LIGHTS OUT- What to do when the power fails

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By Scott Hood
Industrial Accident
Prevention Association

As a first response to a blackout, brownout or surge, "Now what do we do?" won't get us very far. To minimize risks to personal health, safety and property, IAPA consultant Scott Hood offers the following suggestions.

Advance planning
* Review your workplace's emergency response plan to ensure it addresses potential hazards and provides preventive solutions.
* Conduct a hazard analysis by starting with what could go wrong. Power problems can result from extreme weather conditions (flooding, ice and snow build-ups, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, lightning, etc.), power grid or onsite malfunctions, and even wilful acts (sabotage, bombs, and other acts of vandalism or terrorism). Then look at possible consequences, such as entrapment, gas leaks, liquid spills, runaway chemical reactions, explosions due to leaks or chemical reactions, etc. Finally, develop a response plan to eliminate the hazards or control the consequences.
* Arrange for back-up power sources and other emergency systems, such as lighting. Whether installing batteries (ganged up as a power source for equipment and/or safety and security devices, flashlights and other emergency lighting) or other sources such as a diesel generator, have the installation performed by a professional. Mistakes such as system backfeeds can cause problems with the power lines and create additional hazards for emergency response workers.
* Establish a continuous improvement process (e.g., a regular review of emergency preparedness and response plans) to ensure your plans and processes reflect current needs and conditions.
Assign responsibilities so everyone knows what to do and what's expected of them.
Advance preparation
* Install equipment autodisconnects to protect workers and equipment from the consequences of power dimming and surges.
* Check back-up power sources regularly to ensure they'll function when needed. For example, a diesel generator may need to run for 30 minutes every month.
* Check emergency lights monthly. Do they work? Make sure light shines in the right direction, such as along a walking path or toward an emergency exit.
* Have utility shut-offs (gas, water, and hydro) tested annually by a qualified person, so that they are ready when needed and not rusted or stuck in an open position.
* Establish a continuous improvement process (e.g., a regular review of emergency preparedness and response plans) to ensure your plans and processes reflect current needs and conditions.
* Conduct dry runs so that response procedures become second nature and are done with out thinking. Take a head count whenever an evacuation is done - even if during a power outage. Anticipate and eliminate potential hazards caused by emergency lighting. Shadows can hide trip hazards or even cause people to stumble because they think they see a hazard that is not there. Be mindful of possible spills, or leaks that could have occurred when power is lost. Practise search and rescue, preferably under simulated conditions. Performing a search and rescue in the dark or with reduced lighting differs drastically from when lights are fully operational.
 When it happens
* Shut down equipment so that nothing starts up and causes an injury, or damages product or raw materials when power is restored. This is where you may need to use gas and other shut off valves, if they haven't "frozen" in the open position.
* Ensure all workers exit safely.

After full power is restored
* Check for gases that have accumulated due to lack of ventilation that might have caused an explosive atmosphere. Explosive levels should be checked before any switch in the facility is moved.
* Have a designated team conduct a workplace inspection only after equipment is secure and no danger is present. Ensure that all switches are in the correct position for the equipment to be restarted. Look for spilt liquids and their sources. Do not allow workers back until the entire facility has been checked. Possible sources of checklists include monthly workplace inspection tour checklists, and equipment maintenance checklists.
* Do not resume production until a safe amount of light is available.
The Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) provides a range of emergency preparedness and response programs and services, including training courses, consulting and on-site audits. For more information, call 1-800-406-IAPA (4272) or check out IAPA's online catalogue, www.iapa.ca.
Scott Hood is a consultant with the Industrial Accident Prevention Association (IAPA) who, among other activities, advises client firms on emergency preparedness and response.