Dangers of High Winds Background

1. Committed to Safety HSE Bulletin 04/96 Dangers of High Winds Background On June 16 1996 at about 17:00 a severe storm front buffeted the Qarn Alam camp area. Twelve persons were injured and treated at the PDO clinic. Widespread destruction occurred when several portacabins were lifted from their bases and toppled along the ground. About twenty accommodation portacabins were completely destroyed and another forty portacabins were damaged by the storm. Recommendations to prevent recurrence All portable buildings should be securely anchored to the ground as required in the Engineering Reference Document ERD 92-02. In event of severe wind storms, do not enter or stay in unanchored portacabins. Learning Points High velocity wind storms can occur unpredictably. Long term weather records are not available and it is impossible to predict the regularity of another occurrence. A similar wind storm resulted in a fatality 10 years ago. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Meteorology (DGCAM) have noted 11 significant low pressure systems that have occurred in Oman since 1963. Interior camps should be prepared for the worst at all times. The contents of this Safety Alert should be communicated to all PDO and Contractor employees by Section Heads and Contract Holders. Records of the discussion should be maintained for review. TSEM Please remove from bulletin boards by 30 November 1996