Safe Work Procedure: Severe Weather

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 necessary precautions and procedures to be followed during severe weather conditions to ensure the safety of all personnel and prevent damage to equipment and property. This procedure applies to all employees, contractors, and visitors at [LOCATION_CONTEXT].

This SWP covers procedures to be followed before, during, and after severe weather events, including but not limited to thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.

This SWP should be used in conjunction with the site's Emergency Response Plan and any other relevant safety procedures.

2. Definitions

Severe Weather: Weather conditions that pose a significant risk to life and property, including thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, extreme temperatures, and any other hazardous weather phenomena.

Shelter-in-Place: Taking refuge inside a building or designated safe area to protect oneself from the hazards of severe weather.

Emergency Alert: Official notification issued by relevant authorities (e.g., weather services) to warn of impending or ongoing severe weather.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Monitor weather forecasts and alerts to identify potential severe weather conditions.
Communicate weather-related risks and safety procedures to workers.
Ensure that work areas are secured and that necessary precautions are taken before severe weather arrives.
Supervise the evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures as required.
Conduct post-weather inspections to assess damage and ensure the safety of work areas.

3.2 Workers

Monitor weather conditions and be aware of potential hazards.
Follow supervisor's instructions and adhere to safety procedures.
Report any weather-related hazards or concerns to the supervisor.
Participate in evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures as directed.
Inspect work areas for damage after severe weather and report any issues.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in the development and review of severe weather safety procedures.
Provide guidance and support to supervisors and workers on weather-related safety issues.
Investigate weather-related incidents and recommend corrective actions.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
High Winds	Flying debris, structural damage, falls	Secure loose objects, move indoors, avoid working at heights
Heavy Rain	Flooding, slips, electrical hazards	Avoid low-lying areas, use non-slip footwear, ensure electrical equipment is properly grounded
Thunderstorms	Lightning strikes, power outages	Seek shelter indoors, avoid contact with metal objects, unplug electrical equipment
Extreme Temperatures (Heat)	Heatstroke, dehydration, exhaustion	Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in cool areas, wear appropriate clothing
Extreme Temperatures (Cold)	Hypothermia, frostbite	Wear warm clothing, take frequent breaks in warm areas, monitor for signs of cold stress

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to minimize the risk of injury during severe weather conditions.

High-visibility clothing - To ensure visibility in low-light conditions or heavy rain.
Non-slip footwear - To prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces.
Gloves - To protect hands from cold or sharp objects.
Eye protection - To protect eyes from flying debris or heavy rain.
Hard hat - To protect head from falling objects.

Inspect all PPE before use to ensure it is in good condition and fits properly. Replace any damaged or worn PPE immediately.

6. Equipment and Tools

Using the right equipment and tools is crucial for maintaining safety during severe weather.

Weather radio - To receive timely weather alerts and updates.
Flashlights - To provide illumination during power outages.
First aid kit - To treat minor injuries.
Sandbags - To prevent flooding.
Shovels - To clear snow or debris.

Inspect all equipment and tools before use to ensure they are in good working condition. Report any damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All personnel must receive training on severe weather safety procedures, including hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response. Training should cover the proper use of PPE and equipment, as well as evacuation and shelter-in-place procedures.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Before commencing any work, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss potential weather-related hazards and review safety procedures. The briefing should cover the following:

Current and expected weather conditions
Potential hazards and risks
Control measures and safety precautions
Emergency procedures and contact information

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Secure all loose objects that could be blown away by high winds.
Clear work areas of any potential hazards, such as debris or standing water.
Ensure that all electrical equipment is properly grounded and protected from moisture.
Identify and mark evacuation routes and shelter-in-place locations.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Monitor Weather Conditions

Continuously monitor weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources (e.g., weather radio, weather apps) [1].

Pay attention to warnings for thunderstorms, high winds, heavy rain, and extreme temperatures.
Be aware of changing weather conditions and adjust work plans accordingly.
Report any unusual weather phenomena to the supervisor.

Safety considerations: Stay informed about potential weather hazards to make timely decisions.

Step 2: Secure Work Area

Take necessary precautions to secure the work area before severe weather arrives.

Secure loose materials and equipment to prevent them from being blown away by high winds [1].
Cover or move sensitive equipment to protect it from rain or flooding.
Ensure that all tools and materials are stored properly to prevent hazards.

Safety considerations: Preventing loose items from becoming airborne hazards.

Step 3: Evacuate or Shelter-in-Place

Follow evacuation or shelter-in-place procedures as directed by the supervisor.

If evacuation is necessary, proceed to the designated safe area using the marked evacuation routes.
If shelter-in-place is required, move to the designated shelter location inside a building.
Follow all instructions from the supervisor and emergency personnel.

Safety considerations: Ensure everyone knows the evacuation routes and shelter locations.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and alerts regularly to stay aware of potential hazards [1].
Secure Work Areas: Secure loose objects and equipment to prevent them from becoming airborne hazards [1].
Seek Shelter: During severe weather, seek shelter indoors or in a designated safe area.
Avoid Hazards: Stay away from potential hazards such as downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures.
Communicate: Maintain communication with supervisors and coworkers to share information and coordinate safety efforts.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a weather-related emergency:

Remain calm and follow instructions from supervisors and emergency personnel.
Account for all personnel and report any missing individuals.
Provide assistance to injured or stranded individuals.
Do not return to work areas until authorized by the supervisor.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Lightning Strike: Seek immediate medical attention for anyone struck by lightning.
Flooding: Evacuate to higher ground and avoid contact with floodwaters.
High Winds: Seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows and doors.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
Supervisor: [PHONE NUMBER]
Health and Safety Representative: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

Report all weather-related incidents, near-misses, and hazards to the supervisor immediately. Conduct a thorough investigation of all reported incidents to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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