What actions should personnel take during a lightning storm at the airport?

During a lightning storm at the airport, personnel are required to prioritize safety above all. The correct action is to seek shelter and cease all ramp operations. Lightning poses a significant risk for individuals working outdoors and near ramp operations, as it can strike individuals, vehicles, and equipment. Airports typically have established protocols for inclement weather, which emphasize the importance of moving to designated safe areas, such as a secured building, until the storm has passed.

Proceeding with normal operations during a lightning storm or waiting until the storm subsides to evaluate conditions can expose personnel to dangerous circumstances, including the risk of injury from lightning strikes. Conducting a safety audit during such extreme weather is impractical and unsafe, as it would involve outdoor activity that places personnel at risk.

By taking shelter and pausing operations, personnel ensure their safety and the well-being of others at the airport while allowing the storm to pass safely.