LIGHTNING POLICY FOR NEWARK FARM

(College of Agriculture and Natural Resources)

Lightning is the most consistent and significant weather hazard that may affect outdoor working conditions. The following safety precautions and protocol should be followed by any group or person working on the farm in unsheltered and unprotected conditions.

1.)   Chain of Command:The persons filling the roles listed below are responsible for making the decision to remove subordinates from the fields or outdoor areas and determining when it is safe to return:

a.)   Farm Crew/Shop:Unit Manager (Tony Timko)

b.)   Dairy Unit:Unit Manager (Richard Morris)

c.)   Poultry Unit: Unit Manager (Karen Gouge)

d.)   Livestock Unit: Unit Manager (Scott Hopkins)

e.)    Researchers and their Staff: Primary Investigator

2.)   Detection: Be aware of how close lightning is occurring by using the “flash to bang method”.

-Count the seconds from the time the lightning is sighted to when the clap of thunder is heard

-For every 5 seconds you count, the storm is 1 mile from you.

-At 6 miles out(or 30 seconds) or if you feel your hair stand on end or tingle, CEASE WORK AND SEEK SHELTER IMMEDIATELY.

3.)   Shelter: Safe shelter is defined as an enclosed, grounded building such as the Large Shop, Breakrooms, Offices, Riding Arena, O.A Newton, cabbed tractors or work trucks with windows up. Non-cabbed tractors and unenclosed utility vehicles are NOT appropriate.

4.)   Last Resort: If no safe shelter is available, crouch on the ground with your arms wrapped around your knees and only the balls of your feet touching the ground. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND.

Unprotected work should not resume until 30 minutes after the last lightning clap of thunder.