Cold Weather Stress - Issue #7

Welcome to the November issue of White Cap’s Contractor Field Notes, your source for industry insights, product reviews, and safety tips. Safety in the winter is extremely important with the colder temperatures, varied working conditions, reduced daylight, frozen working materials, and increases in illness.

In this issue, we’ll look at how to keep your crew safe and healthy, boost productivity, and minimize cold weather stress.

Trends from the Field 

White Cap Product Sales Specialist Logan N. shares insights from the field that will keep your crew working safely and more comfortably this winter. 

Have the proper work wear.

Having warm clothing options that are also breathable to regulate body temperature and meet visibility standards is very important. High-visibility jackets, sweatshirts, parkas, and vests allow workers to be compliant and comfortable in the colder winter months. Beanies and hard hat liners can reduce heat dissipation through the head and help workers regulate their body temperature more efficiently. Waterproof clothing options are also vital in providing enhanced protection from the varied and wet elements. 

Protect your eyes and hands.

With changing temps, having anti-fog safety glasses is essential for proper vision in indoor and outdoor environments. Also, having waterproof lined gloves that meet any cut level requirement keeps hands safe and warm while providing the proper grip. Cold or wet hands can lead to many issues, including frostbite. 

Keep feet warm and protected.

Proper shoe traction and warm boot options eliminate slips, trips, and falls and keep feet warm in colder temperatures. Crews should wear non-slip shoes (or add traction devices to shoes) and dry socks to keep feet comfortable and safe. 

Stay hydrated.

Even in the colder months, being hydrated is important. Be sure to drink water hourly and use electrolyte options only once per hour. If cold hydration drinks are harder to consume in the chilly weather, drink warm options. 

White Cap’s knowledgeable Product Sales Specialists can provide tips and product recommendations to keep you and your crew safe this winter. Contact your local branch or a specialist today to see how we can help. 

Safety Spotlight: Working in the Cold

With tight construction schedules anticipated this winter, contractors should plan to prepare for the challenges of working in cold weather. Remember these tips to stay safe in “cold stress” conditions.

Know how your body reacts. The body loses heat more rapidly whenever temperatures drop below normal and wind speed increases. The resulting cooler conditions force the body to work harder to maintain its core temperature.

Know the risks. Over time in the cold, the body will shift blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core. This can lead to dangerous conditions, including trench foot, hypothermia, and frostbite.

Dress in layers. Workers in cold conditions should wear at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing. Layering provides better insulation as long as it’s not too tight.

Know the symptoms of cold stress. Symptoms of cold stress conditions can vary. Frostbite begins with numbness in the affected area and skin that turns from red to white or pale. Hypothermia begins with uncontrollable shivering and can progress to loss of coordination, slurred speech, slow heart rate, and unconsciousness. Symptoms of trench foot include skin redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters.

Avoid the flu. Many contractors arrange to offer their crew flu vaccinations during safety meetings. For operations spread over multiple regions, contractors can partner with local healthcare providers or pharmacies to protect against various strains of flu.

Workers exposed to cold environments are at risk of developing a variety of cold-stress conditions. Limiting your exposure to cold is key to preventing cold stress. Learn more about cold weather gear to keep you warm on the jobsite.

Product Spotlight: Concrete Curing Blankets 

After concrete is mixed, it’s left to cure, which usually takes up to 28 days. During curing, the concrete dries from the inside out, becoming harder, stronger, more durable, and crack-resistant. But if temperatures drop below 40° F, the water inside the concrete may freeze, creating weaker concrete and causing structural damage down the road. 

Curing blankets are one-way contractors can minimize the effects of the cold and ensure a strong and quality concrete pour. These blankets, available in electric and insulated versions, keep heat in and cold air out, allowing the concrete to cure properly. 

How to Use Curing Blankets

Using concrete blankets is very simple; just lay them on top of the concrete and let it cure as usual. There are a few things to consider when using these blankets that will set you up for success:

• Use a temperature gun to measure the ground temp. If the ground is extremely cold, consider warming it with electric curing blankets before pouring the concrete. Remove the blanket after warming the ground but before the pour. 
• Determine the sizes and number of blankets you’ll need. Be sure you have enough to cover the entire surface, overlapping all seams. Check with a White Cap sales associate or online for sizes and pricing. Be sure to include this cost in your project budget.
• Estimate how much insulation is needed. Usually, a single blanket is enough, but for some jobs, heated electric blankets or multiple layers may be needed. 
• Plan on using extra blankets around the edges and corners. This is where most heat loss will occur. Either get thicker blankets or stack them.

Curing Blanket Best Practices

Keep the following best practices in mind when using curing blankets in cold environments:

• Curing blankets come in a variety of sizes. Make sure you have enough to cover the entire surface to be cured.
• Create thicker layers on each corner, overlapping as necessary.
• Cover the entire concrete surface. If there’s even a small area of exposed concrete, heat will escape.
• With proper planning, concrete work can continue into late fall.

Check out this article for more information on curing blankets, including the types of blankets available, curing blanket benefits, alternative curing methods, and more. Or contact your nearest White Cap branch for help.

Additional Resources  

Your job is hard enough, but during the winter, cold weather can make it even tougher. While there isn’t much you can do to tame Mother Nature, there are several resources that can help you get through the cold season. Check out these additional articles for more cold weather insights and tips.

Introduction to Winter Gear

Guarding Against Cold Stress

Best Practices for Cold Weather Concreting

Effects of Cold Weather on Concrete

Proper Curing of Concrete in Cold Weather

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