b"(continued from page 6)cleaning, make sure the equipment is properly guarded vest at all times, so that they can be visible toand is disconnected from power sources. motorists (OSHA Letter of Interpretation, dated, August 5, 2009).Stranded in a VehicleClearing Snow from Roofs and Working at Heights If you are stranded in a vehicle, stay in the vehicle.Employers must evaluate snow removal tasks for Call for emergency assistance if needed, responsehazards and plan how to do the work safely. Workers time may be slow in severe winter weathershould be aware of the potential for unexpected conditions. Notify your supervisor of your situation.hazards due to the weather conditions, for example, Do not leave the vehicle to search for assistancelayers of ice can form as the environmental unless help is visible within 100 yards. You maytemperature drops, making surfaces even more become disoriented and get lost in blowing andslippery. A surface that is weighed down by snow drifting snow. Display a trouble sign by hanging amust be inspected by a competent person to determine brightly colored cloth on the vehicles radio antennaif it is structurally safe for workers to access it, and raising the hood. Turn on the vehicle's engine forbecause it may be at risk of collapsing. Snow covered about 10 minutes each hour and run the heat to keeprooftops can hide hazards such as skylights that warm. Also, turn on the vehicle's dome light whenworkers can fall through. Electrical hazards may also the vehicle is running as an additional signal. Bewareexist from overhead power lines or snow removal of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaustequipment. pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind windowEmployers can protect workers from these hazardous slightly for ventilation.work conditions, for example, by using snow removal Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Domethods that do not involve workers going on roofs, minor exercises to maintain good blood circulation inwhen and where possible. Employers should determine your body. Clap hands and move arms and legsthe right type of equipment (ladders, aerial lifts, etc.) occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for tooand personal protective equipment (personal fall arrest long. Stay awake, you will be less vulnerable to cold- systems, non-slip safety boots, etc.) for the job and related health problems. Use blankets, newspapers,ensure that workers are trained on how to properly use maps, and even the removable car mats for addedthem. For more information, see OSHA's Hazard insulation. Avoid overexertion since cold weatherAlert: Falls and Other Hazards to Workers Removing puts an added strain on the heart. UnaccustomedSnow from Rooftops and Other Elevated Surfaces. exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack or make other medicalPreventing Slips on Snow and Ice conditions worse. Shoveling SnowTo prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear walking surfaces of snow and ice, and spread Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity,deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm. In particularly because cold weather can be taxing onaddition, the following precautions will help reduce the body. There is a potential for exhaustion,the likelihood of injuries: dehydration, back injuries, or heart attacks. DuringWear proper footwear when walking on snow or snow removal in addition to following the tips forice is unavoidable, because it is especially avoiding cold stress, such as taking frequent breakstreacherous. A pair of insulated and water resistant in warm areas, there are other precautions workersboots with good rubber treads is a must for walking can take to avoid injuries. Workers should warm-upduring or after a winter storm. Keeping a pair of before the activity, scoop small amounts of snow at arubber over-shoes with good treads which fit over time and where possible, push the snow instead ofyour street shoes is a good idea during the winter lifting it. The use of proper lifting technique ismonths. necessary to avoid back and other injuries when shoveling snow: keep the back straight, lift with theTake short steps and walk at a slower pace so you legs and do not turn or twist the body. can react quickly to a change in traction, when walking on an icy or snow-covered walkway. Using Powered Equipment like Snow Blowers It is important to make sure that powered equipment,Repairing Downed or Damaged Power Lines such as snow blowers are properly grounded toRepairing and/or replacing damaged power lines in protect workers from electric shocks orsevere winter weather conditions are especially electrocutions. When performing maintenance or hazardous. A major hazard is snow, because the7(continued to page 8)"