FOX Environmental, Health & Safety

FOX Environmental, Health & Safety

FOX Environmental, Health & Safety > EHS 605 Inclement Weather

EHS 605 Inclement Weather

This policy applies to all Operations and Production needs. Changes or deviations from this policy requires approval from the FOX EHS Department.

1.0 PURPOSE

This policy establishes guidelines for preparation and implementation of Emergency Action Plans and preparation for inclement weather and other unplanned events affecting FOX’s business operations. This standard defines best practices and procedures used to reduce risk to personnel working in areas that have the potential to be impacted by severe weather and/or other unplanned events.

2.0 SCOPE

This policy applies to all personnel who work on remote events/productions. They provide guidance in dealing with inclement weather and other hazards for compliance with safe work practices established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or by local government.  In the event of conflict between requirements, the more stringent will apply. Any questions not covered in this standard should be forwarded to the FOX EHS Department.

For the purposes of this standard, inclement weather includes thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes or other environmental conditions that could threaten the safety of crew members or damage equipment. Other unplanned events could include civil unrest, active shooter, fire, earthquake, power outage or other events that cause the venue (or a portion of the venue) to be evacuated or for people to shelter-in-place.

Failure to meet these standards could result in injury of personnel or public bystanders or damage to property or equipment and/may constitute violations of federal, state and local laws.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Management

  1. Managers and supervisors who monitor and oversee the activities of workers at remote events are primarily responsible for implementing this Emergency Action Planning and Inclement Weather safety standard.
  2. Managers and supervisors who monitor and oversee the activities of workers on remote events must have successfully completed an Emergency Action Planning and Inclement Weather safety briefing.
  3. Ensure that affected workers are briefed in this standard and the requirements of the event-specific EAP for each event that they work.
  4. Enforce workers’ adherence to this standard and take appropriate action, according to standard, in the event of non-compliance.
  5. Be knowledgeable of the requirements for taking action to protect crews and equipment from inclement weather and other unplanned hazards.
  6. Work with the local venue personnel to be knowledgeable of procedures and/or venue specific requirements for inclement weather, venue evacuation,
    shelter-in-place and other related procedures.
  7. Prepare and implement event-specific EAPs to address potential inclement weather and other unforeseen hazards.
  8. Verify EAP contact information, shelter locations, evacuation procedures, etc. as required by the plan.
  9. Monitor weather conditions and forecasts for event location using available tools.
  10. Obtain assistance from the EHS department for on-site assessment of work situations where inclement weather protection procedures are in question.

3.2 Workers

Employees, contractors, freelancers and all personnel working for the event are also responsible for their own safety and for complying with all company and departmental safety standards and procedures including:

  1. Successfully complete required safety briefings.
  2. Be knowledgeable of their requirements for the protection of workers and equipment prior to, during and/or after inclement weather and other unforeseen events.
  3. Take immediate action to protect yourself from inclement weather and/or other unforeseen hazards when directed by on-site operations.
  4. Comply with the operational requirements specified in Section 4.0.
  5. Familiarize yourself with appropriate inclement weather shelter locations, evacuation routes and designated rally point locations as determined by the EAP.

3.3 Environmental, Health and Safety

  1. Maintain and administer the standard for member organization-wide application.
  2. Assist Management with assessing operations.
  3. Maintain EHS representation that can be reached at any time, regarding any incidents associated with inclement weather or other unforeseen events.
  4. Review any serious incidents or near-misses associated with inclement weather or other hazards.
  5. Escalate to the appropriate levels of management, as necessary, non-compliance with this procedure.
  6. Review and update this standard as needed.

4.0 PROCEDURE

4.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. It is the responsibility of Production and/or department management to ensure appropriate actions are taken in the event of severe weather or other unplanned events that may impact the safety of the crew.
  2. Production and/or department management is responsible for monitoring weather conditions on remote sites and providing instruction and direction to employees, general workers and contractors.
  3. Weather monitoring must be conducted using services such as Weather Decision Technologies (WDT), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Schneider Electric MxVision (Telvent DTN) or similar. Current information on weather-related emergencies can also be obtained through the NOAA Weather Radio Network on special weather radios.

