Page 1345 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 498

14 January 2016

Weather Warnings

At the time of writing the met office are predicting “noticeably colder” weather and frost and ice for this
week. There are also still “Flood Warning” status alerts for much of the country and two “Severe Flood
Warning” alerts for Scotland.

Before starting work or driving, always assess the weather conditions, if the ground conditions are icy
you may have to stop work, apply sand, or move to safer area to prevent slip/trips. Always allow extra
time for journeys in bad weather.

If the area is flooded, do not enter it as there may be hidden hazards under the water that you cannot see.

10 TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE WINTER MONTHS:

1. Check your tyre pressure - flat tyres reduce your grip which can be lethal in wet conditions.
2. Check your tyre tread depth - a 20p coin can be a useful tread guide. If you can see the outer band of the
coin when you put it in a groove, your tread depth may be illegal. Tyres should also be checked for any cuts
or bulges.

3. Don't speed - breaking the speed limit is illegal and dangerous all of the time, but add bad weather to the
mix and you have a potentially deadly cocktail!

4. Keep well back - in rain, snow or ice, stopping distances will increase dramatically, so slow down and keep
well back from the vehicle in front.

5. Use the appropriate gear - in wet or icy conditions, accelerate slowly and use a high gear to get more
traction.

6. Don't overtake the gritter or snow plough - they may be moving slowly but they are there to make your
journey safer. The road ahead of a gritter or snow plough is likely to be worse than the road behind it. Keep
back!
7. Check the fluids - ensure that windscreen wash is topped up with fluid and antifreeze if necessary. Also, be
sure your wiper blades are clean.
8. Lights, lights, lights - poor weather conditions make it more difficult to see the road and other drivers.
Switch on your lights to see, and be seen.

9. Don't just rely on sat-navs - your sat-nav may show a gentle bend in the road, but hazards like a bad camber,
crest, oncoming vehicle or narrowing road won't be shown on a sat-nav screen. Slow down and take care.

Check your oil - the last place you want to be on a cold January evening is at the side of a busy road with steam
billowing from your engine bay. Check your oil level and keep it topped up.