LTB 077/09 - Severe Weather and Heavy Snow: Tuesday 3rd Feb

[TrueBlueTerrier]

LTB 077/09 - Severe Weather and Heavy Snow: Tuesday 3rd February 2009

No. 077/'09


Date: 03rd February 2009

To: All Branches

Dear Colleague
Severe Weather and Heavy Snow - Tuesday 3 February 2009.

Following the information supplied to Branches in LTB 076/09, many parts of the UK are struggling with a second day of disruption following the heaviest snowfalls in 18 years.

The Health Safety and Environment Dept would welcome feedback from Postal Branches and/or Branch ASRs in relation to the Severe Weather Policy, and its implementation in their Areas.

People working in BT should refer to the BT Health and Safety Handbook. Detailed below is appropriate advice on Driving in Winter, Watch Your Step, and Snow and Ice.

Part 1 - Driving in Winter

Winter is here - Drive Safely

We are facing some of the most uncertain weather patterns on record. There is no doubt that bad weather and longer nights pose a danger - with about 50% of all reported road traffic collisions at night occurring in wet conditions; even though in the UK it is wet on average only 10% of the nights.

Between 3-6 pm is also a dangerous time - when people are travelling home after a busy day at work and children are making their way home from school.

Now is therefore a good time to focus on staying safe on the road this winter - whether you are driving on work business or in your own time. Before you Drive Driving in winter weather - falling leaves, snow, ice, wet and cold - creates a great challenge for vehicles and drivers. Keeping yourself and your vehicle in good technical repair reduces your overall chances of any mishap or disaster while driving in winter weather.

To prepare your vehicle for winter driving give it a complete check-up - electrical system (battery, ignition and lights); brakes; tyres; exhaust; wipers; fluids, radiator/antifreeze and heating/cooling system. Keep your fuel tank near to full to ensure that you do not run out. It is particularly important to check your tyres are in good order, and have plenty of tread depth. Recent research has shown that effective well maintained tyres can have a major effect on stopping distances on wet and slippery roads. Weekly checks, or when refuelling, are recommended. In really extreme weather, prepare an emergency kit for your car. Include items that cater for the unexpected - what would you need if you found yourself stranded miles from help during a snow storm? Include items like warm clothing, boots, gloves or mittens, flashlight with fresh batteries, blankets, and fresh first-aid supplies.

During bad weather let people know where you are going, your route of travel, and when you expect to arrive. Plan your driving and likely arrival time in advance. Never drive if fatigued or under the influence of alcohol. Allow for extra travelling time or even consider delaying a trip if the weather is inclement. Is an alternative method of travel possible? Listen to weather forecasts, and if weather and visibility are hazardous, ask yourself 'is this trip really necessary?' On the Road Drive according to current road and weather conditions. Whenever driving conditions are less than ideal, it pays to be cautious. Make sure that all windows (front, side and rear) and mirrors are clear and that wipers and defrosters are in good working condition.

Drive slowly with low beam headlights on if visibility is poor, test your brakes frequently, leave a bigger gap and never tailgate. Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds, in a lower gear and at a safe distance from the vehicle in front are the best precautionary measures against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. Lengthen your following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you - stopping distances double on slippery roads.

If the Worst Happens

If you get stranded, don't panic. Keep yourself safe, and follow the detailed procedures in your BT driver's handbook if you are in a work vehicle. In your own vehicle you should contact the appropriate support organisation, such as the RAC and follow their guidance. Safe Driving this Winter Remember to make sure you and your vehicle are in top condition; plan your journeys and adapt your driving style to allow for the road and weather conditions. More detailed winter driving advice is available at (http://www.thinkroadsafety.gov.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) and (http://www.brake.org.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;).

Part 2 - Watch Your Step

Winters have been generally mild recently but we should always expect a certain exposure to ice and snow before the spring. Taking care and being vigilant applies equally on our way to work and at work. When outside we need to be extra vigilant when the weather is or has been poor. Snow can mask obstructions and trip hazards, compounded on occasions by the presence of ice underneath the snow. Try to keep to a well-defined route and areas that have been treated when ice and / or snow is present.
It is of course important to take care when inside a building particularly when it is wet and people may have brought snow or mud into the entrance areas to buildings. Working in the external engineering network during bad weather brings its own problems. Hazards such as undulating surfaces and drains or holes are not as obvious when covered by snow or leaves. Care is always needed and when working in rural areas, local knowledge can be particularly relevant, holes created by wildlife e.g. rabbits and badgers may be present when away from defined routes, always tread with caution when you cannot see the ground surface. The type of footwear worn is an important factor when avoiding slips and minimising injuries. Protective footwear designed for external work not only provides protection to the toes it also ensures that a good sole and tread helps maintain grip on poor surfaces. The wearing of a boot gives additional ankle support. If you are issued with protective footwear always wear it for the purpose it was issued. All people should consider wearing appropriate footwear when the weather is bad; fashion footwear rarely affords the necessary grip and support when conditions outside are poor.

Part 3 - Snow and Ice Clearance


All people
We are entering the time of year when snow and ice are predictable. Please ensure that arrangements are in place to make external operational areas safe by having salt available for use in yards, traffic and pedestrian routes. Check to make sure that the local supplies of salt are adequate and request more if these stocks become depleted by contacting BT Property on 0800 223388.
BT Property provides a pro-active snow and ice clearance service to a limited number of nominated operational sites in Scotland. At major office buildings in England, Scotland and Wales, where there is an on-site presence, BT Property provides a reactive service to spread rock salt and clear footpaths where appropriate.

For all other locations a "self help" policy exists. Many operational buildings with low occupancy levels do not have formal arrangements for salting the access routes. BT people and contractors who are based in, garage vehicles at, or visit such locations are requested to apply the salt to areas of the yards in most use. It is important that all BT people and agents work together locally to ensure that the salt is spread as early as possible if injuries and incidents are to be prevented.

Those who require salting grit for use whilst working in the field should use the stores procedure for obtaining grit and not the estate management process.

The Health Safety and Environment Dept will continue to monitor the position, with the severe weather moving northwards, and forecasters warning some areas could face fresh snow later in the week

Yours sincerely


Dave Joyce

National Health, Safety & Environment Officer