William
J. Becker and Heather
Pirozzoli
University of Florida IFAS Extension
This
circular is a reprint of a National Institute of Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH) UPDATE published after the major
flood that hit the midwest in 1993. Minor revisions were made
in these opening paragraphs to indicate that much of this
information is appropriate during any natural disaster --
no matter how large or small.
After
a natural disaster, workers will face a number of hazards
associated with the cleanup activities. "While we may be powerless
against nature, we possess the power and the knowledge to
prevent the loss of life during cleanup efforts," said NIOSH
Acting Director, Dr. Richard A. Lemen.
As volunteers
converge to assist the victims of a natural disaster, we must
remind everyone of the potential dangers involved and the
proper safety precautions. Because the level of experience
varies among these volunteers, cleanup crews must work together
and watch out for one another to ensure safety. NIOSH urgently
requests your assistance in disseminating the following warnings
to all of those involved in a natural disaster cleanup. The
work-related hazards listed here are described in greater
detail in the following sections: Electrical Hazards, Carbon
Monoxide, Musculoskeletal Hazards, Thermal Stresses, Heavy
Equipment, Structural Instability, Hazardous Materials, Fire,
Drowning, Confined Spaces, Power Line Hazards, Agricultural
Hazards, Stress, and Fatigue.
NIOSH
has investigated several work-related electrocution deaths
following natural disasters. During the 1993 flood in the
midwest, at least four people died of electrocution. To prevent
further electrocutions, NIOSH urges those involved in cleanup
activities to take the following steps:
- If
water has been present anywhere near electrical circuits,
turn off the power at the main breaker or fuse on the service
panel. Do not turn the power back on until electrical equipment
has been inspected by a qualified electrician. Never enter
flooded areas or touch electrical equipment if the ground
is wet, unless you are certain that the power is off. NEVER
handle a downed power line.
- When
using gasoline and diesel generators to supply power to
a building, switch the main breaker or fuse on the service
panel to the "off" position prior to starting the generator.
This will prevent inadvertent energizing of power lines
from backfeed electrical energy from the generators, and
help to protect utility line workers from possible electrocution.
If clearing
or other work must be performed near a downed power line,
contact the utility company to discuss de-energizing and grounding
or shielding of power lines. Extreme caution is necessary
when moving ladders and other equipment near overhead power
lines to avoid such inadvertent contact. If you are working
on or near power lines, refer to the additional recommendations
provided below.
Several
workers have died of electrocution following natural disasters.
Workers and employers must take extreme caution while attempting
to restore power or clear areas near downed power lines. In
one instance, a worker lost his life following Hurricane Hugo
after removing trees from a de- energized power line that
had been knocked down by the storm. While inspecting the completed
work, the man stepped on the line and was electrocuted by
"feedback" energy from a portable backup generator at a nearby
gas station. Feedback energy occurs when a de-energized line
becomes energized by a secondary power source.
A year
later, another worker died cleaning branches from a power
ling following a tropical storm. He was electrocuted after
falling from a tree onto a line thought to be de-energized.
Although the workers had opened a fused switch on a transformer,
the line remained energized through another transformer.
If you
are working on or near power lines, the following steps may
save your life:
- Treat
all power lines as energized until you have followed the
required procedures for personally de-energizing and testing
them with an appropriate testing device. Do not rely on
"fuzzing" to determine if a power line has been de-energized.
- Verifying
that a line is not energized may not ensure your safety.
You must also ground lines on both the load and supply sides
of the work area. Grounding is necessary to protect you
from the hazards of feedback electrical energy from a secondary
power source, such as a portable generator.
- When
restoring power in underground vaults, added precautions
are necessary to avoid explosion hazards. As vaults containing
electrical connections are drained or pumped our, and energized,
potentially explosive gases may form. If you are required
to work in a utility vault, refer to the Confined Spaces
section of this publication.
