LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS | WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS WITH

 

 LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS | WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS WITH HSE Trainer 

Lightning is not only a weather event — it is a serious electrical hazard that can strike people, structures, power systems and equipment. A safe worksite begins with recognizing the warning signs and taking action before conditions become dangerous. 

 SITE SAFETY SCENARIO

Imagine a fabrication yard during an active thunderstorm. Dark clouds are building, thunder is becoming frequent, and lightning is visible in the surrounding area. Workers are still performing outdoor activities near scaffolding, lifting equipment, electrical installations, steel structures and open areas.

 This is the time to STOP and reassess the situation.

Do not wait for lightning to strike your work area. Once thunder is heard, workers should move to an appropriate safe shelter and remain there until the storm has passed and the responsible site team confirms it is safe to resume work. 

 WHAT SHOULD WE DO?

 1. Move to Safe Shelter
Take shelter inside a substantial building or an enclosed, hard-top vehicle.

 2. Keep Away From Electrical Hazards
Maintain distance from power lines, electrical equipment, substations, towers and other conductive structures.

 3. Stop Exposed Outdoor Work
Suspend activities involving cranes, scaffolding, work at height, steel erection, open-area maintenance and other exposed operations when lightning conditions create a hazard.

 4. Avoid Unsafe Shelter
Never shelter under isolated trees, temporary structures or near utility poles.

 5. Stay Away From Water
Avoid ponds, rivers, drainage channels, pools and other water bodies during thunderstorms.

 6. Follow Site Emergency Instructions
Listen to the HSE team, emergency coordinator and authorized weather-monitoring instructions.

 WHAT SHOULD WE NEVER DO?

 Do not continue working on elevated or exposed structures during lightning activity.
 Do not work near overhead power lines during a thunderstorm.
 Do not stand beside isolated tall structures or trees.
 Do not remain in open fields simply because lightning is still some distance away.
 Do not touch fallen or damaged electrical cables.
 Do not approach an area containing damaged electrical equipment until it has been made safe by authorized personnel.

 IF A POWER LINE FALLS

STOP → KEEP AWAY → WARN OTHERS → REPORT IMMEDIATELY

 Treat every fallen electrical line as LIVE. Never touch it or attempt to move it.

 SAFETY REMINDER

 You cannot control the weather.
 You can control your response to it.
 Recognize the hazard. Stop the work. Move to safety.

A few minutes of lost production is nothing compared with the potential consequences of a lightning-related incident.

 Safety is not about taking chances — it is about making the right decision before the incident happens.

 WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS!
 BE ALERT • BE PREPARED • STAY SAFE

HSE TRAINER – TRAIN • INSPIRE • PROTECT