FEATURE FROST AND FOREMOST
Zarges, a specialist in working at height and packaging solutions, shares the following tips to maintain a safe working environment when the mercury drops.
Winter has arrived and, although a magical time of the year for some people, for those who work outdoors for extensive periods of time; tradesmen, field service personnel, hauliers it brings the severest safety risks. Icy conditions and cold temperatures may become real sources of danger for outside jobs.
Challenging winter weather such as heavy snowfall, high winds causing damage to power lines and flooded roads increase the pressure on field service personnel to operate in challenging conditions and keep people safe. Often, their services are time-critical and cannot be delayed until the weather improves.
1. How to de-ice like an expert
Ice on a skating rink is all part of winter fun. But when the weather gets extreme it is important that vehicles are effectively de-iced, and in the harshest conditions, that ice slabs are removed from the roofs of cars and lorries. This is a particular problem for freight lorries that deliver across Europe in extremely cold conditions. All drivers are responsible for the removal of ice from their vehicles. De-icing a vehicle need not be complicated and time-consuming. Indeed, in Europe many motorway services offer lorry drivers special facilities for this purpose. Using special de-icing platforms, drivers can safely and easily climb onto their vehicle’s roof to clear it of ice and snow.
2. Danger zone: slippery and muddy surfaces
Ice and mud can turn even the safest of working spaces into a slippery trap. Working outdoors, uneven surfaces or frozen ground can be a serious hazard, so it is important to ensure equipment is appropriate for use. For example, ladders should be fitted with non- slip features and with stabilising bars at the base to ensure they are safe on potentially hazardous services.
3. Stay active to prevent hyperthermia
Working out in the cold, it can be much more difficult to stay warm. The danger of hyperthermia increases when a task
requires workers to stand relatively still for a long period of time. For example, workers may have to stand on a ladder to install a new light or repair damaged power lines. Working at height and with restricted amounts of movement, they are especially exposed to the cold. When undertaking such tasks, it is important to take care of yourself; taking regular breaks to warm up – ideally with a hot drink – as well as keeping moving as much as possible. When possible, it is better to use a platform system than a ladder in these situations as it provides greater stability and more opportunity to move around.
4. Water-resistant gear
Whether it is hammers and nails, technical measurement instruments or photography gear, expensive and sensitive equipment needs to be taken care of when being transported. An unwelcome slip on an icy surface could result in dropping, and at worst, breaking a piece of important equipment. Highly sensitive devices are very susceptible to cold and moisture. It is therefore recommended to use a waterproof transport case with the right interior fittings to ensure kit is transported safely from A to B without damage – even if it were to get dropped in the snow.
Winter conditions will always bring challenges to outside work. Being aware of the right steps and precautions to take is vital to ensuring safety. Using equipment that is designed for outdoor use is the first step to achieving this.
www.zarges.com/uk
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www.tomorrowshs.com
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