Winterising our demolition operations

Demolition projects can be particularly challenging in winter due to adverse weather conditions that may present themselves, reduced daylight hours, and potential risks to staff and equipment. At Hughes and Salvidge we prioritise safety in all we do, and in winter we take additional measures to ensure our stringent safety regulations are met on each and every project. 

Read on to discover some of the strategies we implement to ensure our operations remain efficient, safe, and compliant during the colder months.

Weatherproofing equipment

We take extra care of our plant and equipment during the winter when it is susceptible to the harsh elements for months on end. We conduct thorough checks on our machinery focusing on hydraulic systems, fuel lines and batteries, which can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures. In extremely cold weather we may also use oils and greases to prevent machinery from seizing.

Site protection

We undertake a range of procedures at all our sites to ensure they are protected throughout the winter. These include:

• We may apply a temporary drainage system to prevent water accumulation and freezing, which could lead to hazardous conditions.

• We apply grit, salt, or other anti-slip materials on walkways and access roads to ensure safe movement for vehicles and workers.

• We implement a routine for clearing snow and ice from the demolition site, especially from high-risk areas.

• We store any fuels in insulated or temperature-controlled storage to avoid freezing or thickening.

Safety measures for staff

• We ensure that all our staff have access to a warm rest area where they can take breaks during their shifts.

• If needed, we install additional lighting to counteract reduced daylight hours, ensuring safe visibility.

• At Hughes and Salvidge we can supply SkyTec Eco Bronze gloves. These are a flexible, thermal glove that will keep hands warm and dry during even the most challenging weather conditions. They have touchscreen capabilities and are 360 degree water repellent to protect users from any liquids.

• We ask staff to return all harnesses and lanyards before the Christmas break so that the six monthly inspections can be carried out ready for the new year.

• We advise all staff to:
  - Carry sunglasses to combat low winter sun.
  - Keep their distance when driving to ensure increased stopping distances in rain, show and ice are possible.
  - Keep their driving speed down and avoid braking suddenly to avoid skidding.
  - Only use fog lights if visibility is less than 100m and remember to switch them off when the fog lifts.
  - Check lights and wipers daily as these can be affected by frost and cold conditions.

Adapted work practices

We use real-time weather apps and alerts to plan operations around severe conditions - in particular, high winds - and will postpone work if the weather conditions make it unsafe to continue. In windy conditions, we ensure that debris, scaffolding, and materials are secured to prevent damage or hazards.

Contingency planning

• Cold Weather Plan: Ours includes specific protocols for dealing with extreme winter conditions.

• Regulatory Compliance: We ensure that all winter-specific operations comply with local safety and environmental regulations.

• Emergency-Ready: We have emergency supplies to hand and protocols in place for evacuating the site in case of sudden weather changes.

Maintain communication

It’s essential to maintain good communication throughout the winter, especially if adverse weather is presenting itself. In line with this, we hold regular safety briefings to inform teams of weather-related risks and operational changes. Each site will also have access to a list of emergency contacts and be well informed of the procedure for reporting issues, especially in remote or isolated demolition sites.

What steps do we take to ensure safe sites over Christmas?

• We ensure perimeter fencing is in place, secure any building on site, and lock the site gates as we leave.

• All water supplies are isolated and water pipes drained.

• Ensure that all equipment is stored correctly, that any containers are locked up, and that machines are parked in front of these where possible.

• Double check any temporary structures to ensure they're stable enough to withstand extreme weather conditions.

• Remove all keys and immobilise plant.

• Barriers or covers are placed over all excavations, or if possible, these are backfilled prior to the break.

• Ladders are removed and scaffolding/platforms are made inaccessible.

• All waste and flammable materials are removed from site to reduce the risk of arson.

• Safety:
  - All non-essential electrical appliances are turned off and unplugged.
  - Heating is turned down, where applicable.
  - All work areas are left clean and safe.

• An out of hours emergency contact is provided for the site.

• If there is on-site security, we ensure the fuel bowser is available to fill generators, and that staff have access to toilets and a facility to warm food.

Choose Hughes and Salvidge

If you have a demolition project that you need assistance with, think Hughes and Salvidge. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team to discuss the options and how we can help move your project forward.