4.2 EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS

  1. It is the responsibility of production and/or department management to develop and implement an effective Event EAP for every remote event.
  2. EAPs should address:
    • Weather monitoring and alerting,
    • Severe weather action thresholds, crew notification procedures, crew actions, evacuation/shelter-in-place considerations, shelter locations,
      return to work scenarios, etc.
  3. Emergency Action Plan Posting: Written EAPs should be developed for specific remote events and an easy-to-read synopsis or overview document should be posted in crew gathering areas (e.g., office areas, catering locations, crew meeting areas, broadcast booths, etc.). This document should also list pertinent locations and contact information for fire, police, ambulance and local medical providers.
  4. Responsible Individual(s): Individuals who are responsible to implement the plan and/or who are responsible for crew safety should be prominently listed on the plan along with contact information.
  5. Evacuation Rally Points: Appropriate meeting locations should be established for the crew to gather in the event of a situation that would result in evacuation of the venue or a portion of the venue. At least two alternative locations should be selected with one being outside of the venue (e.g., TV compound, parking garage, etc.) and one being off site (e.g., crew hotel, etc.). Direction should be given for how people will be notified to evacuate and how to contact one of the responsible individuals if they cannot reach a Rally Point.
  6. Areas of Refuge: Appropriate Areas of Refuge (e.g., buildings, garages, basements, etc.) should be identified for personnel to seek shelter during inclement weather (lightning, tornadoes, etc.). The location should be appropriate for the type of weather hazard. Care must be taken to verify that the identified locations are:
    1. Large enough for the entire crew;
    2. Available to the crew during game day operations (i.e., areas should not be accessible to spectators); and,
    3. Open and accessible at all times that the crew is onsite without access restrictions (i.e., these areas must remain unlocked, accessible and
      available without additional credentialing or the need to call someone to allow access to the crew).

4.3 THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING:

A thunderstorm is considered severe if it produces hail at least one inch in diameter or has wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour. Heavy rain from thunderstorms can cause flash flooding. High winds can damage homes and blow down trees and utility poles, causing widespread power outages. If you hear thunder or see lightning, seek shelter immediately!

The information in this section, combined with timely watches and warnings about severe weather, could save your life.

NATIONAL WEATHER SYSTEM ALERTS: THUNDERSTORMS & LIGHTNING
Severe Thunderstorm Watch A watch indicates that conditions are favorable for severe weather to develop. The weather watcher communicates this information to venue
management/crew members, indicating that elevated thunderstorm monitoring is occurring. Vital information to be shared will include the threats
with the watch and the time that it is in effect until.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning A warning means that severe weather has been detected and may be imminent in the locale. The weather watcher will communicate this information
to venue management/crew members, indicating that the thunderstorm may be imminent. Vital information to be shared will include the threats
with the storms and the time that the warning is in effect until. If the threat is imminent, an evacuation of the venue and/or at risk work
areas will take place.

NOTE: If thunderstorms are forecasted for the day of the event, management will review the safety plan before the event and take action accordingly.

EMERGENCY ACTIONS
Distance (miles) Stage Action
20 Alert Personnel Inform production team of the potential for weather interruption. Inform personnel affected, especially those involved with use of scaffolding, Aerial Lifts (Scissor lifts, Boom Lifts; Etc.) and cranes. Consider option to secure equipment and prepare to evacuate exposed, elevated and outdoor locations.
8 Evacuate to safety Cease outdoor activities and evacuate to safe locations. Includes camera operators, spotters, utilities, cranes etc. Temporary outdoor announce booth locations may not be safe and should be evacuated. Tents are not considered to be safe for lightning and severe weather. All personnel should be in a safe area as soon as possible.
8 + 30 minutes All Clear Do not return to an outdoor location until no lightning has been detected within 8 miles during the past 30 minutes.

Local management will use weather monitoring via WDT (or other similar service) and lightning detection tools along with local observations to help determine the proximity of lightning and which safety actions to implement. The direction and speed of an approaching thunderstorm should be accounted for along with locally developing storms that may form nearby or overhead. If lightning is in the vicinity, the following procedures are mandatory.

(Please note that lightning radii will vary based on venue size and capacity, distances can be modified as local emergency management deems
appropriate):

4.3.1  When lightning is detected within (20) miles of the venue:

  • WDT (or other similar service) notifies management of impending lightning threat. Management notifies crew and event officials.
  • Secure outdoor objects in the compound that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside. Close windows securely and brace outside doors. Monitor the storm using mobile devices, listen to a battery operated radio or television for the latest storm information. Do not handle any electrical equipment or landline telephones because lightning could follow the wire. Control rooms and audio booths may be present a hazard during these times. Headsets should be removed.
  • An evacuation of the facility (broadcast positions) begins.

