Storms and floods

Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) are encouraged to ensure their workplaces are safe and secure, especially construction sites. PCBUs should consider:

Site security and planning

• Having a plan to deal with severe winds, storms and flooding.
• Remove hoarding on fences and containment screening from scaffold
• Checking fences are secure and locking all gates/entries.
• Posting emergency contact information on site fencing.

Housekeeping

• Removing or securing items that may blow about in extreme weather, including loose tools, materials such as sand, soil, cement, gravel and equipment.
• Ensure any light fencing or placarding is tied down or removed.
• Ensure skip bins have been emptied or are securely covered.
• Removing or securing (out of direct sunlight) flammable liquids and compressed gas cylinders.

Excavations

• Covering, backfilling or otherwise protecting trenches and excavations.
• Ensure no vehicles or objects are positioned at edges of trenches

Structures

• Securing floor openings with barricades or covers.
• Bracing unfinished or temporary structures.
• Removing scaffolding, ladders, shoring and formwork if possible.

Mobile plant

• Close windows and lock heavy machinery cabs before removing the keys.
• Storing or positioning other equipment at its lowest potential energy state.
• Ensure vehicles are parked outside of areas and footing is stable.

When preparing for high-wind conditions, it is crucial to take specific precautions to ensure the safety and stability of tower and mobile cranes. Key measures include:

• Ensuring tower cranes have been allowed to weather vane with their booms at the correct boom angle in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions (tower cranes are generally designed to slew with the wind in high winds – this reduces loads transferred to the tower and crane footings).
• Where tower cranes cannot weather vane due to their close proximity to buildings or other cranes, ensuring the cranes have been secured in accordance with the advice of a professional engineer experienced in tower crane design.
• Ensuring hooks have been hoisted as high as practicable and lifting gear has been removed from the hook.
• Ensuring any materials, tool boxes or containers have been removed from the crane or secured so that there is no risk of being blown off the crane.
• In the case of mobile cranes, ensuring booms are telescoped in and lowered wherever practicable.  If possible, move the crane under cover.
• Ensuring windows in the crane cabin are closed and locked.
• If a crane has been damaged due to wind, apply an exclusion zone around the crane when safe to do so.  Do not allow workers near the crane to inspect until you obtain the advice of the crane manufacturer or a professional engineer with knowledge of that type of crane.
• If the crane has collapsed and contacted power lines, stay away from the crane and contact the electricity supply entity as a matter of urgency.

Find out more about crane safety.

• Contact Emergency Services as required.
• Render first aid if safe to do so.
• Make the incident site safe and secure scene.
• Notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) or the Electrical Safety Office of any work related notifiable incidents in line with WHS Act sections 35-39 via the WorkSafe website or 1300 362 128
• Await contact from WHSQ or the Electrical Safety Office for release of scene or inspector attendance (wait times may be incurred due to weather event)

If you have a workplace safety concern before an incident arises, you can raise it via the WorkSafe website.

Employers and workers involved in storm and flood recovery efforts must still remember their obligations under Queensland's health and safety laws. Employers must provide appropriate safety equipment, training and supervision to workers and volunteers involved in recovery operations.

These laws are in place to protect Queenslanders. By being vigilant and maintaining safety during this difficult time, you can help reduce the risk of death, injury and illness to yourself, your workers and others involved in the clean-up and repair effort.

Environmental conditions after storms and floods increase the risk for infectious diseases. Skin infections, diarrhoeal disease, respiratory infections and mosquito-borne diseases are the most common infectious diseases after storms and floods in Queensland.

Less commonly, contact with floodwater can cause serious illness such as leptospirosis and melioidosis. See your doctor if you become sick after contact with floodwater or if you need a tetanus booster.

To reduce your risk:

• Maintain good hand and personal hygiene. Wash your hands well after contact with mud, flood water and contaminated items and equipment, and before eating and drinking.
• Clean and cover cuts and wounds. Talk to your doctor if you get a wound as you may need a tetanus booster.
• Where contact with flood water and mud is unavoidable, wear enclosed footwear, gloves and suitable clothing.
• Take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

More information about disaster management and sources of disease is available from Queensland Health.

