Tag Archives: cold weather

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER?

ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR WINTER? 

Because cold weather is on the horizon, it’s time to give your vehicle a good checkup.  You depend on it to get you safely wherever you are going, whether it’s to the grocery store, or a long trip.  If you maintain your car or truck with regular oil changes, and routine maintenance, hopefully, it will repay you with dependability. 

Here are some important things to check out on your automobile before you wake up to a freezing morning: 

  • Battery.  Cold temperatures reduce cranking power; your battery is asked to do more to start the engine with low temperatures, so be sure it is in good working order.
  • Don’t rev up the motor when you first start it; that won’t warm it up any faster.
  • Wipers and windshield wiper fluid.  Replace old wipers if they leave streaks on the window.  Normal life of wipers is one year.  Leave them in raised position to keep them from freezing to windshield if car is left outside.
  • Ignition system
  • Heater
  • Thermostat
  • Antifreeze
  • Lights
  • Belts and Hoses
  • Exhaust system
  • Flashing hazard lights
  • Defroster
  • Brakes
  • Oil level.  Make sure you use the right engine oil. (Consult owners’ manual.) Oil becomes thicker in cold weather.  Oil with (W) in the viscosity index is formulated for winter.
  • Tires.  Your tires need to have good tread.  If your travel in heavy snow conditions, carry a set of tire chains in your vehicle.
  • Gasoline or Diesel.  Keep your tank at least one-half full at all times when possible. 

O.K.: Now you’ve checked out the car/truck,  and it’s good to go.  If you are going on a trip alone, be sure to tell someone where you are going, when you plan to arrive, and then let them know you got there safely.  Be sure your cell phone is handy, but please, don’t text and drive!  Here’s some things you need to take along,  just in case of an emergency: 

  •          Food items, such as energy bars, peanut butter and crackers, etc.
  •          Gallon of water
  •          A flashlight
  •          First-Aid Kit
  •          Hand Warmers
  •          Thermal or other blanket
  •         Motorist Emergency Safety Kit    
  •         Fire starting supplies 

Most of us do keep our cars maintained properly, but emergencies can happen, such as a flat tire, accident, or any unplanned incident.  Having these things in your car could make a huge difference in keeping you warm and safe until help arrives.  We hope you never get stranded, but be prepared, and call for assistance as soon as possible.

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

COLD STRESS EQUATION – PART I

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With winter coming up on us soon, we want to share important information regarding the dangers of working in the elements, such as extremely cold weather.  The combination of low temperatures, wind speed, and wetness can add up to injuries and illness.  Our first installment describes how to protect workers from the hazards of weather-related illnesses, and the second installment gives instructions on what should be done in cases of hypothermia and frostbite.

Protection for workers includes:

  • Understanding workplace and environmental conditions that can lead to potential cold-induced injuries and illnesses.
  • Training the workforce about such illnesses and injuries.
  • Allowing frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to let body warm up.
  • Working in pairs (buddy system).
  • Wearing layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures.  Wearing proper clothing for cold, windy, and wet conditions, including hats and gloves.
  • Performing work during the warmest part of the day, if possible.
  • Because energy is needed to keep muscles warm, avoiding exhaustion or fatigue.
  • Eating warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.
  • Drinking sports-type drinks, sugar water, warm sweet beverages.  Drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) should be avoided, as well as alcohol.
  • Knowing the symptoms of cold-induced illnesses/injuries; recognizing what to do to help the worker.

If workers have predisposing health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, they are at an increased risk.  Also, if they take medications that would affect them while working in cold environments, they need to check with their doctor or pharmacists.

OSHA