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Flood Cleanup after Tropical Storm Erin

August 27th, 2007 Posted by Amelia

Much of the South and Midwest is digging out after severe flooding and damaged in the wake of Tropical Storm Erin late last week.

During that process, employers should be aware of potential hazards associated with flood damage. Electrical Lines and Tree Clearing pose special hazards.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, offers a number of tips for safe flood clean-up. These include assuming that every power line is “hot”, or energized, during clean-up operations. Contact the utility company to discuss grounding and shielding of power lines. Only a qualified electrician familiar with high-voltage work or a power company worker should authorize work on downed power lines.

Electrical hazards can cause burns, shocks and even death by electrocution. Even if a wire is down or appears to be insulated, never assume that it is safe to touch. Call the electric company to report any fallen electrical lines.

Workers should stay at least 10 feet from overhead wires during flood cleanup. When working at heights or handling long objects, check the area for overhead wires before beginning.

During storms, workers may encounter electrical lines while driving. If an electrical line falls over your vehicle, stay inside the car or truck. Continue to drive away from the electrical line. If the vehicle stalls or is stuck, stay inside. Caution others not to touch the electrical wire, and call emergency services.

It’s easy for workers to forget normal safety precautions during emergencies like floods. Never operate electrical equipment while standing in water. Unless you are a licensed electrician, never try to repair electrical cords or equipment. Any electrical equipment that has been exposed to water should be inspected by a qualified electrician before use. Inspect all electrical cords and equipment to ensure that they are in good condition, especially in damp surroundings.

All tree trimming or removal work within 10 feet of power lines should be done only by trained personnel. Line-clearance tree-trimmers are fully educated in safety procedures to protect themselves and those working nearby. Regulations require that a second tree-trimmer be within normal voice communication range.

Line-clearance tree trimmers should be aware of and maintain enough distance around downed power lines. This includes distances from employees, their equipment, buildings and other, untrained workers. Employees should always use extreme caution when moving ladders or equipment around downed trees and power lines.

It’s tempting to start flood cleanup as soon as possible, but OSHA urges employees to wait until the weather clears. Many accidents occur when cleanup operations and tree trimming are started too early, during rainy weather.

Every tree trimming operation should start with a hazard assessment. Only skilled operators should use chainsaws and other equipment to clear branches. Take forward lean, back lean and side lean into account before felling the tree. Determine the tree’s felling direction in advance. It’s important that all equipment be well-maintained.

Workers should inspect tree limbs for strength and stability before climbing. Tree trimmers working at heights should use safety harnesses and other appropriate fall protection. Workers should never climb with tools in their hands. When broken trees are under pressure, determine the direction of pressure and make small cuts to release it.

Leaving an adequate wood hinge, or uncut portion, will ensure that the tree falls slowly, in the proper direction. Still, provide a retreat path to a safe location, just in case. Use extreme care when felling a tree that has not fallen completely to the ground, especially if it is lodged against another tree.

Workers should be warned never to turn their backs on a falling tree. Also be aware that a falling tree may strike and dislodge other objects as it travels.

All personnel engaged in cleanup operations should wear protective equipment such as gloves, safety goggles or glasses, hard hats, hearing protection and any other items recommended by employers or manufacturers.