lightning Safety Awareness

Safety Training Presentations

Institute of Occupational Safety and Health

FY-11 OSHA Susan Harwood Grant Program

This material was produced under grant number SH22297-SH1 from OSHA. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Objectives: Participants will:

Define facts associated with lightning Describe ways lightning can kill Illustrate how to protect yourself and co-workers

against lightning hazards Analyze and discuss case studies

Lightning Facts

Lightning is a real risk; an average of ten deaths and forty injuries from lightning occur in Florida each year.

9 out of 10 people struck do survive the event; 100 people killed in US/year

25% of the survivors have long-term psychological or physiological trauma

The under-rated killer

Lightning FactsLightning Facts

Lightning strikes earth a 100 times each second

Average flash will light a 100 watt bulb for 3 months

Lightning is the second largest killer due to storms, exceeded only by floods

Some areas are struck by lightning more often than others. Florida's “Lightning Alley” is a prime example.

Lightning strikes earth a 100 times each second

Average flash will light a 100 watt bulb for 3 months

Lightning is the second largest killer due to storms, exceeded only by floods

Some areas are struck by lightning more often than others. Florida's “Lightning Alley” is a prime example.

Lightning Facts

Heat exceeds 50,000 degrees F (3 times hotter than the surface of the sun); 90,000 miles/second; bolt is 1-2 in wide

Thunder (shock wave created by super heated air in the lightning channel) is always associated with lightning

Lightning Statistics

2nd most frequent cause of weather-related deaths

40% in open fields; 23% under trees; 14% boating/swimming; 5% golf; 5 % heavy machinery; 4% telephone

Gender: 84% men; 16% female Months: June 21%; July 30%; August 22%

Common Lightning Myths:Common Lightning Myths:

Myth - lightning never strikes twice in the same place.Myth - lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

• Fact - very tall buildings have been struck several Fact - very tall buildings have been struck several times in the same storm by lightning.times in the same storm by lightning.

Myth - many people think that during a thunderstorm it Myth - many people think that during a thunderstorm it is better to seek shelter under tall trees.is better to seek shelter under tall trees.

• Fact - trees are more likely to be struck by lightningFact - trees are more likely to be struck by lightning

Myth - lightning never strikes twice in the same place.Myth - lightning never strikes twice in the same place.

• Fact - very tall buildings have been struck several Fact - very tall buildings have been struck several times in the same storm by lightning.times in the same storm by lightning.

Myth - many people think that during a thunderstorm it Myth - many people think that during a thunderstorm it is better to seek shelter under tall trees.is better to seek shelter under tall trees.

• Fact - trees are more likely to be struck by lightningFact - trees are more likely to be struck by lightning

Five Ways Lightning can Kill

1. A direct strike

2. A side flash

3. Conducted current

4. Step voltage

5. Secondary effects

Lightning-Caused Hazards

Fallen Wires

Electrical Fires

Forest fires

Safety Measures

Have a plan Postpone activities Sensitive electronics should be unplugged Keep away from electrical equipment, wiring

and water pipes

Outdoor Worker Safety Measures

Plan in advance your evacuation/safety measures (look for dark clouds and increased wind and/or you hear thunder)

Avoid water, high ground, open spaces, metal objects; find shelter in a substantial building

• Primary source of shelter

•Facility with plumbing

• Secondary source of shelter

•Vehicle

Outdoor Worker Safety Measures Avoid:

OPEN AREAS such as fields, construction sites, recreation areas WATER such as ocean, lakes, swimming pools, rivers HIGH PLACES TREES SMALL OPEN STRUCTURES such as bus stops, rain shelters, picnic shelters, dugouts, gazebos TALL STRUCTURES such as communications towers, flag or light poles

Outdoor Worker Preventive Measures

Avoid:

• BLEACHERS (metal or wood) METAL FENCES OR METAL OBJECTS such as carts, agricultural or construction equipment, golf carts, telephone lines or power lines, pipelines, or steel fabrications LEANING AGAINST CARS OR METAL OBJECTS, GET OFF OF BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES HOLDING METAL OBJECTS such as fishing rods, golf clubs, ski poles, tennis rackets, tools

Outdoor Worker Safety Measures Check Weather channel or NOAA weather radio (at the

jobsite—especially in summer months)

Safe shelters include: fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up, large permanent buildings, low ground

Unsafe areas include: near flag poles, fences, light poles, trees, open fields, golf carts, picnic pavilions, bus stops

30-30 Rule

Lightning’s distance: Count the time from the flash to the bang—for each 5 seconds between, the lightning is 1 mile away (activate lightning safety plan at count of 30 or 6 miles away) and don’t resume activities for 30 minutes—it’s called the 30-30 rule

Photo CourtesyRuth Lyon-Bateman

Lightning struck the fence, and the electrical current traveled along the fence killing the cows.

Warning Signs

If you feel your hair stand on end, skin tingle, or hear crackling noises (signs of an imminent lightning strike) assume a “lightning-safe position.”

If you can see it (lightning), flee it;If you can see it (lightning), flee it;If you can hear it (thunder), clear it.If you can hear it (thunder), clear it.If you can see it (lightning), flee it;If you can see it (lightning), flee it;If you can hear it (thunder), clear it.If you can hear it (thunder), clear it.

Lightening-safe PositionLightening-safe Position

If outside:Crouch on the groundWeight on the balls of your feetHeels togetherHead loweredEyes closedEars covered

If outside:Crouch on the groundWeight on the balls of your feetHeels togetherHead loweredEyes closedEars covered

First aid for Lightning Victims

Injured persons do not carry an electrical charge; apply first-aid (if trained) & call 911• Administer first aid as quick as possible

• If unconscious: Check breathing and pulse

• Person has a pulse, but not breathing: Begin CPR

• Check for other injuries

• Most die from heart attacks/stop breathing

First Aid for Lightning Victims

If not CPR qualified:

• Call EMS immediately

• Keep them calm

• Stay with them until help arrives

Survivor Stories

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/survivors.htm

• Working on a dock• Installing plumbing inside house• 911 dispatcher on duty in Southern Florida• Inside his garage, repairing the exhaust system of

his car• Hit while on cell phone attached by a cord to a

charger.

OSHA Resources

OSHA has many helpful programs, including assistance about safety and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic partnerships, training and education, and more.

Summary

Understand the basics of lightning Discuss lightning injury preventative

measures Discuss immediate actions to assist

lightning strike victims

OSHA Contact NumbersTo report Unsafe Working Conditions, Safety and Health Violations Contact OSHA @:

1-800-321-OSHA (6742) / TTY1-877-889-5627

To File a Complaint Form:

To file an OSHA-7 report online, see how to file a complaint with OSHA (www.osha.gov)

For more information regarding your rights, see Worker Rights

References

ELCOSH Lightning Safety. Retrieved from:http://www.elcosh.org/en/document/143/d000149/lightning-safety.html

National Weather Service: Retrieved from:http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/myths.htm