4.3.2  When lightning is detected within (8) miles of the venue:

  • WDT (or other similar service) notifies management of nearby lightning threat and an event delay is implemented. Management notifies crew and event officials. Event officials suspend official activities.
  • All crewmembers are directed to shelter in place (see safe assembly/refuge areas).
  • If outdoors, attempt to get into a building, car, mobile unit or office trailer. If no structure is available, get to an open space and squat low to the ground as quickly as possible in a crouched position with your hands on your knees. If you are in a wooded area look for an area protected by a low clump of trees and never stand underneath a single tree in the open. Be aware of the potential for flooding in low-lying areas. Avoid tall structures such as towers, tents, tall trees, fences, telephone lines or power lines.
  • If you are in an open area and feel your hair stand on end (an indication that lightning is about to strike), bend forward putting your hands on your knees and crouch with feet together. Removing all metal objects is recommended. Do NOT lie flat on the ground.

4.3.3  Resuming the Event (All Clear):

  • Management will continue to monitor the proximity of thunderstorms using WDT or equivalent and use local observations to make an informed decision, determining the appropriate time to resume the event.
  • Management may then allow for activities to resume after 30 minutes of no detected lightning strikes within an eight (8) mile radius of the venue. Crew members will then be notified that the lightning threat has ended and the time of the restart of the event.

4.4 TORNADOES AND HIGH WINDS

Tornadoes are typically formed when cold dry air associated with a cold front clashes with a warm and moist air mass. Tornados can generate wind speeds approaching 300 miles per hour and travel distances over 100 miles. The damage from a tornado is a result of the high wind velocity and wind-blown debris.

NATIONAL WEATHER SYSTEM ALERTS: TORNADOES & HIGH WINDS
Tornado Watch Issued by the National Weather Service when conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes in your area in and close to the watch area. Remain alert for approaching storms. Listen to local the radio or television stations for further developments.
Tornado Warning Issued when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
  1. Tornado Danger Signs:
    Signs of an imminent Tornado include:

    1. Strong, persistent rotation in the cloud base;
    1. Whirling dust or debris on the ground under a cloud base as an approaching cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible;
    1. Hail or heavy rain followed either by dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift;
    1. Loud, continuous roar or rumble, which doesn’t fade in a few seconds like thunder;
    1. Small, bright, blue-green to white flashes at ground level (particularly at night) near a thunderstorm.
    1. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
  2. Tornado Actions:
    1. Mobile units are particularly vulnerable. A mobile unit can overturn very easily even if precautions have been taken to tie down the unit. When a tornado warning is issued, take shelter in a building with a strong foundation. Go to the basement of a building or to an inside hallway at the lowest level. Avoid places with wide-span roofs such as auditoriums, cafeterias, large hallways, or shopping malls. Get under a piece of sturdy furniture such as a workbench or heavy table or desk and hold on to it. Use arms to protect head and neck.
    1. If time permits, secure outdoor objects in the compound that could blow away or cause damage or injury. Take light objects inside.
    1. If outdoors, get inside a building if possible. If shelter is not available or there is no time to get indoors, lie in a ditch or low- lying area or crouch near a strong building. Be aware of the potential for flooding. Use arms to protect head and neck.
    1. If in a vehicle, never try to outdrive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change direction quickly and can lift up a car or truck and toss it through the air. Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building. If there is no time to get indoors, get out of
      the car and lie in a ditch or low-lying area away from the vehicle. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
  3. Following a Tornado:
    After a tornado has passed it is important to wait for emergency personnel to arrive. Account for crewmembers. Carefully render aid to those who are injured. Do not try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Stay away from power lines and puddles with wires in them; they may still be carrying electricity! Watch your step to avoid broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects. Stay out of any heavily damaged buildings; they could collapse at any time. Do not use matches or lighters, in case of leaking natural gas pipes or fuel tanks nearby. Remain calm and alert, and listen for information and instructions from emergency crews or local officials. If it can be done safely, take pictures of the damage to the mobile units and contents for insurance purposes.
  4. High Winds
    High winds can be associated with extreme weather phenomena including thunderstorms, tornadoes, hurricanes, and high and low pressure systems. During the summer months in the Western States, thunderstorms often produce little rain but very strong wind gusts (some up to 100 mph) and dust storms.Potential Hazards:

