In the December issue of Snow Business, I focused on protecting your crews from the elements – following is more in-depth information on personal protective equipment (PPE).
PPE will vary depending on your crew member's activity. Truck drivers or equipment operators may not need the same caliber of outside weather gear as your hand labor crews. However, anyone operating equipment or working in the elements needs to be properly prepared to avoid the potential for injury related to the cold.
The cold stress equation: Low temperature + wind speed + wetness = Injury and Illness. Regulating body temperature and staying warm in cold temperatures is exacerbated by wind and moisture. It doesn't take long for your body or skin especially to become impacted by the cold weather when combined with wind and water. Consult the cold stress chart to gauge how long it takes before flesh can become injured under certain weather conditions .
Beyond the need for traditional PPE such as hearing and eye protection, the goal for winter PPE is warmth. Fortunately clothing technology has come a long way in the past 10 years and high end gear is more affordable and accessible. Look for outdoor sporting and hunting gear as a starting point for good winter weather gear. Consider the following when selecting gear:
Waterproof
Remaining dry is critically important but is challenging when it continues to snow, or when rain or sleet mixes with the precipitation. A breathable waterproof layer is ideal. Gortex-style waterproof linings are expensive, but can make the difference between being wet or dry. Wear an outer layer or shell with a waterproof liner over warmer clothes to prevent clothes from getting wet. A shell or jacket should have a waterproof hood. Look for gear that incorporates pants or bibs to ensure your legs remain dry. The canvas/fabric style insulated work bibs are good for warmth, but will fail long-term in a continuous snow event if they get wet.
If cost is an issue, the one place to invest your limited dollars is in waterproof boots. Because your feet are in the snow and slush for extended periods they will get wet and cold faster than any other part of your body. For less than $100, today's waterproof hunting boots are a good investment.
Dress in layers
Dressing in layers is the best method to ensure comfort in the outdoors. Each layer has a function. The base layer (against your skin) manages moisture; the insulating layer protects you from the cold; the shell layer (outer layer) shields you from wind and rain. You can add or subtract layers as needed.
Footwear
Keeping your feet warm begins with keeping them dry. A waterproof boot is absolutely a necessity when working in snow, ice and slush. To keep your feet warm you can use SmartWool type socks as well as using insulated boots. A second pair of boots is a nice luxury when your primary pair gets too wet to dry out sufficiently before the next storm event. Select footwear that provides good support and has good traction in slippery conditions.
Heat, hands and neck
Consider different gear options available to keep the rest of your body warm. Fleece turtlenecks or tubes are good protection for your neck and can be pulled up over your lower face to keep your face protected if windy. Ski goggles will protect your eyes from the wind, blowing/drifting snow and are particularly important if operating an ATV or snow blower in cold and windy storms.
When it comes to head and hand wear, have extra hats and gloves on hand in case the ones you have get wet. Your extra hats could be different materials to give you options depending on the temperature and the needs of the storm event. Having a hat that will keep you too warm may cause you to perspire unnecessarily. Have a wool, fleece and synthetic hat in your gear bag.
Waterproof insulated work gloves are ideal, but can be bulky. Handling wet, cold steel on equipment or chains can chill your hands quickly, causing you to lose dexterity and the ability to work effectively. Handling de-icing chemicals should be done when wearing gloves only, otherwise severe damage can occur to your skin. Keep a pair of rubber, waterproof gloves for handling wet equipment, and bags of de-icer and while spreading materials. Consider insulated ski gloves while shoveling or snow blowing and a lighterweight pair for shorter periods of light work outdoors. Having different styles of gloves and multiple pairs available during a storm event will ensure your hands can stay warm and dry.
Staying warm
- During extended working hours take occasional breaks in a sheltered and warm environment to allow your body to warm up. This is an ideal time to check your gear and make sure you're properly dressed for the storm event, making adjustments as the storm event changes.
- While not always possible, if your budget allows, buy better quality fabrics for your winter gear. Pay particular attention to footwear and outer shell layers.
- Staying warm can also mean getting a warm, carbohydrate-filled meal like pasta. Warm beverages and food will help bring up your body temperature.
- Have a "go bag" ready at all times so you aren't delayed when you get called out. Your change of clothes and extra gear will give you options when the weather changes.
Check out Doug's safety story from Snow Business here: http://goplow.com/operations/protecting-your-team.html
