Fast flowing water
Danger s of a flood are not over when the rain has stopped. For safety reasons, cleaning teams must work together and take care of each other.
It is very important to provide first air for wounds and minor burns during flood cleaning. Immediately wash all open wounds and cuts with clean soap and water. Most cuts, except for superficial scratches, will require treatment to prevent tetanus. Talk with a doctor to find out what treatment you need.
For most works in flooded areas wear helmets, security glasses, resistant gloves and impermeable boots with steel toe and sole protection (not only the shoe shank).
Excessive noise of chainsaws, bulldozers, tractors, pavement breakers, blowers and dryers may produce buzzing and hearing injuries. If you need to out scream the noise to be hears, you must wear earplugs or other hearing protection devices.
Personnel participating in rescue activities must be up to date with their tetanus shots before beginning these types of work.
NOISH WARNS ABOUT CLEANING DANGERS AFTER A FLOOD
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) warns workers that when rain finally ends and the flood recedes, they will have to face dangers associated with cleaning.
“Unfortunately, dangers of a flood do not end with the rain” said the NIOSH ex-director, Dr. Linda Rodenstock. “We have to work together to prevent disease and wounds that may come along with cleaning efforts”, she stressed.
Workers and volunteers working in cleaning chores after a flood must be aware of the dangers and appropriate safety cautions. Since experience levels among these workers and volunteers varies, cleaning teams must work together and look out for each other to guarantee safety. NIOSH urgently request your help spreading the following warning to those working in cleaning tasks after a flood. Dangers are described in more detail in the following pages: Electrical hazards, carbon monoxide, musculoskeletal dangers, thermal stressing factors, heavy equipment, structural instability, hazardous materials, and fires, danger of drowning, confined spaces, power line hazards, agricultural dangers, stress and fatigue.
ELECTRICAL HAZARDS:
NIOSH has researched several deaths associated with work that were caused by electrocution. These deaths happened after natural disasters. To avoid more electrocutions, NIOSH recommends that those working tasks take the following steps:
If there is water near electric circuits and electrical equipment, shut off the power main break or main fuse from the main switch board. Do not restore power until all the electrical equipment has been checked by an authorized electrician. Never enter a flooded area or touch electrical equipment if the floor is wet, unless you are sure that the power is off. Never touch a power line.
If using gas or diesel generators to provide a power to a building, turn off the main break or main fuse at the switch board before activating the generator. This way power lines will not be activated by feedback energy, and workers will be protected against electrocution.
If an area needs to be cleared or do any work near a downed power line, get in touch with the utility company to determine the ways of interrupting power and isolate a line or connect it to earth. To avoid contact with elevated lines, extreme caution is necessary when moving a ladder of other equipment. If you work in or near power lines see other recommendations in this document.
