During this past week, we all experienced the effects of heavy rain and the start of the fall season. This week’s Toolbox Talk focuses on how to work safely in the rain and damp environments. EPS employees working in the rain face additional hazards, such as poor visibility and wet, slippery surfaces so here are some safety practices that might help prevent accidents and injuries when working in the rain.
First, when working in rain or wet conditions, you should move more methodical and carefully. When working in the rain, a natural reaction is to try to work more quickly to get back inside as soon as possible. However, because rain makes everything more slippery, you should do the exact opposite—work more slowly and deliberately to prevent slipping and falling, especially when climbing ladders.
Use the correct equipment. Do not use electrical tools and equipment that are not specifically rated for outdoor use when working in the rain. When using hand tools, use tools with textured, nonslip grip handles.
Wear appropriate rain gear. If you are cold and wet, you are likely concentrating more on how miserable you are than the work at hand. Rain gear which includes both a coat and pants or overalls and is ventilated should be worn for prolonged wet-weather work. If it's cold and rainy, wool or synthetic fibers specifically designed for cold weather use are the best for wear under rain gear because it will keep you warm even if it gets wet. Also, wear rain gear that is the proper size; if it's too large it may interfere with your movement.
Wear appropriate footwear. Footwear for use in inclement weather should have deep treads to help prevent slipping. Footwear that is in poor condition (treads are worn down or worn smooth or footwear with holes) should not be worn. To keep water out of shoes or boots, make sure the top of the shoe or boot extends above the ankle and rain gear extends to the ankles. Also, the top of the boot or shoe should be inside the pant leg (as opposed to tucking the pant leg into the footwear). Remember too that EPS offers a boot stipend of $100.00 each year to help ensure you have the appropriate footwear.
Use proper hand protection. When doing work requiring a sure grip (using hand tools, for example), wear gloves that fit snugly and provide a nonslip grip. To prevent water from entering gloves, make sure that the sleeve of the glove is either tight fitting or is long enough that it fits under the cuff of your raincoat. EPS also provide sure grip gloves for all team members. If you are in need of some gloves or would like to replace the ones that you have worn through, please let us know in the office and we can get them to your jobsite.
Ensure that you can see. If wearing goggles or eyeglasses, use antifogging sprays or wipes on them before going outside. Be sure that the area you are working in is well lit; if needed, light the area using lights rated for outdoor use. Wear hoods or hats to keep rain out of your eyes. Also, since hoods on rain gear narrow your range of vision, make it a point to turn your head to look both ways and above and below you when wearing a hood in the rain.
Make sure that you can be seen. If working in an area where there is vehicular traffic (trucks, cars, forklifts, etc.), always wear EPS bright-colored, reflective vests or rain gear, even during the day. Do not wear rain gear or vests that have become worn and are dull and/or no longer reflective.
When working with wet electrical devices such as circuit breakers, fuses, socket outlets plugs, and switches can malfunction when water and silt get inside. It is advisable to replace those that have been submerged.
Do not allow power cable connections to become wet. Do not use electrical appliances that have become wet. Water can damage the motors in electrical appliances, such as furnaces, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. Electrical parts can become grounded and pose an electric shock hazard or overheat and cause a fire.
Inspect power tools before use for frayed power cables, broken plugs and cracked or broken housings. If damaged, stop using immediately. Repair it or replace it.
Always use an extension cable marked for outdoor use and rated for the power needs of your tools. Use socket outlet covers on outdoor sockets near swimming pools. Keep cords and electrical devices away from pools. Never handle electrical items when you are wet. Use an earth leakage circuit breaker to help prevent electrocutions and electrical shock injuries.
These are just some safety recommendations that can keep you safe while working in wet and damp conditions. Thanks for reading.