Working in hot and humid environments can cause heat-related illnesses, which can be fatal if not managed properly.

• Use the Heat Stress (basic) Calculator as an assessment tool to help identify and manage risks of heat related illness.
• Ensure regular hydration with clean drinking water.
• Provide frequent rest breaks in shaded or cool areas.
• Encourage appropriate clothing (e.g. hats, lightweight clothing).
• Monitor workers for signs of heat stress, such as dizziness or fatigue.
• Avoid overexertion during the hottest parts of the day.
• Implement a heat stress action plan and ensure everyone knows the steps to take in an emergency.

Find more information about heat stress.

• For most work in flooded areas, or areas that have been subjected to flooding, suitable PPE should be worn to prevent injuries such as cuts and scratches or infections from contaminated water.
• In many cases workers or volunteers should be requested to bring or be provided with protective clothing such as long sleeve shirts and pants, suitable enclosed footwear, heavy work gloves and a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Find more information about personal protective equipment.

• Keep work areas as clear and dry as possible.
• Wear suitable footwear with good grip.
• Try to avoid climbing on objects or surfaces; use equipment such as ladders or step stools wherever possible and safe.
• Try to make sure there is adequate light in work areas.

Download the Guide for preventing slips trips and falls (PDF, 0.55 MB).

Providing first aid equipment is a legal requirement and is necessary to meet the health and safety needs of volunteers if they are injured during the course of their work. The type of equipment, facilities or personnel you will need should be based on a risk assessment and be appropriate for the types of injuries and illnesses likely to occur.

Find more information about first aid and emergency plans.

Preparation and risk assessment

• Assess the work: work out the order of the work to be done so that new risks are not introduced, e.g. think about how you will get access to the areas where the work is to be done, or the possibility of creating instability from removing things in the wrong order.
• Ensure a licensed electrician inspects electrical systems and appliances before use to confirm it’s safe to do so and beware of fallen overhead powerlines.
• Identify hazards: check for asbestos, chemicals, or other risks in the area.
• Consider potential risks: think about what could go wrong during clean-up and repair work.

Tools and equipment

• Determine necessary tools: ensure the right equipment is available and in good working order, and workers and volunteers are inducted on how to use the tools and equipment safely.
• Use mechanical aids: wheelbarrows, trolleys, and equipment to reduce physical strain.
• Use long-handled tools: shovels, brooms, etc., to minimise bending and lifting.

Worker safety and supervision

• Ensure workers are skilled and rested: avoid fatigue, and provide adequate supervision, especially for less experienced workers.
• Provide PPE: ensure workers wear appropriate gear, such as rubber-soled shoes, gloves, hats, sun protection, and high-visibility vests.
• Consider workers’ physical capacity: assign tasks based on their abilities.

Health and support

• Ensure access to essentials: provide first aid, clean water, hand hygiene, and toilet facilities.
• Encourage counselling services: highlight available mental health support and encourage workers to use it.

Manual handling and teamwork

• Assign enough workers: ensure the right number of people are assigned to tasks to prevent strain.
• Place rubbish skips close to the work area for easy disposal.
• For team lifting: ensure clear communication and leadership, with enough people to safely manage loads.

Traffic management

• Plan safe access routes for workers and equipment.
• Assess the risk of plant and pedestrians/workers interaction and put appropriate risk management controls in place.
• Avoid unnecessary traffic in the work zones to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Ensure vehicles are in good working order and safely operated.
• Monitor road conditions regularly, especially after heavy rain or flooding.

There are things you can do before, during and after a flood or storm to be electrically safe.

Find more information about electrical safety during storms including:

• preparing your property for storms and floods
• cleaning up after a storm or flood
• property or connection damage
• solar PV safety
• electrical appliances and equipment
• generators.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can kill, so never run generators indoors. Generators can produce high levels of CO, and like electricity, cannot be seen or smelt. If you feel sick, dizzy or weak using a generator, move away immediately and get some fresh air.

