Winter Weather Advisory
December 2018 Topics
- Winter Weather Advisory
- Questions for Discussion
- Near Misses Reported in November
- November Winners
- ENERGY WORLDNET—API 1169 & Test Dates
Winter Weather Advisory
Have a Warm Break Area - Working on construction sites or out in the field means spending long hours exposed to the elements. Although it is unavoidable to work during cold weather, giving your workers a warm area to rest will help them warm up and re-energize. Breaks are of the utmost importance, but without a warm and comfortable place to rest, breaks become useless. For construction projects that have a long timeline, setting up a modular cabin or warming shelter is a must. For shorter term projects, temporary tents can be used, along with portable heaters.
Multiple Layers of Clothing - Putting on protective coveralls is not enough to stay warm during winter months. It is wise to put on two to three layers of clothing. The first layer should be made of moisture wicking material. This helps to draw sweat away from the body. The second layer of clothing should be designed with breathable material to help insulate the body, like fleece. The outer most material should be waterproof and windproof jacket. In addition to having layers that will keep a workers’ body warm, it is imperative to make sure the clothing they are wearing is flexible and allows for the range of movement necessary to do their job. After identifying specific materials that will keep workers warm, the next step is making sure these articles of clothing are conducive to the physical work construction entails.
Thermal and Wool are a Must - Thermal insulated coveralls are designed to retain body heat and prevent heat loss. Furthermore, they allow for a wide range of motion so they do not affect the worker’s productivity. Wool is another ideal material to combat the cold. Because wool can sometimes be itchy when it makes contact with skin, cotton or synthetic materials over wool will leave workers more comfortable.
Protective Gloves - Hands are the most widely-used body part in construction, and keeping these warm is extremely important. Although the tendency for many workers is to remove their gloves and continue working, this only increases the chances of frostbite. Finding the right type of lightweight gloves can help workers keep their hands warm. If this still doesn’t work, glove liners are another option. Encourage your workers to try out different types of gloves and combinations as well. Mittens are actually more effective than gloves, and a combination of a glove liner with mittens is ideal when taking breaks or resting in the cold.
Use Pocket or Hand Warmers - Despite your best efforts, operating heavy machinery and other pieces of equipment may be difficult with gloves on. If your workers must take their gloves off while working, make sure to give them access to hand warmers or pocket warmers. There are many options for this, including disposable, refillable or rechargeable devices that each worker can be provided with. One example of hand warmers is the Hotpod which is composed of a USB rechargeable warmer with sleeves.
Insulated Boots - A sturdy and warm pair of boots is another must for construction workers. When shopping for work boots, factors to consider include whether they are lined with waterproof leather or protective lining that keeps the feet warm. Some of the best options for winter footwear include ones that are felt-lined, rubber bottomed and leather topped. Also removable felt insoles are extremely useful. Work boots are often uncomfortable, and one solution would be to try out a variety of insoles that provide both warmth and comfort.
Keep Head and Neck Covered-While protective coveralls help to protect the body, scarves, headgear and balaclavas are perfect for keeping the face, neck and chest warm. Making sure these areas are not exposed can help mitigate illness and even catching colds.
Spare Clothing - Having spare clothing for emergencies, or even simply to refresh oneself is another simple option for construction workers. Despite your best efforts to stay warm and dry, winter often provides unwanted moisture and precipitation throughout the day. Having warm and dry clothing to change into halfway through the day can also keep workers warm and avoid illness. During winter, it is important to ensure clothes close to the skin remain dry.
Protective Eyewear - During extremely cold days when face protection is needed, eye protection is advisable. Eye protection, in the form of protective glasses must be separated from the nose and mouth to prevent exhaled moisture from fogging eyewear. Construction workers must be wearing protective eyewear at all times, but in the winter can provide additional benefits. Invest in eyewear that protects against ultralight light from the sun, glare from the snow, blowing snow and high winds. Eyes are extremely sensitive and having a shield from the elements is always a good idea.
We have partnered with API so that you will be able to obtain a discount for the cost of the exam. During registration within the ICP portal on API’s website put Applied Cleveland Holdings as your current employer and you will receive a $100.00 discount off the cost of the exam. To register for the exam please go to www.api.org and then enter the ICP (individual certification program) under products and services. Select apply in step 2 and follow the instructions that are listed. We have also partnered with Energy Worldnet (EWN) that has developed an amazing tool for preparation and we highly advise that you take this prep course to ensure that you pass the certification on your first attempt. We have included this information as well.
