TTC-S-0021 - After the Storm - Safety During Cleanup and Recovery

Course Description

This full-day workshop is designed for highway maintainers and other public works first responders and will review the hazards and dangers public works might encounter during post-storm cleanup and recovery, including working around electricity and fallen trees, storm damage inspection, structure demolition, tarping buildings as needed, and debris collection and removal. Instructors will review what PPE is needed and when, as well as review some of the risks and dangers, including common injuries, associated with storm cleanup and recovery. The workshop will include a session on safe chainsaw use for storm cleanup efforts, working around power lines including fallen power lines or "hung up" power lines, as well as what other power equipment and tools may be necessary to safely remove debris and obstructions. After this workshop, attendees will have a strong understanding of the types of tasks and responsibilities public works employees have when a severe weather event impacts their community, and how to be effective- and safe – when completing those tasks.

Agenda

• Stages of Storm Planning – Before, During, Cleanup, Recovery
• Safety – Hazards and Risks, Injury Prevent and Response
• Mutual Aid and Documentation 101
• Chainsaw and Trees - recognizing common types of hazard trees post-storm, safety considerations when using a chainsaw, and demonstration
• Equipment
• “Fires and Wires” working around electricity and downed wires (presented by Eversource)

Learning Objectives:

• Explain basic first aid principles, and identify common injuries sustained during storm cleanup and recovery
• Be able to identify common risks and dangers that may be present during storm cleanup and recovery, and how to protect oneself from them
• Describe the common obstacles that will be encountered in post-storm cleanup and recovery, and learn how to safely and effectively remove those obstacles Define the equipment necessary to safely remove any obstructions.
• Describe how to safely use chainsaws and other power pruning equipment.
• Describe concerns or situations that may develop related to electricity post-storm, and actions to take should a line be down
• Identify various types of obstructions that can be moved safely as an individual, and which obstructions require additional assistance/help and/or machines and equipment
• Identify the common information that must be documented during cleanup and recovery efforts for potential FEMA purposes

What to Bring

Please come prepared to be outside for a portion of the day including long pants, bug spray, water, etc. Participants will also be given the opportunity to use their chainsaw to assist with limbing, so all PPE will be required (a helmet system consisting of a head/face/hearing protection, cotton or leather gloves, chainsaw protective chaps and safety toe work boots).