Cold weather can damage equipment and machinery — ensure all fluid levels are sufficient and inspect tire pressures each day.
This is an excerpt of an article first published by Construction Dive, and is republished here with permission of the editors. © 2020 Industry Dive.
By Paul Rozich
Editor’s Note: The following is a guest post from Paul Rozich, Director of Safety and Risk Management for Rockford Construction, a West Michigan-based construction, real estate development and property management firm.
Equipment Storage
If possible, it is recommended to store equipment in enclosed areas with heat. It is important when pre-planning to identify what options are available for equipment storage on the project during the winter months. It also critical to understand what equipment will be on the project and when and review that information with trade contractors.
In many cases, we build temporary enclosures that have a heat source to defend against the cold temperatures that can damage equipment. Cold weather can result in damage to equipment and machinery so it is critical to make sure all fluid levels are sufficient and to inspect tire pressure each day during subzero weather.
Ice Check
Another important safety precaution involves identifying overhead ice and snow banks that could injure workers. Make sure to inspect probable locations for the formation of ice or snow accumulation that can fall on personnel. Remove with care, if able, or rope off the area so that personnel will not be working beneath it.
If the project is open to the elements we plan ahead to make sure areas stay ice free. It is important to use the right de-icing product as a means to prevent damage to new concrete or other surfaces. To de-ice we use approved de-icing products, heaters and shovels to break up sections of ice.
(Source: Rozich, Paul. “Extreme Winter Construction Requires Important Safety Precautions.” Construction Dive, Industry Dive, 4 Feb. 2020, www.constructiondive.com/news/extreme-winter-construction-requires-important-safety-precautions/571160/.)
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