Flood
cleanup activities may involve the use of gasoline- or diesel-powered
pumps, generators and pressure washers. Because these devices
release carbon monoxide, a deadly, colorless, odorless gas,
operate all gasoline-powered devices outdoors, and never bring
them indoors. Two workers in Des Moines, Iowa suffered carbon
monoxide poisoning during the 1993 flood. Moreover, NIOSH
has investigated several carbon monoxide poisoning deaths
in the past caused by the use of gasoline-powered engines
indoors or in confined spaces.
Cleanup
workers are at risk for developing serious musculoskeletal
injuries to the hands, back, knees and shoulders. Special
attention is needed to avoid back injuries associated with
manual lifting and handling of debris and building materials.
To help prevent injury, use teams of two or more to move bulky
objects, avoid lifting any material that weighs more than
50 pounds (per person), and use proper automated-assist lifting
devices.
Thermal
stresses can be caused by either heat or cold.
Heat-
Cleanup workers are at serious risk for developing heat stress. Excessive exposure to hot environments can cause a variety of heat-related problems, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and fainting. To reduce the potential for heat stress, drink a glass of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Additionally, incorporate work-rest cycles into work routines, working during the cooler hours of the day, when possible, or distribute the workload evenly throughout the day. When air conditioning is unavailable, open windows and use fans.
Cold -
Standing
or working in water which is cooler than 75 degrees Fahrenheit
(24 degrees Centigrade) will remove body heat more rapidly
than it can be replaced, resulting in hypothermia. To reduce
the risk of hypothermia, wear high rubber boots, ensure that
clothing and boots have adequate insulation, avoid working
alone, take frequent breaks out of the water and change into
dry clothing when possible.
Only
those properly trained should operate heavy equipment such
as bulldozers, backhoes and tractors. If you are operating
this type of equipment, turn it off and block it against motion
prior to dismounting for any reason.
Flood
waters can rearrange and damage natural walkways, as well
as sidewalks, parking lots, roads , buildings and open fields.
Never assume that water- damaged structures or ground are
stable. Buildings that may have been submerged or have withstood
rushing flood waters may have suffered structural damage and
could be dangerous. Don't work in or around any flood-damaged
building until it has been examined and certified as safe
for work by a registered professional engineer or architect.
Assume all stairs, floors and roofs are unsafe until they
are inspected. Leave immediately if shifting or unusual noises
signal a possible collapse.
Flood
waters can dislodge tanks, drums, pipes and equipment which
may contain hazardous materials such as pesticides or propane.
Do not attempt to move unidentified dislodged containers without
first contacting the local fire department or hazardous materials
team.
If working
in potentially contaminated areas, avoid skin contact or inhalation
of vapors by wearing appropriate protective clothing and respirators.
Contact NIOSH for more information on the proper safety equipment.
Frequently and thoroughly wash skin areas that may have been
exposed to pesticides and other hazardous chemicals.
Fire
can pose a major threat to an already badly damaged flood
area for several reasons:
- inoperative
fire protection systems,
- hampered
fire department response,
- inoperable
firefighting water supplies, and
- flood-damaged
fire protection systems.
Workers
and employers must therefore take extra precautions. Provide
at least two fire extinguishers, each with a UL rating of
at least 10A, at every cleanup job.
When
entering moving water, you are at risk of drowning, regardless
of your ability to swim. A man in Missouri drowned in just
two feet of water. Because those in vehicles are at the greatest
risk of drowning, it is important to comply with all hazard
warnings on roadways and to avoid driving vehicles or heavy
equipment into water of unknown depths. NIOSH recommends that
you avoid working alone and wear a Coast Guard-approved life
jacket when working in or near flood waters.
First
aid, even for minor cuts and burns, is extremely important
when exposure to water potentially contaminated with human,
animal or toxic wastes exists. Immediately clean out all open
wounds with soap and clean water. Most cuts, except minor
scratches, sustained during flood cleanup activities will
warrant treatment to prevent tetanus. If you are injured,
contact a physician to determine the necessary type of treatment.
