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Electrical Storm Protocol identification and geology

Lightning can strike even when the storm is not overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be hit. Lightning risk increases on ridges, open pits, open water, and near isolated tall objects like trees and drill rigs. The safest action is to stop work and move to a proper shelter, then wait until the storm has passed. Have a written "stop work" threshold and a clear plan for where people go. This guidance is educational and is not a substitute for your employer's or site's safety training and rules. Do list: Stop work when thunder is heard and shelter immediately, Use fully enclosed buildings or metal-roof vehicles as shelter, Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming, Move away from ridges, open water, and tall isolated objects, Ensure radios and check-ins are working before storms arrive. Dont list: Do not shelter under trees, near fences, or under drill rigs, Do not keep working in open areas during thunder, Do not lie flat on the ground to avoid lightning, Do not resume work too soon after thunder stops, Do not rely on weather apps alone if you can hear thunder. First aid: Call emergency services if a strike occurs. Start CPR/AED if needed and trained to do so. Move the injured person to a safer location if it is safe. Treat for shock and monitor breathing until help arrives.. Regulations: Follow site emergency procedures and weather stop-work rules. Use recognized lightning safety guidance and first aid training requirements.. Hazard level: high. Ppe required: weather-appropriate clothing, communication device radio/satellite, emergency whistle. Common geological settings: Open pits, drill pads, ridgelines, large outcrops, boat access sites, and any outdoor field program where storms can develop quickly.

Sources, scope & corrections

These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.

Editorial owner
GeoMiner
Last updated
2026-03-30T15:42:52.798482+00:00
Review status
Published; not independently peer-reviewed
  • Silica, quartz — Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Canadian occupational-health guidance for crystalline silica hazards and controls.
  • Mining and Silicosis — CDC/NIOSH Mining Program. Mining-specific respirable-dust risks, monitoring, and prevention guidance.

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Common questions

What is Electrical Storm Protocol?
Lightning can strike even when the storm is not overhead. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be hit. Lightning risk increases on ridges, open pits, open water, and near isolated tall objects like trees and drill rigs. The safest action is to stop work and move to a proper shelter, then wait until the storm has passed. Have a written "stop work" threshold and a clear plan for where people go. This guidance is educational and is not a substitute for your employer's or site's safety training and rules.
What PPE is associated with Electrical Storm Protocol?
The listed PPE is weather-appropriate clothing, communication device radio/satellite, emergency whistle. Follow the applicable site plan, risk assessment, and supervisor instructions.
What should you do or avoid for Electrical Storm Protocol?
Recommended actions: Stop work when thunder is heard and shelter immediately; Use fully enclosed buildings or metal-roof vehicles as shelter; Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming; Move away from ridges, open water, and tall isolated objects; Ensure radios and check-ins are working before storms arrive. Avoid: Do not shelter under trees, near fences, or under drill rigs; Do not keep working in open areas during thunder; Do not lie flat on the ground to avoid lightning; Do not resume work too soon after thunder stops; Do not rely on weather apps alone if you can hear thunder.
What first-aid guidance is listed for Electrical Storm Protocol?
Call emergency services if a strike occurs. Start CPR/AED if needed and trained to do so. Move the injured person to a safer location if it is safe. Treat for shock and monitor breathing until help arrives. Contact emergency services or the appropriate medical professional when required.
Where does Electrical Storm Protocol apply?
Open pits, drill pads, ridgelines, large outcrops, boat access sites, and any outdoor field program where storms can develop quickly.

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