Pit & Quarry, August 2010

S A F E T Y Summer hazard A single stroke of lightning can carry 125000000 volts of electricity and more than 1000 people are injured by lightning in the United States each year Following are some safety tips to consider when you see lightning Seek shelter For every five seconds you count lightning is one mile away The safest location during lightning activity is in an enclosed building If outside seek shelter in a ditch cave or canyon If you are in a wooded area seek shelter in an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from the tree trunks Stay off and away from anything tall i e rooftops scaffolding ladders utility poles etc Never use metal objects outside such as tools golf clubs etc Stay in your vehicle If you are traveling and no external shelters are present do not exit your vehicle The second safest location to be during lightning activity is in a fully enclosed hard topped car truck tractor etc Make sure all doors are closed and roll up all the windows Do not touch any metal parts of your vehicle Be sure to stop and park the vehicle A lightning flash that hits your vehicle may startle you and cause temporary blindness resulting in an accident Refrain from using the radio and cell phone during a lightning storm Lightning strikes If you feel your skin tingling or your hair stands on end a lightning strike may be about to happen take cover immediately Get as low to the ground as possible but do not lay down Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet together hands over your head and head down If someone is struck by lightning start cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR immediately There is no danger to anyone helping a person who has been struck No electrical charge remains In addition to lightning other electric hazards are present in the summer months and all year around Power lines Stay at least 10 ft away from overhead wires during cleanup and other activities If working at heights or handling long objects survey for overhead wires before starting work Assume all overhead power wires are energized at lethal voltages Never assume a wire is safe to touch even if it is down or appears to be insulated Never touch a fallen overhead power line Call the electric utility company to report fallen electrical lines If an overhead wire falls across your vehicle while you are driving stay inside the vehicle and continue to drive away from the line If the engine stalls do not leave your vehicle Warn people not to touch the vehicle or the wire Call or ask someone to call the local electric utility company and emergency services Electrical equipment Never operate electrical equipment while standing in water Never repair electrical cords or equipment unless qualified and authorized Have a qualified electrician inspect electrical equipment that has gotten wet before energizing it If working in damp locations inspect electric cords and equipment to ensure they are in good condition and free of defects and use a groundfault circuit interrupter GFCI These and other Toolbox Talks are available from Caterpillar at the companys safety web site www safety cat com Though mostly a summer concern lightning strikes are a danger year round as are other electrical hazards EDITED BY DARREN CONSTANTINO Take note The second safest location to be during lightning activity is in a fully enclosed hard topped car or truck An enclosed building is the safest place 30 PIT QUARRY August 2010 www pitandquarry com ISTOCKPHOTO COM CLINT SPENCER