Tips for safe use:

• Keep generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Use portable generators only for essential equipment like fridges.
• Never connect a generator to your house power supply unless fitted with a proper change-over switch by a licensed electrician.
• Ensure power boards and leads are damage-free and protected from water and tripping hazards.

Find out more about generators

During a clean up:

• Do not attempt to turn off the system after a storm/cyclone.
• Stay away from the solar panels, batteries and wiring.
• Have an electrician check the system before it’s re-commissioned. This check needs to be done before other clean-up work starts around the PV cells, batteries and associated electrical wiring.

If your system has been checked and is safe, follow the start up procedure.

While the sun is out, your solar PV system is generating electricity. Assume batteries are charged. Always treat the system and associated wires as live.

Find out more about solar PV systems

Most building materials that contain asbestos in a domestic home are safe if they are in good condition, sealed and left alone. However, that may change if the materials are damaged. As a general rule, if your home was built before 1990, it may contain some asbestos materials.

• To minimise health risks, make sure you wear protective clothing when cleaning-up and take the necessary pre-cautions when handling asbestos cement debris, such as keeping the debris damp.
• Avoid removing asbestos materials unless absolutely necessary (e.g. only remove asbestos sheeting that is already broken and dislodged).
• Consider contracting a licensed asbestos removalist to safely remove the asbestos rather than removing it yourself.
• Avoid breaking asbestos material.
• Avoid walking on corrugated asbestos roofs as they may collapse from the weight.
• Do not use power tools or any abrasive materials on asbestos containing surfaces.
• Avoid using high pressure water to clean the surface of asbestos materials.
• Make sure asbestos materials are wet during removal and other work; isolate electricity to wet areas.
• Wear disposable coveralls with a hood as well as an approved particulate respirator (Class P2 – this will be marked on the packaging) when removing asbestos.
• Thoroughly wash hands, shower and wash hair after handling or after suspecting you may have handled asbestos materials.
• Double bag/wrap all asbestos materials and waste and call your local authority to find out where to properly dispose of any asbestos products. Don't mix asbestos waste in with other waste.
• Keep asbestos waste within the confines of your property. Do not leave hazardous wastes on kerbside or other public access areas - for example, asbestos.
• Safe work procedures can be found in Asbestos: a guide for minor renovation.
• Contact your local council for any changes to normal waste collection and for specific disposal advice.

If you’re unsure whether asbestos is present, always assume it is and take appropriate precautions.

View the list of National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratories for asbestos sample analysis.

Hazard alert: Never operate generators or petrol-powered equipment indoors. Doing so can cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

When using generators, ensure it is done so in a well ventilated area and never connect a generator to your house power supply unless fitted with a proper change-over switch by a licensed electrician. Only use portable generators for essential equipment like fridges.

Reduce this risk by operating generators and other fuel-powered equipment outdoors wherever possible. For example, pumps used for water removal from a basement.

Chemical processing and handling equipment that has been flood or storm affected should be checked prior to operation, ensuring electrical installations are checked by a qualified electrician.

For gas supply systems (e.g. town gas or fixed tank installations) contact your supplier regarding the safe return to operation.

Ensure the appropriate decontamination of clothing and equipment after handling or coming in contact with chemicals. Wash down clothing with water and launder separately.

Service station operators should also be aware of the effects of flooding at service stations on underground storage tank systems.

Storms and floods may have buried, moved or damaged hazardous chemical containers including corrosives, oils, pesticides and industrial chemicals. To safely handle and dispose of hazardous chemicals, the following should be considered:

