Page 25 - Q4_2022 Rosendin Corporate Newsletter

WARM UP TOOLS & EQUIPMENT Layer on the Clothing

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on properly Keeping warm is one of the most important things when
warming up heavy equipment before use. Electrical working in cold weather. The key is finding a balance of
wires and hoses can become brittle in cold wearing enough layers to stay warm while still being able to
temperatures, so it is important to allow those to heat maintain a good range of mobility to perform your work.
up properly to avoid damaging your equipment.
Layer clothing with some moisture-wicking thermals
Make sure fluids, such as engine and hydraulic oils, on your inner layer and have a waterproof outer
in your equipment are rated for the temperatures layer to prevent moisture from soaking into your
in your area and replace them if needed. Make sure clothing. If clothing gets wet, it’s important to change
heaters in cabs are working properly and clear off into dry clothes to avoid losing body heat.
any ice or snow from windshields and steps. Try and
avoid using any equipment that isn’t equipped with Limit the amount of skin exposed to cold temperatures with
an enclosed cab to keep your workers warm. careful attention to the extremities by wearing knit hats and
earmuffs for the head, wool socks for the feet, balaclavas
You also need to take extra precautions when working with for the face, and gloves and mittens for the hands.
air compressors and pneumatic tools. Drain fluid from air
compressor tanks after each use to prevent the moisture Put Emergency Kits in Work Vehicles
that has accumulated from freezing and damaging the tank.
Make sure each of
Provide a Heated Break Area your company’s fleet
of work trucks and
Workers expend more energy when working in cold vehicles is equipped
weather in order to keep their bodies warm. Make with winter weather
sure you have a heated trailer, tent or indoor area for emergency kits.
workers to warm up from the cold. Limit exposure Your kits should
to the elements by encouraging workers to take include a shovel, ice
frequent breaks in order to rest and warm up, drink scraper and brush,
warm liquids and change out of wet clothing. sleeping bag, water,
non-perishable snacks like protein bars, tow straps,
This is a good time to check workers for signs emergency flares, and a backup battery for your cell
of fatigue, frostbite or hypothermia. phone. It’s also a good idea to have some cat litter, salt,
or sand to help with traction in case you get stuck.
Remind workers to limit consumption of caffeine, nicotine
and other stimulants as this increases their heart rate, Encourage your workers to create emergency
causing them to feel warmer than they actually are. kits for their personal vehicles.
If using portable heaters in break areas, make Be cautious when driving in snow and ice. Give
sure to properly vent the area and use CO sensors yourself plenty of time to get to your destination
to monitor for carbon monoxide exposure. and leave plenty of space between yourself
and other vehicles to avoid accidents. 

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