For most
work in flooded areas, you will need the following personal
protective equipment:
- hard
hats,
- goggles,
- heavy
work gloves, and
- watertight
boots with steel toe and insole (not just steel shank).
For
information on what equipment you need for protection, contact
your local OSHA office or NIOSH.
Excessive
noise from equipment such as chain saws, backhoes, tractors,
pavement breakers, blowers and dryers may cause ringing in
the ears and subsequent hearing damage. IF working with any
noise that you must shout over to be heard, you should wear
earplugs or other hearing protection devices.
If you
are required to work in a boiler, furnace, pipeline, pit,
pumping station, septic tank, sewage digester, storage tank,
utility vault or similar enclosure, you should be aware of
the hazards of working in confined spaces. A confined space
has one or more of the following characteristics:
- limited
opening for entry or exit,
- unfavorable
natural ventilation, or
- is
not designed for continuous worker occupancy.
Toxic
gases, a lack of oxygen, or explosive conditions may exist
in the confined ares, resulting in a potentially deadly atmosphere.
Because many toxic gases and vapors can not be seen or smelled,
never trust your senses to determine if safe entry is possible.
NEVER enter a confined space unless you have been properly
trained, even to rescue a fellow worker. If you need to enter
a confined space and do not have the proper training and equipment,
contact your local fire department for assistance.
If you
are involved in cleanup efforts on or near farms, you may
face the additional hazards of confined spaces on farms, respiratory
hazards and stored hay hazards.
Confined
Spaces on Farms
Molding or fermenting agricultural materials in confined spaces may generate large amounts of toxic gases which could cause lung damage or death if inhaled. Turn on fans or blowers in silos and other storage areas at least 30 minutes before entering and leave them on while working. Never open an oxygen-limiting silo if heating is suspected. Also, never enter these areas alone, and always use a full body safety harness.
Respiratory
Hazards
Wet hay, grain, silage, compost and other organic/agricultural materials often grow large amount of bacteria and mold during the warm summer weather. Breathing these organisms and the organic dust produced may cause lung disease.
Use
proper engineering controls, including adequate fresh air
ventilation. When exposure to organic dust cannot be avoided,
use NIOSH-certified air-purifying respirators with high efficiency
particulate air (HEPA) filters to reduce the risk.
Stored
Hay
Wet hay
will mold very quickly. The biological processes involved
in the formation of bacteria and mold can cause the hay to
undergo spontaneous combustion. Monitor wet hay for odors,
hot and damp areas and rising vapors. If you detect these
hazards, remove the wet hay from the building.
Continuous
long hours of work, combined with emotional and physical exhaustion,
losses from damaged homes, and temporary job layoffs, can
create a highly stressful situation for cleanup workers. Workers
exposed to these stressful conditions have an increase risk
of injury and emotional crisis, and are more vulnerable to
stress-induce illness and disease.
Emotional
support from family members, neighbors and local mental health
professionals can help to prevent more serious stress-related
problems in the difficult months ahead.
People
working in all phases of cleanup work can reduce their risks
of injury and illness in several ways:
- Set
priorities for cleanup tasks and pace the work over several
days (or weeks). Avoid physical exhaustion.
- Resume
a normal sleep schedule as quickly as possible. Get plenty
of rest and take frequent rest breaks BEFORE exhaustion
builds up.
- Take
advantage of disaster relief programs and services in you
community.
- Be
alert to emotional exhaustion or strain. When family members
and neighbors are unavailable for emotional support, consult
professionals at community health and mental health centers.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
1. This document is Fact Sheet
AE-238
,
a series of the Agricultural Engineering, Florida Cooperative
Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural
Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October
1993.
2. William J. Becker, professor, Agricultural Engineering,
and extension safety specialist; Heather Pirozzoli, graduate
assistant and technical writer, FAIRS, Cooperative Extension
Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University
of Florida, Gainesville FL 32611. For more information about
these or other occupational safety and health concerns,
call the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
toll free at 1-800-35-NIOSH.
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