Spring Flood Safety: Dangers to Workers

Dec 21, 2014

By Ms. Lee Kibeiks - Safety and Compliance Consultant, BASc - HazCommpliance, LLC

Spring usually brings heavy rains with the potential for flooding. Many workers are unaware of flood safety and may underestimate the power of water when working around floods, or may be unaware of the dangers of working in areas after the floods have occurred.

March 18-22nd is National Flood Safety Awareness Week and it is vital that employees are made aware of the dangers.

A flash flood can occur approximately 6 hours after a substantial rain event where the water levels in streams, river basins, or even urban areas, can rise rapidly. These can be dangerous and are the number 1 cause of weather-related deaths in the US. Employees conducting work in these areas may not realize that the water levels are rising and could become trapped in flood zones. Employers must be aware of the potential for flooding in intended work areas and pay attention to weather cautions when planning work locations.

Running water during floods can be dangerous also. About 6 inches of water is all that is required to knock an adult over; between 1 to 2 feet of water can float an automobile and cause it to be swept along the path of the flowing water and off the road. Once a road is submerged, it is impossible to know whether it has become damaged, how deep the water is, or whether there are hidden dangers such as fallen electrical power lines.

Dealing with removing flood waters can introduce different hazards for workers. Flooded water can be contaminated with:

• raw sewerage;
• biologically infectious materials;
• sharps;
• chemicals; and
• many other unseen dangers.

Employees must understand these dangers so that they do not walk or drive in flooded areas. If a road is flooded, they must not approach the water or attempt to drive through the flood. These dangers are magnified during night works.

When working in flooded areas, the following flood safety points should be implemented where required:

• Employees are wearing suitable protective equipment such as water-resistant coveralls, wading boots, impervious gloves and face shields as a minimum;
• Determine the need for respirators and/or supplied air;
• Ensure that electricity to the area is isolated;
• Obtain the services of qualified electricians to verify that there are no areas that may be ‘live’;
• Never use any electrical power tools around water and never use any equipment that was submerged in water;
• Ensure any previously submerged equipment is tested and verified as safe to use by qualified electricians;
• Check all equipment before use, such as ensuring sump-pumps are in good condition without any blockages in the pipes;
• When operating fuel-driven generators, always ensure there is sufficient ventilation. Never operate these inside a building. (Note: The generator produces carbon monoxide (CO) during operation. This can build up in confined areas and displace oxygen. When CO is breathed in, it attaches to blood cells and can prevent oxygen from being absorbed resulting in death from asphyxiation); and
• Ensure all fuel is stored in approved containers away from ignition sources.

After the water has been removed, there are still more hazards to be aware of. The ground may be contaminated. The interior of buildings can be contaminated or structurally unsound. Mold can develop creating hazardous spores that can be breathed in and cause respiratory issues.

During these scenarios, it is vital that effective communication is in place. Employers must know where their workers are and what they are doing. Risk assessments must always be undertaken to determine the safest approach. Seek advice from competent persons, such as electricians, or engineers to ensure that dangers from live electrical installations, or damage to structures will not cause employees harm.

Ensure employees are protected from contaminants by using appropriate personal protective equipment and seek testing where required. The safety training should also include signs of exposure/ infection from any biologically infectious material, as included in a bloodborne pathogens training.

For more information on safety training or what trainings HazCommpliance can offer your organization please email us at