    • Flying debris
    • Dust
    • Possibility of persons being swept off their feet
    • Equipment can be blown over and carried for a distance
    • Eye injuries

    Possible Actions:

    • Activate the emergency action plan
    • Remove all crew from elevated equipment.
    • Lower all aerial, lighting, diffusion, camera boom equipment and tents.
    • Tie down and secure all loose equipment.
    • When instructed, seek refuge from the winds at your pre-determined safe area
    • Be aware and protect your eyes from potential injury
    • Do not attempt to return to the area until a regulatory authority or production management has given an “all clear” signal. Lower all Aerial Lifts (Scissor lifts, Boom Lifts; Etc.) and cranes to ground level as the Manufacturers mandate that aerial lifts and other
      like equipment are not to be operated when winds exceed 25 mph. Check your equipment-specific guidelines in the owner’s manual or manufacturer’s recommendations, bulletins or equivalent.
    • Be aware that many of the same precautions (e.g., eye protection and securing equipment), can also apply to man-made wind effects such as rotor wash from airplanes or helicopters and large diameter fans.
  5. Large Hail
    Hail is usually associated with thunderstorms and is caused by freezing rain that can become very large and may cause injuries to crew and damage to equipment.Possible Actions:

    • If a watch or warning has been issued, the action plan should be activated and the crew should follow all instructions
    • Secure and protect all equipment
    • Remove all crew from elevated equipment
    • When instructed, seek shelter at your pre-determined safe area
    • Do not attempt to return to the area until an “all clear” signal has been given by a regulatory authority or production management

4.5 FLASH FLOODS

Floods are the most common and widespread of all natural disasters–except fire. Flash floods usually result from intense storms producing large amounts of rain within a brief period. Flash floods occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes.

NATIONAL WEATHER SYSTEM ALERTS: FLASH FLOODS
Flash Flood Watch Is issued when developing hydrologic conditions are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area. When a watch is issued, be aware of  potential flood hazards and the topography of your surroundings. Those in the affected area should be ready to take quick action if a flash flood warning is issued or flooding is observed.
Flash Flood Warning Is issued when flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely. Those in low areas and near small streams should leave for higher
ground. Water is expected to rise rapidly. Also, be extremely cautious driving as low areas may be washed out. Flash Flood Warnings can be
issued without a Flash Flood Watch in effect.
  1. Flash Flood Actions:
    The best response to any signs of flash flooding is to move immediately and quickly to higher ground. Cars can be easily swept away in just two (2) feet of moving water. If floodwaters rise around a car, it should be abandoned. Passengers should climb to higher ground. Avoid walking through any floodwaters. If it is moving swiftly, even water only 6 inches deep can sweep you off your feet. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
  2. Following a Flash Flood:
    Flood dangers do not end when the water begins to recede. Listen to a radio or television and don’t return to the site until authorities indicate it is safe to do so. Stay out of buildings if floodwaters remain around the building.

4.6 HURRICANES

Hurricanes (Tropical Cyclones) or Tropical Storms are large slow moving storm systems that can pack very high winds (up to and exceeding 200 mph sustained winds) and very heavy rains over an area that can exceed several hundred miles. Hurricanes and tropical storms can generate local flooding and spawn tornados. Hurricanes can form in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Pacific. Unlike tornadoes, Hurricanes and Tropical Storms generally have several days of advance notice and a storm track can be predicted. These storms or their effects can reach far inland. The Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.

