Severe Weather Clean up – Weekend Safety Advice Tasmania SES attended very few new calls for assistance overnight. Bureau of Meteorology forecasts outline a lessening of the damaging wind and flood risk to Tasmania for the weekend. However Tasmania SES would like to alert members of the community to the risks associated with clean up activities. Trees and branches Trees, especially shallow-rooted trees, can be a hazard. Occasionally, trees or branches are weakened by storm and water damage and may only require minimal disturbance to fall. Fallen trees can also pose a problem, especially if they are precariously supported against a building or other structure. Removal of these trees should be attempted only by experienced persons, preferably professionals after they have carefully assessed the situation to eliminate the possibility of causing injuries to persons in the area or further damage to the building. Debris The presence of storm-scattered debris is a potential hazard. Working amongst debris can be unsafe. Implement appropriate control measures to minimise the risk. In particular damaged building materials may pose a risk due to the presence of asbestos, broken glass and torn roofing materials. Roof Safety Many people will want to check their rooves for damage or for cleaning. Ladder safety is very important and inexperienced people should avoid climbing on rooves without first taking precautions or preferably obtaining professional advice. Modern roofing materials are very slippery, particularly after rain and dew. Personal Protective Equipment If you have assessed the situation to be safe then make sure everyone involved has proper personal protective equipment and the skills and fitness. Remember that insurance companies will often be able to provide services for you where the clean up is associated with a building policy claim. If you need assistance from SES volunteers due to a storm or flood emergency the number to call is 132 500 state-wide
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 03:26:13 +0000
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