• Try to identify chemicals and their hazards using labels and markings. If water has removed the label, seek expert advice and chemical identification from a waste management consultant.
• If a container may cause potential risk (e.g. bulging under pressure, leaking, or in a precarious position), isolate the immediate area and call '000'. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service is equipped and trained to deal with these situations.
• Wear personal protective equipment such as chemical resistant gloves, protective eyewear, closed footwear and long sleeved shirts and pants to minimise exposure to skin.
• Isolate chemicals from general waste.
• Segregate chemicals based on the condition of the container (damaged or undamaged) and based on reactions with one another, for example oils and dry pool chlorine may cause a fire.
• In Brisbane, contact the city council on 07 3403 8888 to arrange collection of hazardous waste. For more information see Brisbane City Council's Flooding in Brisbane - a guide for residents.
• Areas outside the Brisbane region should contact their local authority for advice on disposal of the waste.
• Take precautions to protect the area from further damage during the clean-up, such as preventing mobile plant (e.g. earth-moving equipment) coming into contact with containers, particularly gas cylinders.
• Monitor atmospheres in enclosed spaces using a suitable air monitoring device (e.g. gas detector) where plant and equipment exhaust is generated. Ensure exhaust gases are ventilated to prevent the build up of contaminant exhaust gases such as carbon monoxide. Reduce this risk by operating generators and other fuel-powered equipment outdoors wherever possible. For example, pumps used for water removal from a basement.
• Chemical processing and handling equipment that has been flood or storm affected should be checked prior to operation, ensuring electrical installations are checked by a qualified electrician.
• For gas supply systems (e.g. town gas or fixed tank installations) contact your supplier regarding the safe return to operation.
• Ensure the appropriate decontamination of clothing and equipment after handling or coming in contact with chemicals. Wash down clothing with water and launder separately.

Service station operators should also be aware of the Effects of flooding at service stations on underground storage tank systems (PDF, 0.08 MB).

Check that your demolition work requires a licensed demolisher. Call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128.

If the work doesn't require a licensed demolisher, make sure the work is undertaken by people who understand the structure, or the part of the structure, they are demolishing.

Check the location of any underground, overhead or concealed services (e.g. gas, water, electricity) prior to commencing any demolition work.

If a building needs to be demolished and it contains asbestos, there are extra precautions that must be taken, including:

• remove all asbestos before demolition is commenced
• If it is not reasonably practicable to remove the asbestos before demolition, or an emergency demolition of a building which contains asbestos is required, then methods to minimise airborne asbestos fibres must be used during the demolition (e.g. using a wet spray method)
• asbestos removal licences may be required—call Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128.

Read more information on demolition and asbestos, including training, personal protective equipment, decontamination and disposal of asbestos waste.

• Install handrails if necessary, such as when working on a roof or from a platform above the ground where people are carrying out work that could cause them to fall, or the fall itself could cause a serious injury.
• When using a ladder
  • make sure the ladder is sufficiently sturdy
  • use the ladder for the purpose it was designed for
  • try to secure ladders before use
  • do not use a ladder on soggy/soft ground.
• Ensure surfaces are stable and access to areas with unstable floors is safe.
• Be aware of anyone working below and the potential for things to fall on them.

Find more information about working at a height.

Workers who handle and dispose of animal carcasses should be aware of the infection risks from this type of work and how to protect against infection including personal hygiene measures and personal protective equipment.

Find out more about the disposal of animal carcasses and read the safety considerations when trenching to bury carcasses fact sheet (PDF, 0.2 MB)

• Check in and under objects before attempting to move an object as snakes, spiders and other undomesticated animals may be taking refuge in the dry location. Startling these animals may cause them to become aggressive and attack.
• Do not attempt to kill snakes as most snake bite incidents occur when someone has attempted to strike and kill the snake.
• Engage a wildlife removal specialist to remove snakes from buildings.

This information is relevant to:

• Class A asbestos removal licences
• Class B Asbestos removal licences
• licensed asbestos assessor accreditations.

All state and territory asbestos removal licenses (class A and class B) and licensed asbestos assessor accreditations (besides Victoria) are already mutually recognised in Queensland.

Notification

Asbestos removal license holders do not need to notify the regulator of asbestos removal work prior to doing the work if the work is necessary due to flooding or severe weather and is urgently required to ensure safety, under the current exemption. Instead, notification can be provided as soon as practicable after the work is complete. No fees are applicable.

Existing relevant class exemption for asbestos removal work

The regulator has granted a class exemption to remove the requirement for licensed asbestos removalists to notify the regulator before carrying out licensed asbestos removal work, if the work is necessary due to flooding or severe weather conditions (section 466, WHS Regulation).