NATIONAL WEATHER SYSTEM ALERTS: HURRICANES
Hurricane Watch A warning issued by the National Weather Service that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.
Hurricane Warning A warning issued by the National Weather Service that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected within the specified area within 36 hours.
  1. Hurricane Actions:
    The possibility of severe weather, including hurricanes, must be considered by production and/or department management in developing an EAP for every individual remote event. This plan needs to be posted in highly visible areas and communicated to the crew. The primary consideration has to be the identification of a suitable shelter location. Work with hotel and/or venue to determine the best location for affected personnel to ride out the storm if required. More than likely a convention/conference room will be utilized with hotel supplying food and water throughout.
  2. If a Hurricane Warning is issued for your area take the following steps:
    1. Local weather should be monitored continuously using a weather radio (should be part of each road safety kit) and/or online sites like NOAA’s National Weather Service, WDT, etc.
    1. Prepare the TV compound for the storm by removing debris and loose items (see below).
    2. POWER DOWN all tech & office equipment prior to leaving the site!!!
    1. Office Trailers: The trailer vendor should come out to secure the storm straps. Reposition tech/office equipment away from the windows, the wind will drive the water thru the openings the cables are laid through.
    1. Mobile Units: Power down and close all bays. The cable bays will be difficult so drop any cable that is secured at the top of the bay & lower the door as far as possible then secure door with rope as to prevent the gusts from lifting it up. Potential of wind blowing the rain
      through the expando seals is high so inspect & plan for that eventuality.
    1. Tents and miscellaneous compound items: Strike/store/secure/cover any compound items that can be blown away. Tents should be struck and stored.
    2. Give thought to refrigerated items. Consider using coolers in standby for the perishables.
    1. Camera Positions:Cameras, lenses & P/T heads should be struck and brought back to the compound. Chained down tripods on existing structures should be evaluated. Tripods on temporary structures built for the event (scaffolding, etc.) should be struck and brought back to the compound. Robo heads should be struck and brought back to the compound. Aerial cameras should be struck and all lines should be dropped to the ground.
    1. Set-locations: If exposed to the elements, strike all set elements including lights on the grids. Consider bringing the roof all the way down, but likely best to strike entirely.
    1. Monitor your local news stations and visit the NOAA National Hurricane Center for storm updates. For preparation and the latest storm information visit http://www.nhc.noaa.gov.
    1. Determine possible evacuation routes and set-up a safe place to evacuate If an evacuation is announced, as soon as possible. When evacuating drive defensively. If you cannot avoid driving during the storm, heavy rains will greatly reduce visibility and increase the time it takes to stop your vehicle. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
    1. Create a Disaster Supply Kit- including enough necessities to last 3-7 days. The kit should include:
      • Water – at least 1 gallon daily per person per day
      • Food – Non-perishable packaged or canned food/juices, snack foods, non-electric can opener
      • Clothing – seasonal/rain gear/sturdy shoes.
      • First Aid Kit/Medicines/Prescription Drugs.
      • Flashlight/Batteries
      • Radio – battery operated & NOAA weather radio.
      • Telephones – fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
      • Cash (small bills) and credit cards – banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
      • Keys
      • Vehicle – fuel tanks filled
  3. Following a Hurricane: Help injured or trapped persons. Give first aid when appropriate. Don’t try to move the seriously injured unless they are in immediate danger of further injury. Call for help. Account for all crew members. Turn on radio or television to get the latest emergency information.
  4. Stay out of damaged buildings. Leave a building if you smell gas or chemical vapors/fumes. If it can be done safely, take pictures of the damage structures, equipment and contents for insurance purposes.

4.7 SAFETY BRIEFING

All crew members shall be briefed on and have access to the emergency action planning information, severe weather requirements, evacuation, shelter-in-place locations (safe refuge areas), and the risks associated with working in inclement weather. Crew members must know actions to be taken before, during and after severe weather events such as thunderstorms, high winds, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, or other environmental conditions that could threaten the safety of crew members or damage equipment.

Personnel must complete the available briefing prior to initial job assignments. Retraining shall be conducted when job conditions change. Periodic training shall be completed at least once every 36 months.

5.0 DEFINITIONS

Hurricane Watch:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area within 48 hours.

Hurricane Warning:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected within the specified area within 36 hours.

Severe Thunderstorm Watch:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service when the weather conditions are such that a severe thunderstorm (damaging winds 58 miles per hour or more, or hail three-fourths of an inch in diameter or greater) is likely to develop.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service when a severe thunderstorm has been sighted or indicated by weather

Tornado Watch:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service when tornadoes are possible in your

Tornado Warning:
A warning issued by the National Weather Service when a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar

6.0 REFERENCES

Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry (29 CFR Part 1910)

Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Construction Industry (29 CFR Part 1926)

7.0 ATTACHMENTS

None.