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WELCOME

PREPARING FOR TEXAS

WINTER WEATHER

Ronnie Sexton Loss PreventionRepresentative

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Discussion Topics

• Steps to ensure all vehicles and equipment are ready for winter

• Steps to protect buildings and facilities

• Steps to protect employees from winter exposure

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Common Causes of Winter Weather Vehicle Accidents

• Driving too fast for conditions

• Adverse road conditions – bridges may ice in cold weather, black ice

• Poor visibility (outside and inside of the car)

• Not allowing enough time for driving in adverse conditions and getting impatient behind the wheel

• Being unaware of surrounding motorists and increased hazards

Vehicle Tips

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• Check all belts and hoses• Check your battery/electrical

system• Check your cooling system.• Fill your windshield washer

reservoir• Check your windshield wipers and

defrosters

Vehicle Tips

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• Verify floor mat installation to

prevent pedal interference • Inspect your tires, pressure and

tread depth• Check the age of your tires

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• Know your vehicle• Plan your travel and route• Stock your vehicle• Learn what to do in a winter

emergency• Protect yourself

Safe Winter Driving Tips

Safe Winter Driving Tips

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• Slow down• Increase the distance between

yourself and the vehicle your following

• Be alert to current weather conditions

• Use low-beam headlights during snow fall

• Keep your car windows clean and clear

• Keep your gas/fuel tank full

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Equipment Tips

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12 Service Tips for Winter1. To assist in warm-up, block/restrict airflow

through radiator.

2. To better prepare your machines for cold weather try the following: a) Use block heaters.

b) Use enclosed storage facilities when machines are not being used.

3. Be sure to install the correct lubricants.

Equipment Tips

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12 Service Tips for Winter4. Provide the correct cooling system

protection for the conditions you will be working in.

5. Inspect all rubber parts weekly; hoses, tires and fan drive belts.

6. Check all electrical wiring and connections for any fraying or for damaged insulation.

7. Keep all batteries fully charged.

8. Always fill the fuel tank at the end of the shift.

Equipment Tips

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12 Service Tips for Winter9. Check the air cleaners and the air intake on

a regular basis.

10. Before your shift, run the engine until it reaches operating temperatures.

11. If your machine is shut down for more than 16 hours, the engine will cool to the external temperature.

12. Keep all starting fluid at room temperature and inject starting fluid only while the engine is cranking.

Equipment Operating Tips

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Before cold weather arrives, check to make certain all atmospheric system such as operator compartment heaters and defrosting devices, are working in top condition.

Don’t wait until the first cold snap to check this, or you may discover that you don’t have heat in the cab!

Equipment Operating Tips

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When you’re operating your machine during inclement winter weather, be sure you can see clearly out of the cab windows.

Equipment Operating Tips

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All hoses and wires become more brittle and stressed in extreme cold conditions. Allow sufficient warm-up time before putting equipment to work.

Equipment Operating Tips

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Ground conditions will always be more difficult when the surface is frozen. Wheels and tracks can slip more easily on frozen or icy ground.

Equipment Operating Tips

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Touching extremely cold metal surfaces with bare skin can cause instant frost damage to hands

Take extra care when entering and exiting your machine

Use three points of contact

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Buildings & Facilities Tips

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• Inspect heating systems before cold weather arrives

• Insulate exposed water pipes and faucets at all buildings, outside restrooms and concession stands at parks

• Stockpile sand for sidewalks, steps, and stairways

• Inspect handrails at steps/stairways• Tree limbs close to buildings that

might need trimming

Buildings & Facilities Tips

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• Check roofs for any needed repairs• Check and clean gutters• Inspect treatment plants, pump

stations, lift stations, swimming pools for any lines or pumps that need protection to prevent freezing

• Standby/emergency generators

Buildings & Facilities Tips

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• Check extension cords, surge protectors and space heaters

• Check building/facilities for non employees before locking up at end of day

• Procedures on how to handle homeless individuals who want to stay in public building during day for warmth

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Tips for Employees

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• Provide employees with refresher training on proper clothing, preferably in

layers • Many workers underestimate the

effects of perspiration and wet

clothing lowering a workers body temperature. Venting and removal of the body’s sweat and heat are just as important as protecting from rain or snow

• Keep a change of dry clothing available

Tips for Employees

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• Wear a hat or hood• Keep your ears and hands warm• Wear good footwear that is

insulated along with proper socks. If your feet become moist from the damp weather or sweating, periodically you should change your socks.

Tips for Employees

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Keeping properly hydrated since you can dehydrate faster in the winter than in the summer

Drink plenty of liquids and avoid coffee and alcohol

Take frequent breaks and consume warm high calorie food to maintain energy reserves

Also personnel should be trained on the signs and systems of hypothermia

Summary

• Don’t wait until the day/night of the first cold weather arriving

• A little refresher training never hurt anyone

• Remember the public is counting on us to be there for them when the weather turns bad, preperation is the key

• Until next time, stay safe, stay warm

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