Winter Work WINTER WEATHER WORKING: PREPARATION IS KEY With some meteorologists predicting the coldest winter for a decade, Pete Flynn, Health and Safety Advisor at Marley Eternit, gives contractors some top tips for staying safe in the snow. Recent long range weather forecasts have suggested the UK could be facing the coldest and harshest winter for almost a decade and be blanketed in snow for months. While there may be some scepticism about these dramatic predictions – in the same way that we never quite believe the media reports that promise a BBQ summer – it is important for contractors to make sure they are prepared for freezing winter temperatures. We all know that even the smallest amount of snow or ice and stormy weather can create major hazards for roofers on site, with slippy surfaces increasing the risk of falls; gusts of wind making it difficult to balance and prolonged exposure to cold causing health problems, such as painful joints and illness. This means it may be unsuitable for roofing work to be carried out in winter, when other trades at ground level could continue. That’s why it is vital that roofing contractors carry out their own thermal risk assessments and follow health and safety procedures. So, how should contractors prepare for winter weather? For managers / supervisors … 1: Monitor the weather forecast so you can anticipate and be prepared for poor weather conditions. Carry out a risk assessment every day to check that it is safe to work and that conditions haven’t changed. Pay particular attention to working at height platforms and do not work on roofs in icy conditions – this is a requirement of the Working at Height Regulations 2005. 2: Make sure workers are trained on winter hazards and ensure they have the appropriate PPE. If it is windy, HSE recommends that roofers should check wind speeds with a hand held anemometer and refer to the NFRC guidance, which states that: • All laying or handling of slates, tiles, battens and felt at roof level should cease when the (average) mean wind speed reaches 23 mph (gusting to 35 mph or over). • When handling rolls of felt at roof level, extreme care should be taken when the mean wind speeds are in the region of 17 mph (gusting to 26 mph or over). 3: Limit worker exposure to cold through job rotation and provide plenty of breaks in heated areas with hot drinks available. For roofers … 1: Make sure you are wearing the right PPE and extra clothing suitable for the job and the weather conditions. This usually involves using several layers of clothing, as well as waterproofs or wind resistant fabrics where necessary. Also, choose water resistant footwear, with enhanced slip resistance or ice grips if required. 2: Wear gloves when fine manual dexterity is not required and the temperature drops below 4°C. 3: Cold weather increases the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome, so keep your hands and arms warm when using vibratory equipment such as drills, nails guns and even hand tools, such as hammers. 4: Choose hats that work with safety headgear and don’t compromise any eye or hearing protection. To help you prepare for freezing temperatures, Marley Eternit is giving away hundreds of winter goodies. To apply for one of 500 free flasks, heat pads or ear bands, visit: www.marleyeternit.co.uk/wintercampaign and fill in your details. 5: Be aware of the symptoms of cold exposure – heavy shivering, uncomfortable coldness, numbness, aching, severe fatigue, confusion, drowsiness and / or euphoria. 6: With reduced daylight hours, visibility can be a problem, so wear reflective PPE. 7: Take breaks in heated areas and drink plenty of fluids, including water and warm beverages. 8: Report any hazardous areas to the site manager and do not put yourself at risk just to complete a job. Contact Marley Eternit 01283 722 588 www.marleyeternit.co.uk @MarleyEternit 32 TC NOVEMBER <strong>2018</strong>
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