|
| Safety
and Health Topics >
Emergency Preparedness and Response >
Safety and Health Guides
> Hurricanes and... |
Printing Instructions
|
| Hurricanes and Tornados |
The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) requires employers to comply with hazard-specific safety and
health standards. In addition, pursuant to Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act, employers must provide their employees with a workplace
free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. Emergency Preparedness Guides do not and cannot enlarge or
diminish an employer's obligations under the OSH Act.
Emergency Preparedness Guides are based on presently available information, as well as current occupational safety and health provisions
and standards. The procedures and practices discussed in Emergency Preparedness Guides may need to be modified when additional, relevant
information becomes available or when OSH Act standards are promulgated or modified. |
|
A major hurricane or tornado can be lethal. Preparing for hurricanes and tornados and responding to them effectively
can reduce the dangers caused by these storms. The following frequently asked questions will help workers understand how hurricanes and
tornados may affect their health and safety.
General Information
What are some differences between hurricanes and tornados?
Hurricanes are powerful storms formed at sea that have sustained winds in excess of 74 miles per hour. Due to the size of hurricanes, they
are easily spotted and can be tracked for days prior to hitting a given area. Hurricanes are often accompanied by tidal surges and flash
floods, which typically cause more damage than the hurricane's wind.
Tornados are violent whirlwinds that can travel at speeds of 250 miles per hour or more. Unlike hurricanes, tornados form quickly and travel
in very unpredictable directions.
How are hurricanes rated?
Since the 1970s the National Weather Service has used the Saffir-Simpson Scale to measure hurricanes.
Category One: Winds 74-95 mph. Storm surge generally 4-5 feet above normal.
Category Two: Winds 96-110 mph. Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal.
Category Three: Winds 111-130 mph. Storm surge generally 9-12 feet above normal.
Category Four: Winds 131-155 mph. Storm surge generally 13-18 feet above normal.
Category Five: Winds greater than 155 mph. Storm surge generally higher than 18 feet above normal.
How are tornados rated?
The Fujita Wind Damage Scale is used to measure the strength of tornados and sometimes other wind storms.
F-1: Light damage with winds up to 72 mph.
F-2: Moderate damage with winds up 73-112 mph.
F-3: Considerable damage with winds 113-157 mph.
F-4: Devastating damage with winds 207-260 mph.
F-5: Incredible damage with winds above 261mph.
What do watches and warnings mean?
Watch: Be alert, a storm is likely. In the case of a tornado, the conditions are right for tornado development, but none have been sighted.
A "watch" is usually issued for a six-hour period of time. No special action is required, but monitor for changing weather conditions.
Warning: Severe weather is present, there is imminent danger for people in the warning area.
Worker Safety and Health
What workers are at increased risk of injury during hurricanes or tornados?
While most workers can stay inside during such a storm, some workers may be required to go into the storm. This may include utility workers,
law enforcement personnel, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, federal, state and local government personnel (such as sanitation and
highway workers), and military personnel.
Many of the hazards occur to workers immediately after the storm has passed, such as during cleanup and utility restoration work. These
activities are even more hazardous in areas of flooding, which are often caused by these storms.
What kinds of safety and health hazards are associated with hurricanes or tornados?
According to the National Weather Service, about 70 percent of injuries during hurricanes and tornados result from vehicle accidents, and
about 25 percent of injuries result from being caught out in the storm.
Some of the specific hazards associated with working in hurricanes or tornados include:
- Hazardous driving conditions due to slippery roadways
- Slips and falls due to slippery walkways
- Falling and flying objects such as tree limbs and utility poles
- Electrical hazards from downed power lines or downed objects in contact with power lines
- Falls from heights
- Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure
- Exhaustion from working extended shifts
- Dehydration
What hazards exist when repairing downed or damaged power lines?
Repairing downed or damaged lines entails many of the activities involved in installing and removing overhead lines and in general
maintenance on overhead lines. The crucial difference is that in emergency conditions there are unknown hazards and the potential for
changing hazards as work progresses. Under these conditions workers must be extra vigilant and cautious.
Potential hazards include:
- Electrocution by contacting downed energized lines, or contacting objects, such as broken tree limbs, in contact with fallen lines.
- Falls from heights.
- Being struck or crushed by falling poles, towers or parts thereof, or tree limbs.
- Being injured in vehicular accidents when responding to an emergency situation.
- Burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure.
What protective measures should be utilized when working on or around downed or damaged power lines?
Stay well clear of any downed or damaged power lines. Establish a safe distance from the lines and report the incident to the responsible
authority. Only properly-trained electrical utility workers should handle damaged power lines.
Electrical utility workers should first assess the hazards present in order to minimize the chances of exacerbating the situation. Ideally
the lines involved should be de-energized, but this may not be possible in all situations.
When working on downed or damaged power lines, electrical workers should utilize proper electrical safety work practices and personal
protective equipment, as usual.
What hazards exist when removing downed trees during a hurricanes or tornados, and what safety precautions should be taken?
When these storms occur, downed trees can block public roads and damage power lines. Emergency crews are often sent out to clear downed trees
during these storms.
Potential hazards include:
- Electrocution by contacting downed energized lines or contacting broken tree limbs in contact with fallen lines.
- Falls from trees.
- Being struck or crushed by falling tree limbs.
- Being injured by emergency equipment such as chain saws and chippers.
- Proper PPE, including gloves, foot protection, eye protection, fall protection, hearing protection and head protection, should be used
when using chainsaws and chippers to clear downed trees.
Only appropriate power equipment that is built to be used outdoors and in wet conditions should be used. All saws,
chippers, and other tools should be used properly and according to their intended application. It is important that all equipment is
well-maintained and functioning correctly in order for use. In addition, all equipment should have proper guarding, working controls, and
other safety features as installed by the manufacturer.
What should I do if a hurricane or tornado strands me in my vehicle?
Drivers in the hurricane's path who are not going to be driving their car should park it on high ground, as close as possible to a sturdy
building, and seek shelter as quickly as possible. Avoid driving through standing water. If you come upon a flooded street, take an alternate
route.
In the case of tornados, if you are in your car you should stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are
safer in a low, flat location. If there is no shelter immediately available, you should avoid trees and vehicles. Lie down flat in a gully,
ditch, or low spot on the ground and protect your head with an object or your arms. If shelter is available, move to the basement or a Safe
Room. Stay away from the windows and glass doorways. Go the the center of the room, staying away from corners, and make yourself the smallest
target possible. If an underground shelter is not available, move to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a
sturdy piece of furniture. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside.
References
Tornado: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Hurricane: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Disaster Services Publications: Community Disaster Education Materials Listed by Hazard. American Red Cross.
Florida Division Of Emergency Management
|
Last Updated: 02 September 2004
|
| |
|
