Lightning kills approximately 55 people per year and injures many more. Everyone should understand the danger of lightning and what actions to take during a storm, especially those who work outdoors.

Lightning is most often encountered during warm, humid weather and mayoften accompany summer rainstorms. Lightning is the electrostatic discharge between electrically charged areas within clouds or between a cloud and the earth's surface. The areas temporarily equalize the charge between themselves and yield a corresponding discharge or flash, which is called lightning.A lightning strike is when lightning hits an object on the ground.

Thunder is the sound made by lightning. Thunder is an indicator of how close the lightning is, based on how closely it follows the lightning flash. In addition, because it is sometimes heard before the storm starts, thundercan be a warning.

The hazards of lightning:

  • A direct lightning strike to an individual is usually fatal. Cardiac arrest or breathing failure often occurs.
  • Being in the vicinity of a lightning strike is also dangerous.

−If lightning strikes an electrical pole or tree, the electric current may radiate out through the nearby ground. If you are in the vicinity, you could be injured.

−Lightning strikes may also start fires or cause the collapse of trees or other objects, leading to secondary damage and injuries.

Planning for storms:

  • Assure that you understand your employer’s emergency action plan, and develop an action plan for your home. Understand your role in the plans affecting your workplace.
  • Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could break or fall during a severe thunderstorm.
  • Have your home electrical system periodically checked to assure thatit meets local building and electrical codes.

Storm response:

  • Remember the 30-30 rule; after seeing lightning, if you hear thunder in less time than it takes to count to 30, go indoors.Then, stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder.
  • Even if the lightning and thunder are more than 30 seconds apart, take shelter inside a building as soon as possible, and postpone activities that are done outside.

−However, if the situation is safe and there is adequate time, secure objects that are outdoors. They could be blown away or cause damage from wind associated with a storm.

−Make sure that the building you choose for shelter is sturdy and safe from lightning strikes, e.g., not a metal building.

−Avoid small, isolated structures in open areas.

  • Once indoors:

−Unplug electrical devices such as computers, radios, and appliances. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.

−Shutter windows and secure doors. If the windows do not have shutters, close blinds and curtains.

−Stay away from windows and doors.

−Use a battery-operated National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) Weather Radio for updates.

  • If you cannot find shelter inside a building:

−Take shelter inside a vehicle, if one is available.

−Avoid tall, isolated trees in an open area because they may act as lightning rods.

−Avoid hilltops, open fields, and being on the water.

−Stay close to the ground, either by kneeling or lying on your side in a low area.

  • Avoid contact with:

−Electrical equipment, including recharging equipment.

−Metal objects, either indoors or outdoors.

−Corded phones.

−Plumbing, because plumbing systems can conduct electricity.

  • Fallen wires or fires:

−Report fallen wires or fires by calling emergency services immediately.

−Do not touch fallen wires.

−If a vehicle is trapped beneath fallen wires, the driver must remain inside and wait for help from emergency services.Someone who exits the vehicle can act as a grounding source.

First aid:

  • In addition to possible cardiac arrest or breathing failure, victims of a lightning strike may have the following injuries or symptoms:

−Burns

−Damage to the nervous system

−Broken bones

−Impaired sight and hearing

−Memory loss

−Confusion

  • If someone has been struck by lightning, call emergency services immediately.
  • If the victim is not breathing, and you are trained in first aid, begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
  • Do not move the victim unless it is absolutely necessary due to immediate danger.
  • Electrical burns may be dressed with a clean, dry bandage, but they must not be cooled. Be aware that there may be both an entry burn and an exit burn.
  • Keep the person calm and warm until help arrives.
  • Even if the person seems to be fine, they need to have a medical evaluation.

This form documents that the training specified above was presented to the listed participants. By signing below, each participant acknowledges receiving this training.

Organization:

Trainer: Trainer’s Signature:_____

Class Participants:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name:Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Name: Signature: Date:

Remember to load your completed trainings into the Risk Management Center.