Page 215 - Safety Memo
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Safety Memo #19 Lightning Safety
Date: July 25, 2019
To: ACI PROJECT DIVISION
Lightning Safety
On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, our project team at the ECLWRF facility in El Segundo was working a confined space entry project
in conjunction with our Safety Representative, Traiden Global. A morning thunderstorm was producing visible lightning strikes
in the area. Our Safety Representative noticed the proximity of the storm and the conditions at the work site. There were
workers in the confined space vault suspended from a metal Tri-Pod with a metal lanyard. The Safety Rep stopped the job,
removed the workers from the area and sheltered the workers in a safe area. They remained there until the area was deemed
safe.
Coincidently, the beaches and parks in the area were also closed by First Responders.
Lightning Strikes Are Common. Worldwide, 16 million lightning storms occur every year—2,000 of those storms are
happening simultaneously at any given moment. On average, 400 people are injured and 90 killed in the United States due to
lightning.
Lightning strikes are not distributed evenly. Oftentimes the lightning can strike 5 to 10 miles ahead or behind the storm.
Therefore, quickly recognizing the danger is important and maintain protective shelters for a minimum of 30 minutes after
the storm has passed is safe.
Simply Put:
When there is visible lightning in the area, workers should take cover immediately and remain in place for a period of 30
minutes following the storm.
When working indoors, stay away from electrical equipment, metal conduit and any metal objects that protrude outside of
the building.
Safety is ACI’s number one priority.
