Safe Work Procedure: Lightning Stand Down

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 steps to take during a lightning stand down to ensure the safety of all personnel. This procedure applies to all work sites and activities where there is a risk of lightning strikes. It includes guidelines for monitoring weather conditions, suspending operations, seeking shelter, and resuming work after the threat has passed.

2. Definitions

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

30-30 Rule: If you see lightning and cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder, lightning is close enough to be a threat. Seek shelter immediately. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming activities.

3. Responsibilities

3.1 Supervisors

Monitor weather conditions and forecasts for potential lightning activity.
Order a lightning stand down when lightning is detected within a [SPECIFIC MILE RADIUS] or when the 30-30 rule applies.
Ensure all workers are informed of the stand down and have safely reached designated shelters.
Communicate updates and instructions to workers during the stand down.
Determine when it is safe to resume work activities after the lightning threat has passed.

3.2 Workers

Be aware of the risks associated with lightning and the procedures for a lightning stand down.
Monitor weather conditions and report any signs of lightning to the supervisor.
Immediately cease work and seek shelter when a lightning stand down is called.
Follow supervisor's instructions during the stand down.
Do not resume work until authorized by the supervisor.

3.3 Health and Safety Representative

Assist in developing and reviewing the lightning safety procedure.
Provide training and awareness programs on lightning safety.
Investigate any lightning-related incidents and recommend preventive measures.

4. Potential Hazards and Risks

Hazard	Risk	Control Measures
Lightning strike	Electrocution, burns, injury, or death	Monitor weather conditions, implement lightning stand down procedures, seek appropriate shelter, avoid open areas and conductive objects.
Being outdoors during a lightning storm	Electrocution, burns, injury, or death	Suspend all outdoor activities during a lightning storm, seek appropriate shelter indoors or in a vehicle.
Contact with conductive objects	Electrocution, burns, injury, or death	Avoid contact with metal objects, water, and electrical equipment during a lightning storm.
Re-starting work too soon	Electrocution, burns, injury, or death	Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Proper PPE is essential to minimize risk. During a lightning stand down, PPE is less relevant as the primary control is to seek shelter. However, the following PPE is generally required for work activities:

Hard hat - To protect against falling objects.
Safety glasses - To protect eyes from dust and debris.
Work boots - To provide foot protection and slip resistance.
High-visibility clothing - To ensure visibility in all conditions.

6. Equipment and Tools

No specific equipment or tools are used during a lightning stand down. The focus is on ceasing operations and seeking shelter.

7. Pre-Job Requirements

7.1 Training and Competency

All workers must receive training on lightning safety, including the risks of lightning strikes, how to recognize hazardous weather conditions, and the procedures for a lightning stand down.

7.2 Pre-Job Briefing

Before starting any outdoor work, conduct a pre-job briefing to discuss the potential for lightning activity and review the lightning safety procedure.
Identify designated shelters and escape routes.

7.3 Work Area Preparation

Ensure the work area is free of hazards that could be exacerbated by a lightning strike (e.g., flammable materials).
Identify and mark designated shelters.

8. Safe Work Procedure Steps

Step 1: Monitor Weather Conditions

Continuously monitor weather forecasts and conditions for any signs of potential lightning activity. Use weather apps, local news, and visual observation to stay informed.

Sub-step 1.1: Check the weather forecast before starting work.
Sub-step 1.2: Monitor weather conditions throughout the day.
Sub-step 1.3: Pay attention to signs of approaching storms (darkening skies, increasing wind speed, thunder).

Safety considerations for this step: Be proactive in monitoring weather conditions to anticipate and prepare for potential lightning threats.

Step 2: Initiate Lightning Stand Down

When lightning is detected within [SPECIFIC MILE RADIUS] of the work site, or when the 30-30 rule applies, the supervisor must initiate a lightning stand down.

Sub-step 2.1: Supervisor orders a lightning stand down.
Sub-step 2.2: Communicate the stand down to all workers using [SPECIFIC COMMUNICATION METHOD].
Sub-step 2.3: Ensure all operations cease immediately.

Safety considerations for this step: Prompt and clear communication is critical to ensure everyone is aware of the stand down and takes appropriate action.

Step 3: Seek Shelter

All workers must immediately seek appropriate shelter.

Sub-step 3.1: Direct workers to pre-identified safe shelters such as:
- Fully enclosed buildings with electrical grounding.
- Fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows closed.
Sub-step 3.2: If no designated shelter is available:
- Avoid open fields, hilltops, and isolated tall objects.
- Stay away from water, metal objects (fences, machinery), and electrical equipment.
- If caught in the open, crouch down in a low-lying area, minimizing contact with the ground.
Sub-step 3.3: Remain in the shelter until the lightning threat has passed.

Safety considerations for this step: The type of shelter is critical for safety. Prioritize enclosed buildings or vehicles. If those are not available, take measures to minimize risk in the open.

Step 4: Monitor the Situation

During the stand down, continue to monitor weather conditions and communicate updates to workers.

Sub-step 4.1: Use weather apps or local news to track the storm's progress.
Sub-step 4.2: Provide regular updates to workers on the status of the stand down.
Sub-step 4.3: Address any concerns or questions from workers.

Safety considerations for this step: Keeping workers informed helps maintain order and ensures everyone remains vigilant.

Step 5: Resume Work

Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities. Ensure the supervisor gives the all-clear before work restarts.

Sub-step 5.1: Supervisor assesses the weather conditions to ensure the lightning threat has passed.
Sub-step 5.2: Communicate the all-clear to all workers.
Sub-step 5.3: Conduct a brief inspection of the work area to ensure it is safe to resume operations.

Safety considerations for this step: Prematurely resuming work can be deadly. Strictly adhere to the 30-minute rule.

9. Precautions and Safety Measures

Monitor Weather: Continuously monitor weather conditions and forecasts for potential lightning activity.
Seek Shelter: Immediately seek appropriate shelter when a lightning stand down is called.
Avoid Hazards: Stay away from water, metal objects, and electrical equipment during a lightning storm.
Communicate: Maintain clear and consistent communication with all workers during a lightning stand down.
Wait 30 Minutes: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

10. Emergency Procedures

10.1 General Emergency Response

In the event of a lightning strike, immediately call emergency services (911).
Provide first aid to any injured personnel.
Ensure the safety of all personnel and prevent further injuries.

10.2 Specific Emergency Scenarios

Lightning Strike Injury: Assess the victim for burns, cardiac arrest, and neurological damage. Administer first aid and call for medical assistance.
Fire: If lightning causes a fire, activate the fire alarm and evacuate the area. Use fire extinguishers if safe to do so.
Entrapment: If personnel are trapped, assess the situation and call for specialized rescue services.

10.3 Emergency Contact Information

Emergency Services: 911
[COMPANY MEDICAL CONTACT]: [PHONE NUMBER]
[SITE SAFETY OFFICER]: [PHONE NUMBER]

11. Incident Reporting and Investigation

All incidents, near-misses, and hazards related to lightning must be reported to the supervisor and documented in an incident report.
Conduct a thorough investigation to determine the root cause of the incident and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

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