TECHNICAL
71
Weather changes —
stay safe during summer
Summer is on its way, and we can enjoy sizzling hot
days as well as heavy rainfall in certain regions of the
country. But we need to be alert to the potential dangers
of extreme weather conditions.
By Chris Coetzee | OHSS Consulting
SANS 10085 states that hazardous weather means
windspeeds greater than 40km/h, electric storms, or
rainfall in excess of 40mm/h.
Summer is a time of heat and fun. But it is also the time
when South Africa is more prone to severe weather.
Apart from the Western Cape coastal areas, most other
places in South Africa will experience thunderstorms,
hail, rainfall, and lightning. Here are a few areas we can
be mindful of as we approach summer.
CONSTRUCTION
Those in the construction industry are protected
by safety specifications that guide how we plan for
and react to hazards. Along with local legislation
such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and
Construction Regulations, clients, principal contractors,
and contractors all work together to ensure a safe
working environment.
Taking cognisance of the weather during projects is vital
to ensuring our plans are effectively executed should
hazardous weather conditions arise. This could be high
wind, heavy rainfall, as well as thunderstorms.
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If you see or hear a thunderstorm approaching,
seek safe shelter immediately.
If your hair stands on end, leave the area as fast as
possible, as lightning will almost certainly strike that
spot shortly.
When you see the lightning flash, count the
seconds until you hear the thunderclap. At 30
seconds, suspend all outdoor activities and seek
safe shelter, as lightning strikes are close. If you
count 15 seconds or less, a lightning strike could
occur where you are.
Unsafe areas during lightning or electric storms include:
• Working at heights
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
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Under trees
On hilltops
In isolated sheds or buildings
On open water.
EXCAVATIONS
As per Construction Regulation 13(h), all excavations
must be on register and inspected daily before work
commences and after inclement weather by the
appointed competent person and declared safe and his
findings noted in the said register.
SCAFFOLDING
When looking at SANS 10085 12.5, a competent
appointed scaffold inspector must carry out inspections
of their scaffolding whenever the scaffolding has been
modified, damaged, or altered in any manner or form,
and otherwise at least every seven days during the
period that the scaffolding is on site and after inclement
weather. Inspections are to be captured on the register
and the tag.
HEIGHTS
When working at heights, such as on roofs, scaffolding,
or mobile elevated work platforms (MEWPs), workers
must be aware of the dangers of rain, wind, and lightning
storms. No work is to be done during times of inclement
weather and all personnel should know the procedures to
follow when these hazards arise.
No work is permitted during rain or when wind speeds
exceed 30km/h. This is only a guide. It must also depend
on risk assessment and working conditions.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
High levels of humidity and temperatures during the
summer months may be experienced. Workers are at
greater risk of heat exhaustion where the discomfort
index rises. Should the discomfort index become too
November 2018 Volume 24 I Number 9