Procedure
What to do in
Thunderstorms
Starting dateValidity:
01.10.2015
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1.0
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Procedure
WHAT TO DO IN THUNDERSTORMS
State
Prepared by
Reviewed by
Approved by
Authorized
Juan Andrés Venegas
OHS Advisor
General Management
Staff
General Manager
Gonzalo Blanc
Procedure
What to do in
Thunderstorms
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01.10.2015
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Procedure
WHAT TO DO IN THUNDERSTORMS
1. OBJECTIVE, CONTENT AND SCOPE
Setting up the operational procedures and risk control means aimed at protecting the
physical integrity of workers, equipment and facilities in situations caused by
thunderstorms in the area of the International School Nido de Águilas.
The following procedure applies to all personnel, both its own and external, as well as to
visitors who are in the facilities of the school community.
2. DEFINITIONS
Thunderstorm: A weather phenomenon characterized by lightning bolts, rain showers,
lightning and hail. This storm is caused by the development of very thick cumuliform
clouds (cotton-like clouds).
Lightning bolt: A natural high-voltage electric discharge in the atmosphere seen as a
high intensity light beam. This phenomenon takes place due to the unequal electric
states of the clouds and the ground. Lightning bolts cause an electric balance in the
atmosphere.
Sheet lightning: Light produced by lightning, caused by the path of an electric current
that ionizes the air molecules.
Thunder: Sound produced by the shockwave produced by lightning, and it can be
heard at a long distance.
4. PREVENTIVE RECOMMENDATIONS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED BY PEOPLE IN
A THUNDERSTORM.
If there is a thunderstorm forecast in the sector, the day's activities must be planned
considering this potential risk, so all the workers must be acquainted with this
Procedure, include in their safety analysis the risks implied by the weather condition,
remain informed, and be aware of the thunderstorm forecast notices.
The generation of atmospheric electric discharges can cause accidents that injure
people and/or damage property.
Procedure
What to do in
Thunderstorms
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To plan the activities and include the required control measures and actions, the
following must be considered:
4.1
Critical areas and Activities:
For reference, some areas and activities that are more susceptible to being affected by
thunderstorms are listed below:
Activities
• Maintenance of facilities (electric, civil, roofing, gardening, etc.)
• Practicing outdoor sports
• Field surveillance
• Cleaning of buildings
• Outdoor classes
• Breaks
Áreas / Processes
• Buildings & Grounds
• General Services
• Security and Safety
• IT Departament
• Other
4.2
Most Exposed Places
The most exposed places are those that favor the attraction of lightning bolts, generally
characterized by being elevated points in flat land and those that have electricity
conducting elements.
Because of the above, special precautions and control measures must be taken in
metallic enclosures, wire fencing, overhead electric lines, electric power substations,
outdoor sheds, water sources, large open spaces, metal pipes in high areas, water
tanks, etc.
4.2
Shelter Conditions
In the presence of a thunderstorm you must look for shelter areas that can reduce or
remove the risk of being struck by lightning. “Under thunderstorm conditions all
outdoor activities are forbidden.”
Procedure
What to do in
Thunderstorms
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01.10.2015
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4.3.1 In Open Places
If you are caught by a thunderstorm in an open space you must:
a. If possible, seek refuge in rooms or buildings protected by lightning arresters, in
metal containers with ground connection, or in vehicles.
b. Separate at least 100 meters from any metal structure.
c. Seek temporary refuge in dry places, land depressions, the bottom of hills, under
overhanging rocks, and stay as far away as possible from places that are highly
exposed to lightning: avoid going under a tree because if it is affected by lightning
some branches may fall from a hight.
d. If you are caught by a thunderstorm, immediately pull your feet together, squat and
lean forward, putting your hands on your knees, try to turn as small as possible with
the least possible contact with the ground. Do not lie on the ground for any reason,
and do not put your hands on the ground. If you have metallic elements on your
body, get rid of them immediately and place them at least 30 meters away from you.
4.3.2
In vehicles, machinery and equipment
If you are inside some vehicle or machinery without a refuge protected by nearby
lightning arresters, the following recommendations should be followed:
a. Remain in your equipment/vehicles with the windows/doors closed, and do not go
out of them until the red alert has been called off.
b. Drive keeping in mind the weather condition. Pick up any person exposed to the
outdoors that you find on your way.
c. In general, during the alert you are only allowed to get on or off a vehicle for
emergency reasons. In these cases this action must be performed by getting the
vehicle as close as possible to the safety zone or to the other transfer vehicles,
thereby minimizing the travelling distance of people outdoors.
d. The movements of persons who need to get people on or off vehicles massively
must be coordinated in order to fit the schedules and exposure times. For this
activity the vehicles must be moved as close as possible to the safety zone or to the
other transfer vehicles, thereby minimizing the travelling distance.
Procedure
What to do in
Thunderstorms
4.3.3
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In protected buildings
Activities inside buildings can take place normally, with the precaution of staying away
from doors and windows, which must be closed to avoid the consequences of the
ionization of the surrounding air if lightning were to strike.
5. IN CASE OF INCIDENTS/ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY THUNDERSTORMS
In a situation in which a person, equipment or facility has been affected by lightning,
immediate notice must be given to activate the General Emergency Plan.
5.1
To people
a) People struck by lightning or an electric discharge do not keep the electric discharge
in their body, so they can be assisted without any risk, but the risks of the
environment must be evaluated.
b) If the person injured by an electric discharge has burns, give first aid attention if you
have been trained for it.
c) If the person injured by an electric discharge is affected by a cardiorespiratory arrest,
perform the resuscitation maneuver only if you have been trained for it.
Important: Any persona who has been struck by lightning and has minor injuries,
must report immediately to a NIDO NURSE (23398140) who will evaluate the steps
that should be taken.
5.2 To equipment
If your equipment/vehicle has been hit by lightning, remain in it until the alert has been
called off. However, if an emergency such as a fire is produced by the discharge, get
away more than 20 meters from your equipment/vehicle.
5.3
To facilities
If the storm has affected facilities, entering the area should be done once the storm has
gone away completely, taking all the corresponding safety measures.