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13 Nov, 2018

7 Safety Tips For Building And Event Sites During The Winter Weather

1.Look At The Weather Forecast.

Make sure you know when the cold weather could hit, and how low it will go. This can give you adequate time to prepare your site and staff.

2.Site Inspections

If you know its going to be icy, put down some salt or grit, not only will it melt ice, It can improve traction for machines and the workers on site. Crucially, make sure you salt steps and other surfaces such as scaffolding and even flat roofs that workers may use.

Keep an eye on power lines near your site, are they weighed down by ice? If so, get a backup generator in place to kick in should the mains fail.

Icy weather can lead to icicles forming, make sure you let workers know of areas to avoid they form in, use barriers to fence of specific areas.

3.Vehicles Emergency Inspections

Do all vehicles have anti-freeze, ice scrapers, non-perishable snacks ( such as protein bars or high energy bars) back up battery supplies for phones or tablets, first aid kits, shovels and extra clothing in them? If not make sure our they are! Remember to take time driving in icy or snowy conditions.

4.PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

When the snow and ice hit, its no good to just have a woolly hat and a pair of gloves.  Hard hats must still be worn, so invest in some liners for them. Liners keep the heat in under that hard hat.

Gloves should allow the worker to still do the job, keep in mind that metal, such as scaffolding or ladders can get extremely cold! So keep gloves on at all times, this can stop you getting frost bite or loosing skin when a bare hand can stick to cold metal…ouch!

Wearing extra clothing can make wearer bulkier, make sure site safety wear such as harnesses fit appropriately.

Eye protection should be treated with ‘anti-fog’ spray, to stop condensation hampering vision

Make sure boots are waterproof, soggy feet will get cold very quickly. Also, make sure the boots have adequate grip.

5.Clothing

Similar to PPE, it is important to wear the correct clothing to stay warm. But also allowing you to get the job done. Make sure your mobility is not impaired!

6.Warm Up Machines Before Use.

Most machines aren’t built for the extreme cold, ice can accumulate and make a machine malfunction. Warming them up before use will mean they work every time. Always follow the manufactures instructions/guidelines before adding new fluids or hydraulic oils which can withstand the colder temperatures.

Certain machines such as air compressors and their tools need special attention. Frozen pipes can be very dangerous. Consult manufacture guidelines before adding any anti-freeze to your machine.

You can warm up pneumatic tools by running them at 40psi before use for a few minutes.

If in a cabbed machine, make sure the heater is working properly and that the wipers work!

7.Provide Warm And Dry Rest Areas.

A legal requirement on all building sites, but very important during cold weather.

Somewhere warm that allows workers to rest and relax, along with drying their clothes will help energy levels. In cold weather you use more energy than normal to stay warm, so fatigue can kick in sooner than expected.  

Remember to also have adequate ventilation, gas or oil burners will release gases.

 

We can help keep your site or workers warm, dry and safe.

Just call 08001970970 , pop in to your local depot or email us