What You Should Know About Operating Safely in the Rain and the Mud

Operate at any job site long enough and you are bound to encounter inclement weather. Your safety and that of your workers requires you to have a strategy in place for dealing with weather. Here are a few things that will help you operate safely in the rain and heavy mud.

Avoid Using Electrical Tools in the Rain

There’s a potential for electrical shock anytime you use power tools in the rain. This includes things such as sump pumps that are designed to be used in or near water. If there is even light drizzle, put away electrical tools, and wait until the ground has dried before stringing any power cords along it. Even under dry conditions, ensure any electrical tools you do use are rated for outdoor use.

Wear the Right Equipment

Waterproof jackets and pants are needed regardless of the season, and should contain an adequate amount of reflective tape. Aside from rain gear, you’ll also need a pair of waterproof work boots with non-slip soles. Wear gloves that fit snugly, particularly around the wrists so that rain cannot enter. Choose anti-fog safety glasses or goggles if you will be operating equipment.

Slow Down

Like automobiles, heavy equipment should be driven slower whenever there is a rainstorm. Skid loaders, bulldozers and other equipment can easily lose traction or hydroplane when going through standing water. You are also more likely to crash into obstacles or even bystanders.

Loading docks may remain wet and slippery long after the rain has passed. Accordingly, you should use extra caution even after a rainstorm if you are operating a forklift or other material handling equipment.

Walking surfaces become slippery as well. Accordingly, you should move slowly and carefully when climbing ladders or walking on scaffolding.

Consider How Much Mud Weighs

Excavators, backhoes, and trenchers are all rated for a certain amount of weight. Try to move more than that amount, and you risk having the equipment capsize. A cubic yard of loose dirt typically weighs around 1,600 pounds, but that same amount of mud can weigh as much as 4,000 pounds. So you will really need to cut back on the amount of dirt you are moving whenever it is wet.

The weight of mud will also become a factor when driving into flooded areas. Equipment can easily become waterlogged when traveling through ditches, pits, or sunken areas, and could require towing equipment to get them out.

Be Aware of High Winds

Rainstorms are often accompanied by high winds, which can make operating certain equipment dangerous. Scissor lifts are especially vulnerable, as high winds can easily grab onto their upper decks neck and cause them to spin out of control.

During heavy winds, you are also more likely to get hit with flying objects. Downed tree limbs might even make moving about the job site hazardous. If winds are howling, you are often better off taking shelter until they have died down some.

Know when to Call Things Off

There are times when it would be better to cease operations. Call things off whenever:

• You are under a severe thunderstorm or tornado watch
• Officials have issued a wind advisory
• There is a danger of lightning strikes
• Heavy rain has greatly reduced visibility
• You notice downed power lines nearby
• Mudslides in your area are likely

Contact Vandalia Rental for Safe, High-Quality Equipment

Part of remaining safe on the job requires using quality, well-maintained equipment. At Vandalia Rentals, we carefully inspect all of our equipment before it goes out the door. We care about the safety of you and your crew, and invite you to contact us if you have questions about equipment safety.