Not every construction job can stop just because rain starts. When the job must go on rain or shine, the right safety precautions combined with proper safety equipment is the key to keeping your crew safe and getting the work done on time.

Personal Gear

Rain safety begins with the individual, so ensure everyone has the right type of gear. If you don't have the gear to issue, you can rent rain and safety gear for those jobs that can't wait for the weather to clear. 

Coat and Pants

High-visibility rain coats and pants in bright colors and with reflective tape is a must for everyone working outside at the site. If the weather is both cold and rainy, supply-lined rain gear can help ward off chill-related illnesses. Wear coats untucked over pants, and wear pants over the boots. Otherwise, water can run down the rain gear and into the pants or boots.

Gloves and Shoes

The right gloves are also a must. Workers should not handle tools with bare hands, particularly when those hands are wet. Gloves with strong palm grips are a must so that every grip is firm and not prone to slipping. Choose long gloves so that they can tuck into sleeves.

Waterproof work boots are the ideal footwear. Inspect worker footwear and rain boots so you can verify that everyone is in shoes with deep, slip-resistant tread.

Eye Protection

Eye protection is typically required onsite every day, so it can be easy to overlook rain-specific eyewear needs. Goggles in the rain require an anti-fog treatment to ensure adequate visibility. Also, wear a brimmed hat so that water doesn't get on the inside of the goggles, sine this can also impact visibility.

Tools

Hand tools are some of the most important equipment on your job site. If you don't have the right tools for the weather and the job, rent what you need so that your crew can stay on schedule and continue to work through bad weather.

Rating

Not all tools are rated equally. Only use outdoor-rated tools during rainy weather, as otherwise you may risk electrocution. Extension cords and battery banks must also be rated for outdoor use, and keep outlets dry inside weatherproof connection boxes.

If your site depends on a generator for operating outdoor tools, make sure it is rated for use in the rain or place it under a generator shelter designed to allow proper air circulation.

Safety Features

All hand tools should have slip-proof safety grips to ensure a firm grip even when conditions are wet. Further, verify that all tools are brightly colored or are marked with reflective tape so they are easily seeable even when conditions are wet and muddy.

Power tools must have emergency shut-offs that will trip in the event the tool experiences an electrical short, such as what could occur if the tool drops into a puddle.

Site

Site safety is just as important as providing the right gear and tools.

Shelter

A dry area provides a place for workers to take breaks, dry out, and warm up. You may also need sheltered areas for specific tasks like operating a table saw. Rental canopies are available for use on your job site. It may even be worthwhile to rent outdoor heaters to use in the sheltered areas so that workers can warm up and dry out a little during their shifts.

Tasks

Some job tasks may need rescheduling for dry weather. Anything that uses a crane, hoist, or rigging, for example, is better completed when rain isn't an issue. Cranes and hoists can become lightning rods during thunderstorms, and slippery conditions can endanger the loading crew and increase the chances of a dropped load.

Contact West Equipment Co. Inc. to rent the gear you need for the job and for the weather conditions.