The exemption helps to minimise the community’s risk of exposure to asbestos fibres by allowing asbestos containing material that is damaged during severe weather events and poses an imminent risk to the community if it is not immediately removed to be removed without the delay of waiting five days after providing written notice of the removal.

The ability to rely on the exemption does not continue indefinitely after a flood or severe weather event and work undertaken months after the severe weather event (i.e. through insurance claims) does not benefit from the exemption, as it is expected that providing five days written notice is practicable in those circumstances.

Where asbestos is removed urgently under the exemption and the licensed asbestos removalist is unable to notify the regulator before carrying out licensed asbestos removal work, written notification should be provided using Form 65 – Notification of licensed asbestos removal work/demolition work/emergency demolition.

To complete Form 65 online, you will need to:

• register an account to access the Workplace Health and Safety Forms
• provide an email address and create a password.

This class exemption took effect on 16 March 2023 and is in effect until 15 March 2028, unless amended or cancelled sooner.

Currently, other state and territory demolition licences are not mutually recognised in QLD as they are not deemed to be ‘equivalent’ (see section 144A WHS Regulation).

What does the licensee need to do?

PCBUs proposing to undertake notifiable demolition work must ensure that written notice is given to the regulator under this section at least 5 days before the work commences using Form 65 – Notification of licensed asbestos removal work/demolition work/emergency demolition as soon as practicable afterwards.

To complete Form 65 online, you will need to:

• register an account to access the Workplace Health and Safety Forms
• provide an email address and create a password.

There are a number of classes of high risk work licences including licences for operating forklifts and cranes, rigging, and scaffolding

All state and territory high risk work licences are already mutually recognised in Queensland.

There are no requirements to notify the Regulator for you to work in Queensland if you hold a high-risk work licence issued by another state or territory.

Mutual recognition arrangements permit holders of the following licences to work as an electrical mechanic in Queensland:

• In New South Wales, holders of:
  • an individual contractor licence (known as “endorsed contractor licence”) or
  • a qualified supervisor certificate.
• In Victoria, holders of an Electrician’s licence.
• In South Australia holders of an electrical workers registration (not subject to conditions limiting the work that may be carried out under the authority of the registration.
• In Tasmania holders of an electrical practitioner’s licence.
• In Western Australia holders of:
  • "A” grade electrical workers’ licence—endorsed ‘all electrical work’
  • “A” grade electrical workers’ licence—endorsed electrical mechanic
  • “A” grade electrical workers’ licence—endorsed electrical mechanic and electrical fitter
  • electrical workers’ licence endorsed ‘electrician’
  • electrician’s licence that is not endorsed ‘electrical fitter’.
• In the Australian Capital Territory, the holder of an unrestricted electrician licence.
• In the Northern Territory holders of:
  • electrical workers’ licence endorsed electrical mechanic
  • electrical workers’ licence endorsed electrical fitter and mechanic.

To undertake the electrical work, these persons would be required to be employed by a licensed electrical contractor in Queensland. This will be used by business expanding their existing workforce from across the border. There are no requirements to notify the Regulator (i.e. Electrical Safety Office).

Currently there is no direct mutual recognition arrangement that permits electrical contractors in other states and territories to contract electrical work in QLD.

However, the holder of an Individual contractor licence (known as “endorsed contractor licence”) can make an application under Mutual Recognition (including payment) and be issued an electrical contractor licence in Queensland with no further requirements, except for meeting insurance requirements which is verified during the application process (Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 Sect 51).

What does the licensee need to do?

The applicant would make an application through the online Electrical Licensing Portal (requires a Digital ID). Upon successful submission (which includes the payment process), the applicant must:

• email Electrical Licensing QLD via LPS@oir.qld.gov.au
• include in the subject line state words to the effect “Emergency Work QLD”
• quote the reference number for their application in the body of the email

Timeframe to process

Once an applicant has submitted their application online and emailed Electrical Licensing QLD, it may take between 24 hrs and 3 days to process.

