SNOW REMOVAL ON ROOFS

Plan Ahead for Safe Snow Removal
from Roofs
Before snow starts to accumulate, think about
what will be needed to safely remove snow
from roofs or other elevated surfaces:

• Can snow be removed without workers going
  onto the roof?
• Are there any hazards on the roof that might
  become hidden by the snow and need to
  be marked so that workers can see them
  (skylights, roof drains, vents, etc.)?
• How should the snow be removed, based on
  the building’s layout, to prevent unbalanced
  loading?
• What are the maximum load limits of the
  roof and how do they compare with the
  estimated total weight of snow, snow-removal
  equipment, and workers on the roof?
• What tools, equipment, protective devices,
  clothing and footwear will workers need?
• What type of fall protection will be used to
  protect workers on roofs and other elevated
  surfaces?
• What training will workers need to work safely?
• How will mechanized snow removal
  equipment be safely elevated to the roof?
• How will you protect people on the ground
  from snow and ice falling off the roof during
  removal operations?

Seven steps to cold weather safety

Winter weather safety tips. Do you know the signs of hypothermia, and what to do if you get frostbite? Read on to make sure you’re ready for cold weather!

1) Listen to the weather forecast

• Check the Environment Canada weather forecast before going out.
• Listen for a wind chill warning. Warnings are based on local climate and are issued when significant wind chills are expected.
• Visit Environment Canada’s new Weather and Meteorology website: http://ec.gc.ca/meteo-weather/

Weather forecasts are available through radio and TV broadcasts, Environment Canada’s Weatheradio service, and online at www.weatheroffice.gc.ca.

2) Plan ahead

• Develop a cold weather safety plan in advance to ensure that safety concerns are addressed when it’s very cold, or when the wind chill is significant. For example, schools could hold recess indoors, outside workers could schedule warm-up breaks, and those involved in winter recreation could reduce the amount of time they spend outdoors.

3) Dress warmly

• Dress in layers, with a wind resistant outer layer.
• When it is cold, wear a hat, mittens or insulated gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf, neck tube or facemask.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When it is very cold, or when the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. Your body’s extremities, such as the ears, nose, fingers and toes lose heat the fastest.

4) Seek shelter

• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit the time you spend outside.

5) Stay dry

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6) Keep active

• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7) Be aware

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (see below).
• Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly and those with circulation problems.
• Check on elderly relatives and neighbours to ensure they are warm enough and have sufficient supplies, particularly when the weather is cold or snowy. They might not feel comfortable going outside to shop and may require food, medications and other supplies.
• The use of alcohol, tobacco and certain medications will increase your susceptibility to cold.

Hypothermia

• Being cold over a prolonged period of time can cause a drop in body temperature
• Shivering, confusion and loss of muscular control (e.g., difficulty walking) can occur.
• It can progress to a life-threatening condition where shivering stops or the person loses consciousness. Cardiac arrest may occur.

What to do:

• Get medical attention immediately.
• Lay the person down and avoid rough handling, particularly if the person is unconscious.
• Get the person indoors.
• Gently remove wet clothing.
• Warm the person gradually and slowly, using available sources of heat.

Frostbite

• A more severe condition, where both the skin and the underlying tissue (fat, muscle, bone) are frozen.
• Skin appears white and waxy and is hard to the touch.
• No sensation – the area is numb or tingling.

What to do:

• Frostbite can be serious, and can result in amputation. Get medical help!
• Do not rub or massage the area.
• Do not warm the area until you can ensure it will stay warm.
• Warm the area gradually; use body heat, or warm water (104 degrees F to 107.6 degrees F ). Avoid direct heat which can burn the skin.

Winter Driving

Although employers cannot control roadway conditions, they can promote safe driving behavior by ensuring workers: recognize the hazards of winter weather driving, for example, driving on snow/ice covered roads; are properly trained for driving in winter weather conditions; and are licensed (as applicable) for the vehicles they operate. For information about driving safely during the winter, visit OSHA’s Safe Winter Driving page.

Employers should set and enforce driver safety policies. Employers should also implement an effective maintenance program for all vehicles and mechanized equipment that workers are required to operate. Crashes can be avoided. Learn more at: Motor Vehicle Safety (OSHA Safety and Health Topic’s Page).

Employers should ensure properly trained workers’ inspect the following vehicle systems to determine if they are working properly:

• Brakes: Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Also check that brake fluid is at the proper level.
• Cooling System: Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.
• Electrical System: Check the ignition system and make sure that the battery is fully charged and that the connections are clean. Check that the alternator belt is in good condition with proper tension.
• Engine: Inspect all engine systems.
• Exhaust System: Check exhaust for leaks and that all clamps and hangers are snug.
• Tires: Check for proper tread depth and no signs of damage or uneven wear. Check for proper tire inflation.
• Oil: Check that oil is at proper level.
• Visibility Systems: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers. Install winter windshield wipers.

An emergency kit with the following items is recommended in vehicles.

• Cellphone or two-way radio
• Windshield ice scraper
• Snow brush
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Shovel
• Tow chain
• Traction aids (bag of sand or cat litter)
• Emergency flares
• Jumper cables
• Snacks
• Water
• Road maps
• Blankets, change of clothes