Essential Energy Safety Briefing: Lightning strikes near work areas

What is happening?

As we enter storm season, it’s critical to be aware of Essential Energy’s safety requirements regarding lightning strikes.

Essential Energy employee safety requirements

While ASPs are responsible for their worksites, Essential Energy employees are required to adhere to the following safety protocols if a lightning alert is received, or thunder is heard:

• Stop work immediately—lightning can strike up to 10 km ahead of a storm
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before resuming work
• Do not stay in open areas or under tall objects like trees or poles
• Move inside a vehicle if possible. If no shelter is available, crouch down with your feet together and your head tucked in. If you’re with others, spread out and keep several meters apart
• Avoid contact with anything that could conduct electricity, such as gates
• Stop operating Mobile Elevated Work Platforms and cranes. If possible, stow them during storms
• Always notify other crews in the area by radio when you detect thunder or lightning.

This may impact ASP outage timeframes.

What do you need to do?

1. Review the above information
2. Communicate this information to relevant members of your organisation.

Further Information

If you need further information, please email aspinfo@essentialenergy.com.au.