Storm Kathleen will bring very strong and gusty southerly winds to all areas tomorrow (Saturday, April 5), with several weather warnings issued for the whole country.
This could result in fallen trees, power outages, wave overtopping, coastal flooding and very difficult travelling conditions and debris, the national forecaster Met Éireann has warned.
A Status Orange wind warning will be in effect for Cork, Kerry and Waterford – from 07:00a.m to 2:00p.m – as well as Galway and Mayo – from 09:00a.m to 6:00p.m tomorrow.
However, Storm Kathleen will bring gale force southerly winds, with some severe and damaging gusts across the country with a Status Yellow warning issued for 05:00a.m to 8:00.pm.
A Status Yellow wind warning has also been issued by the UK Met Office for Antrim, Armagh, Down, Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry between 08:00a.m and 10:00p.m tomorrow.
Chainsaws
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has advised that during any storm all workers must take the appropriate steps to ensure their safety, and that working at a height should be avoided entirely.
Health and safety must be put first, especially when operating chainsaws which can pose serious risks and prove even deadly, if not used correctly, according to the HSA.
Approximately 120 serious injuries occur each year as a result of using chainsaws. Up to 4% of farm deaths and an estimated 6.5% of injuries are associated with chainsaw and timber-related work.
“We urge all chainsaw users to follow the HSA’s essential safety guidelines in order to prevent injuries and ensure a safe and efficient clean-up process”, HSA senior inspector, Pat Griffin said.
“Do not put yourself at risk. Using a chainsaw without appropriate training and personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely hazardous.
“All the evidence shows that self-employed farmers, farm workers and contractors in particular, who only use chainsaws occasionally, who often lack the training, experience and knowledge required for certain tasks, are especially at risk.”
Chainsaw injuries involve cuts and lacerations to the face, neck, head, trunk and limbs. The major cause of timber-related fatalities is being struck by falling trees or branches while felling trees.
Appropriate training in chainsaw use, control of the work site, and the wearing of suitable protective clothing to protect against these injuries is essential, the HSA said.
If you do not have the competency and training required and do not have the correct PPE for chainsaw work activities, then you should not be operating a chainsaw.
You should engage the services of a competent chainsaw operator.
Appropriate safety equipment for chainsaw use includes:
- A safety helmet (to conform to EN 397);
- Suitable eye protection (visor to EN 1731) or safety glasses (to EN 166);
- Ear defenders (to EN 352);
- Chainsaw gloves with protective pad on the back of the left hand;
- Leg protection incorporating clogging material (EN 381-7);
- Safety boots with steel toecaps with good grip (EN 381/345);
- Non-snag close-fitting outer clothing;
- Chainsaw trousers (EN 381-5).
The HSA senior inspector advised farmers to never work on their own with a chainsaw, and always have a first aid kit readily available, including large wound dressings.
Important precautions to take when using chainsaws include:
- Make sure you have the proper training and competence to use a chainsaw;
- Never work on your own with a chainsaw;
- Make sure the chainsaw is suitable for the work involved and properly maintained;
- Ensure that bystanders are at a safe distance from cutting activities;
- Wear suitable head and face protection;
- Wear protective clothing;
- Do not walk or work under unstable windblown trees;
- Tell someone your estimate time of return.
The HSA also reminded farmers to beware of live cables. Trees can also bring down utility lines (electric or telephone), which creates an additional hazard.
Farmers have to assume that any cable taken down by a fallen tree or branch is live (energised).
If a fallen tree or branch has damaged utility lines, do not approach or inspect the lines yourself. Keep at least three metres away and contact the ESB on 1800 372 999, the HSA said.
Storm Kathleen
Ahead of Storm Kathleen, health and safety specialist with Teagasc, John McNamara advised farmers to stay inside during the storm, if at all possible, until it has passed.
Farmers should have a look around their farm and secure anything that could be blown in the storm such as gates and weights ahead of the storm, McNamara told Agriland.
After the storm, farmers should check the farm for anything that has been dislodged, is unstable or loose that could cause injury, but stay away from potential dangers, he said.
McNamara advised farmers to stay clear of coastal areas, rivers or any water body and to not go into any isolated area. He said it is also important to keep an eye on the weather forecast.
The farm family and social affairs committee chair of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA),Teresa Roche reminded farmers of the risk of flooding and excess water on farms.
Farmers should be aware of any potential slips and falls, and ensure open slurry pits are covered. Gutters and eves-shoot should be freed up as soon as possible, she said.
Farm work such as milking cows and feeding animals should be done as early as possible before Storm Kathleen hits the area in which the farm is located, Roche told Agriland.
Farmers should also remember to have their phone charged. It is also important to give any elderly people living alone a call to ensure their safety, she added.