Electrical hazards are where flood cleanup turns fatal, and these are the rules to enforce the hardest: ∙ Treat every power line as energized until the utility confirms otherwise, and never touch an object or water in contact with a line. ∙ If wiring has been underwater, or you smell burning insulation or see frayed wires or sparks, shut the system off, follow lockout/tagout and keep it off until a qualified electrician inspects it. That covers flooded lifts, compressors, shop equipment and EV charging hardware. ∙ Ground-fault circuit interrupters are required in all wet locations, and cord-connected tools must be grounded or double-insulated. ∙ Run generators outdoors only (never inside the shop or showroom, because of carbon monoxide) and lock the main breaker OFF before starting to prevent backfeed onto utility lines. Finally, keep fire exits clear of debris and sandbags, confirm enough extinguishers are on hand, and evacuate immediately for any gas leak. Use extreme caution with floating or displaced containers of shop chemicals, and contact the EPA’s National Response Center for disposal advice by calling (800) 424-8802. COMPLYAUTO CAN HELP Flood safety is not something dealerships should be figuring out after the water is already rising. ComplyAuto Safety helps dealerships build and maintain the programs, procedures, and training needed to prepare employees before severe weather hits and manage the hazards that follow. With ComplyAuto Safety, dealerships can keep safety plans and required documentation organized, deliver and track employee training, conduct inspections, document hazards and corrective actions, and maintain compliance records in one place. That gives managers a practical way to turn OSHA guidance into procedures employees can actually follow — whether that means preparing for an approaching storm, keeping employees away from electrical and chemical hazards, or managing a safe cleanup afterward. For dealerships in the path of severe storms, the risk does not end when the rain stops; it often peaks during cleanup. WVADA NEWS 15
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