The following work relating to electricity entity infrastructure does not require an electrical licence in QLD:

• building, under the supervision of an electricity entity, an overhead electric line on structures that do not already carry an energised overhead electric line
• altering, repairing, maintaining or recovering an overhead electric line that is part of the works of an electricity entity in particular circumstances
• laying, cutting or sealing underground cables that are part of the works of an electricity entity before the initial connection of the cables to an electricity source
• recovering underground cables that are part of the works of an electricity entity after disconnection from an electricity source
• erecting structures such as electrical poles and towers for the support of electrical equipment.

It is important for local councils, other organisations or employers involved in coordinating clean-up or recovery activities to assess the potential for hazardous conditions and/or exposures before attempting any activity in a flood affected area.

1. Identify the hazards: information on common clean-up hazards and protective measures.
2. Assess the level of risk: the likelihood of exposure to the hazard, and the consequences (what harm could be done).
3. Control the risk: identify and implement a control as per the hierarchy of controls.
4. Review the control measures: to ascertain the effectiveness of the control implemented and to make sure you haven't introduced a new risk.

Based on an initial assessment of hazards, you may need to provide workers or volunteers with the appropriate information, training, supervision or equipment to safely perform clean-up and recovery work.

Find more information about:

• asbestos hazards
• electrical hazards.

Volunteers should be made aware of the potential dangers and the proper safety precautions through a group safety briefing or induction before commencing any recovery or clean-up work. This will help lessen the risk of volunteers hurting themselves, other volunteers, workers or others who may be affected by their actions or omissions.

Before volunteers start their work you should outline:

• personal safety issues (hydration, fatigue, breaks, hygiene etc.)
• clean-up crews should work in teams, particularly as experience levels between volunteers can differ and they can look out for each other’s safety
• existing and potential hazards and the proper safety precautions
• health and safety procedures (e.g. instructions for equipment they will be using)
• how to use personal protective equipment provided
• tasks and boundaries of their role (e.g. only take on work they know they can safely carry out, know their own limits and consider the impact of any existing health issues, areas not deemed safe to enter by authorities yet)
• who to talk to if they have any health and safety concerns and how to report any health and safety incidents and hazards
• what situations they should remove themselves from
• emergency procedures
• how they can report injuries that may occur while doing recovery work and how to access first aid treatment.

You should designate a person/s with health and safety knowledge and skills to be responsible for the management of volunteers and their health and safety.

The emotional impacts of these natural disasters on workers may not come to the surface for a little while. To minimise the risk of psychological stress on workers employers should:

• highlight counselling services available to workers and encourage them to use them
• consult with workers when setting realistic work targets and priorities for completion of clean-up and repair works
• consult with workers about any changes to their roles, work tasks and broader business changes, and where possible allow their input in decision making
• hold regular worker/team discussions on additional pressures/challenges
• provide 'time out' areas for workers to distance themselves and take breaks from demanding work tasks
• recognise and reward workers for their efforts.

• Roster shifts so that workers/volunteers have the opportunity to sleep continuously for 7 to 8 hours in each 24 hour period.
• Rotate shifts forward rather than back.
• Limit number of consecutive night shifts to four.
• Finish night shifts by eight am.
• Allow a minimum of 12 hours between consecutive shifts.
• Roster at least two full night’s sleep after the last night shift.
• Provide frequent rest breaks during shifts.
• Provide transport where possible to minimise the risks associated with commuting.
• Provide an area/room for workers/volunteers to sleep before commuting home.
• Schedule safety critical and complex tasks during the daytime (when workers/volunteers are most alert).

Download the fact sheet on Managing fatigue following natural disasters (PDF, 0.1 MB)  and view other information about fatigue.

• Be aware of changed ground conditions which may increase the risk of roll over, bogging or loss of stability.
• Take account of decreased vision due to rain, mud and other conditions.
• Be aware of possible an unstable waterway, channel or dam.

Read more information about tractors.

• Wear an appropriate helmet.
• Identify and assess potential hazards prior to attempting to cross any waterways, flooded or muddy terrain and be aware of washouts.
• Operate quad bike at a safe speed suitable to the conditions.
• Do not allow children or untrained, inexperienced people to operate quad bikes.
• Be aware of hidden obstacles that may be covered by mud, debris, grass or water.

View other information about quad bikes.