In preparation, Applied Cleveland Holdings has partnered with ENERGY worldnet (EWN), the trusted leader in compliance management and workforce development, for API 1169 Exam training. EWN’s Pipeline Inspector Training Program consists of fifty (50) computer based training (CBT) modules designed to fulfill the specific regulatory and training needs of pipeline inspectors throughout the industry and aligns directly with the published knowledge base requirements of the API 1169 Inspector Certification Program. Each course has been created with the inspector in mind to enhance the inspector’s knowledge of industry construction standards, best practices, and federal regulations. The training which is normally $895 will be offered at the discounted rate of $645, due to our relationship with EWN. The training modules will be accessible to you for a year upon registration. EWN’s industry leading system will allow for the training to be taken at anytime, anywhere as it is a computer based training that allows for flexibility in your schedule and lifestyle.
Once training is complete with EWN, you will be equipped with the tools to take and pass the API 1169 test. Due to the number of clients that are requesting 1169 Certified inspectors this will be a great addition to your resume and skill-set.
In order to take advantage of the negotiated pricing secured with this relationship with EWN, you must call (940.626.1941) and mention the discount code “CIS”. By doing so, an EWN representative will take your payment, register you and associate it with CIS automatically. Once registered you will be provided login information to access the system and begin taking advantage of EWN’s Pipeline Inspector Training Program immediately.
Test Dates Available:
April 5 – 19, 2019
Register by no later than February 1, 2019
August 16 – 30, 2019
Register by no later than June 14, 2019
December 6 – 20, 2019
Register by no later than October 04, 2019
Near Misses Reported in November
- A piece of equipment was being picked up with a strap that was not secured. It was looped over the forks and could have easily slipped off or become damaged by the sharp edges.
- Stop Work Authority (SWA) was utilized. The JSA was reviewed which unveiled no documentation of using the proper attachment device. In the event that the JSA had been reviewed, the potential hazard could have been mitigated. We discussed the policy that was in place with the contractors that states the requirements of an engineered tool to be secured to the forks along with being secured to the frame of the equipment to keep it from slipping off the forks. The crew acquired the attachment and it was properly placed on the forks allowing work to proceed.
- Stop Work Authority (SWA) was utilized. The JSA was reviewed which unveiled no documentation of using the proper attachment device. In the event that the JSA had been reviewed, the potential hazard could have been mitigated. We discussed the policy that was in place with the contractors that states the requirements of an engineered tool to be secured to the forks along with being secured to the frame of the equipment to keep it from slipping off the forks. The crew acquired the attachment and it was properly placed on the forks allowing work to proceed.
- Before hydro took place, an inspection for safety devices was thoroughly checked. Whip checks were not installed as they should be on high pressure jumper hoses.
- The issue was addressed with the contractor. After discussion, lead and whip checks were properly installed before any pressure was applied to jumper hoses and piping.
- The issue was addressed with the contractor. After discussion, lead and whip checks were properly installed before any pressure was applied to jumper hoses and piping.
- Hydrovac operations were shut down due to their “One Call” being out of date (update not done).
- The Hydrovac crew placed a new update and resumed work once the “One Call” went into effect. The Hydrovac crew was informed to stay on top of the task at hand and also to pay attention to expirations on “One Calls”.
- The Hydrovac crew placed a new update and resumed work once the “One Call” went into effect. The Hydrovac crew was informed to stay on top of the task at hand and also to pay attention to expirations on “One Calls”.
- One of our Electricians had taken off his safety glasses to look at a small part and forgot to put them back on as soon as he was done.
- The inspector that was with them halted work until he put his proper PPE back on. The inspector also made sure everyone else had on the proper PPE. Issues were addressed in our safety meeting the next morning with the entire project crew.
- The inspector that was with them halted work until he put his proper PPE back on. The inspector also made sure everyone else had on the proper PPE. Issues were addressed in our safety meeting the next morning with the entire project crew.
- Men were working in a sump utilizing the confined entry permit procedures. An existing hose from a nitrogen line was found to be nearby and was discharging nitrogen gas. The hole watch attendant stopped all work and had the workers vacate the confined space.
- The hose was relocated away from the sump and properly isolated. This hazard was communicated during the following safety meeting and workers were appreciative of the excellent response and actions carried out by the hole watch.
- The hose was relocated away from the sump and properly isolated. This hazard was communicated during the following safety meeting and workers were appreciative of the excellent response and actions carried out by the hole watch.
- We had a survey worker backing his vehicle in a congested area without a spotter when a labor hand stopped the driver prior to backing into a Ballard.
- At the next tailgate meeting, we addressed backing vehicles in congested areas and the importance of utilizing spotters. These types of incidents are completely preventable.
November Newsletter Winners
Platinum Leland Walker
Gold Shay Hirschhauser
Silver Troy Thompson
Bronze Joey Bishop
Bronze Julian Cloud
Bronze Curtis Parr
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