New construction, building expansions and rehabs are all ramping up thanks to warmer, drier conditions. However, this season in particular is looking to be a scorcher. That means contractors will have to pay extra attention to prevent heat-related injuries while taking numerous measures to protect their projects from damage.
Your construction partner should be prepared not just to avoid common building missteps, but to communicate with you regarding all of the ways they are keeping workers as well as materials safe and sound.
Human Safety & Productivity of Workers
Everyone who enters a work site will need to be mindful of any extreme weather conditions this summer. Construction companies may need to take extra precautions to protect their people from dehydration, sunburns and other heat-related maladies. Doing so also helps ensure more consistent productivity and prevents project delays – not to mention staying compliant with safety regulations.
What we do:
- Provide shaded rest areas and cooling zones
- Provide access to hydration for everyone
- Schedule heavy labor during cooler parts of the day
- Allow for breaks in high heat
- Encourage appropriate, breathable, UV-protective clothing and other PPE
- Check in on workers to ensure their wellbeing
Construction Equipment & Machinery
Equipment can overheat just like a car engine, and it’s equally important to prevent this type of disruption to construction processes. When temperatures rise, avoiding heat-related equipment failures can significantly reduce downtime and extend the lifespan of costly construction assets.
What we do:
- Park heavy machinery in shaded or covered areas
- Use cooling systems or fans for generators and compressors
- Regularly check and top off fluids when needed
- Inspect electrical components and batteries
- Avoid prolonged idling
Construction Materials
Concrete can set too quickly in some conditions. And it’s no surprise that certain plastics can melt in the sun. The last thing a client or their contractor should want is for overheated materials to compromise the strength of a building. It is also necessary to make sure they don’t become dangerous for workers to handle. Maintaining the integrity of materials on hot days helps guarantee the structural quality and durability of the building once it is complete.
What we do:
- Store vulnerable materials in shaded or ventilated areas
- Use thermal blankets or coverings
- Add retarders to concrete when necessary and use other specialized formulations for hot weather
Structures in Progress
Protective measures also need to be taken with structures that are in the process of being built. Just like with materials, contractors can take steps to avoid thermal cracking or the degradation of materials within those structures. Controlling heat exposure during each phase of construction keeps you from ending up with defects that could result in expensive rework later on.
What we do:
- Use curing compounds to reduce the loss of moisture
- Provide shade for scaffolding and parts of the building when possible
- Install temporary covers or UV-resistent mesh tarps to reduce sun exposure
Heat-Related Environmental Protections
The same attention must be applied to offset any environmental risks, as well, since dust and fire hazards may increase with dry, hot conditions. Whether to prevent the buildup of dust during arid periods or to ensure fire safety, be sure your partner knows how to maintain a safe, compliant construction environment.
What we do:
- Use a spray system throughout the site to control dust
- Educate all workers about fire prevention
- Remove flammable materials from hot zones
Ask W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. About Heat Safety on Your Construction Project
W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. makes sure each team member takes the utmost care to maintain season-specific safety standards during every type of project. Reach out for more information online, or call us at 847-856-0123 to discuss your summer construction project.
