General. High Winds. High winds are a common hazard in the UAE.

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1 General guidance for employers and workers in inclement weather conditions Date: March 2017 OSHAD 2017 This document is and shall remain the property of OSHAD. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was intended. Unauthorised use or reproduction of this document is prohibited.

2 General High Winds Review any work at height and outdoor working when the wind Ensure all windows are closed and doors only opened as required. Remove lightweight or loose objects from open areas. High winds are a common hazard in the UAE. To reduce risks during high wind, the below should be considered as part of risk management procedures: Stop any lifting operations if wind Ensure any cranes or lifting equipment are secured. Inspect buildings and projects to confirm that unsecured equipment has been removed. Issue alerts and notifications to all employees regarding safe driving during high winds. which are sent by the employer. External and high areas Windows and Doors Employer should be notified in case of increased wind speed concerning the following: Any work at height and outdoor working. Open Areas Any doors or open windows. Light weight or unsecured equipment in open areas. Lifting works. lifting operations Unsecured equipment. Inspection Driving Follow up regularly with notifications which are sent by the employer. Drive only if safe to do so. If your journey is not essential, postpone it until the heavy rain subsides. Reduce your speed. If visibility becomes very poor, pull over in a safe place until it improves. Ensure tires and windscreen wipers are in good condition. Do not drive close to other cars, increase the braking distance.

3 General Heavy Rain / Lightning / Flooding Issue alerts to all employees in affected areas and projects. Consider using only critical electrical Use of equipment during lightning storms Electrical Switch off non-essential equipment. Use critical electrical equipment only during lightning. Stop operating unnecessary equipment. Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, etc.). Inform employees to stay indoors. Stay in your office and don t leave until you get approval from your manager. Staying inside buildings Heavy rain and Lightning can cause occupational safety and health issues within the workplace, so precautions should be taken to prevent employee exposure to lightning and employers should recognize lightning as an occupational hazard. As part of any adverse weather procedure, consider the following during times of heavy rainfall or lightning storms as part of risk management procedures: Follow employer s instructions in affected projects and locations Ensure entrances and exits to buildings are safe and have non slip mats to prevent ingress of water. Provide additional cleaning staff at entrance and exit points to buildings Add signboards within locations and activities which include hazards that affect employees health and safety such as (water pipes, water ponds, water bodies, isolated trees, and equipment which are connected to power... etc) Building entrances and exits Dangerous locations Issue alerts to all employees to Drive safely and reduce speed. Postpone unnecessary driving. Move the vehicle away from the road to a safe area in case visibility is too poor until it becomes clear. Driving Use building exits and entrances which include non-slip carpets Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Get out immediately from ponds, Get away from other bodies of water Never shelter under an isolated tree or metal structure. Drive only if safe to do so. If your journey is not essential, postpone it until the heavy rain subsides. Reduce your speed. If visibility becomes very poor, pull over in a safe place until it improves. Ensure tires and windscreen wipers are in good condition. Do not drive close to other cars, increase the braking distance.

4 Fog General Follow up regularly the weather Follow up regularly with notifications, which are sent by the employer. Follow employers notifications Reduce your speed. Do not drive close to other cars, increase the braking distance. Fog can cause very hazardous conditions for driving on public roads due to reduced visibility. Issue alerts and notifications to all employees regarding safe driving during foggy weather. Driving Drive only if safe to do so. If visibility becomes very poor, pull over in a safe place until it improves. To reduce risks during fog, the below should be considered as part of risk management procedures: Do not use hazard lights. Use high intensity fog lamps, If visibility is less than 100 meters Review the need to travel

5 Instructions for building and construction Heavy Rain, Lightning, Flooding Issue alerts to all employees in affected areas and projects. Ensure appropriate signage is in place and beware of areas with standing water or that may flood. Review the use of electrical installations or plant and equipment during heavy rainfall. Undertake additional checks of any scaffolding, ladder, heavy equipment etc. that may become unsafe due to heavy rainfall. Review any activities that involve excavations. Comply with signboards contents. Signage Plant and Confirm following up with employer s notifications and instructions regarding use of equipment, electrical machines, or installations during the rainfall. Excavation work Building and Construction is considered one of the high-risk activities and the level of risk increases on workers in adverse weather conditions such as Heavy Rain, Lightning, Flooding, High winds and fog. Check any areas where work at height may be undertaken and ensure it is safe to do so. Notify the employees and workers to stay away from high areas such as platforms, scaffolds, and others during thunderstorms. Work at height To reduce risks during adverse weather conditions, the below should be considered as part of risk management procedures: Stop work outdoors during electrical (lightning) storms. Outdoor working Ensure any chemicals or hazardous materials are secured and covered. Chemicals Provide staff with appropriate wet weather clothing if working outdoors. which are sent by the employer. Personal Protective Confirm following up with employer s notifications and instructions regarding continuing construction which is related to excavation, high areas and external construction. Do not use chemicals or hazardous materials. Use PPE and clothes which are adequate for rainfall in case construction is within External areas.

6 High Winds Review any work at height and outdoor working when the wind Secure objects that can be easily blown away by strong winds. Stop any lifting operations if wind Ensure any cranes or lifting equipment are secured. Tag lines should be used when hoisting loads with large flat surfaces. Ensure that tools are packed away safely and that roofing sheets, cones, signage and other loose materials are safely secured. Provide eye protection to keep dust and debris from blowing into the eyes. Ensure hard hats are securely fastened. Provide protective gear against falls from high places. Ensure temporary or site fencing is securely fixed. Ensure any chemicals or hazardous materials are secured and covered. Fog Work at height lifting operations Signage which are sent by the employer. Confirm following up with employer s instructions regarding ability to carry out required work in high areas. Avoid standing next to construction or accumulated materials. Follow employer s instructions regarding the ability to continue lifting works. Use ropes to lift heavy loads which have wide surfaces Issue notifications for all employees Provide appropriate high visibility clothing for outdoor workers. Review the possibility of continuing work in heavy lifting activities considering the visibility conditions. Comply with signboards and other requirements and notify employer about any signboards which have fallen as a result of strong wind. Ensure audible and visual warnings are activated on plant and equipment. Personal Protective Ensure equipment and other materials Wear required PPE which has been supplied by employer. Follow employer s instructions. Personal Protective lifting operations Plant and which are sent by the employer Wear the personal protective equipment that has been supplied by employer such as reflector vests during working in external or construction areas. Confirm following the employer s instructions regarding ability to continue working if weather is foggy Pay attention to voice and light warning systems in plant and equipment and use them when required. Note: In addition to the above, follow general instructions for employers in heavy rain/lightening/ flooding, high winds and fog

7 For more information, please check the technical instruction manual in OSHAD website