Take no risks and tread carefully
Adverse weather conditions, such as snow, sleet and slush create slippery conditions and the potential for black ice. These factors increase the risk of slips, trips and falls.
How to prepare yourself for slippery conditions:
- Be attentive and use caution when walking. Watch your step and wear appropriate anti-slip footwear and/or cleats in winter weather. This kind of footwear can help you maintain balance on icy surfaces.
- Avoid distractions. Always look in the direction of travel and look down before you step down.
- Use three points of contact/control when stepping up and down stairs, in and out of vehicles, and while climbing ladders.
- Report icy or wet conditions to the snow desk at 416-776-SNOW to help prevent others from falling.
When exiting vehicles:
- Look first before stepping from the vehicle.
- Use the vehicle for support.
- Do not grab objects, such as coffee mugs or water bottles when you are exiting. Instead, retrieve your items after you exit the vehicle.
- Try to keep your centre of gravity over your supporting leg for better balance.
- Keep your hands out of your pockets.
- Keep your safety vest buttoned up and avoid wearing loose clothing and long scarves.
Apron Housekeeping
Ensure all equipment and hoses, such as GPU Cables, A-VDGS E-stop cables and PCW hoses, are stowed safely before leaving the gate area. Hoses are a significant tripping hazard and can be damaged by maintenance vehicles when not secured/protected.
Ensure gates are cleared and all chocks and cones are removed and off the ground to allow snow clearing equipment to clear the apron.
During winter operations, follow the parking plan, including parking GSE equipment behind the lines and leaving dollies, baggage carts, belt loaders and GPUs near the head of the gate. These procedures ensure that large equipment can clear deeper into the gates.
Winter driving on the airside
Whether you are driving airside or on your way to work, it is important to drive slower during the winter and to take additional precautions to stay safe.
Follow these winter driving reminders:
- Avoid distractions.
- Reduce driving speeds in adverse weather conditions to avoid fishtailing.
- When conditions are slippery or wet, reduce the string of dollies/carts being towed.
- When possible, avoid driving airside during low visibility.
- Leave extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles or equipment.
- Brake and accelerate slowly, as heavy loads require a longer distance to stop.
- When towing, only accelerate to driving speeds when all items in the tow are straightened out to follow the tractor pulling them.
Parking in winter
Vehicle safety does not end when the ignition is off. When parking your vehicle or equipment, be mindful of the snow clearing equipment that needs to access gates and maneuver around the area to keep the apron clean. Give these vehicles priority and right of way when you see they are pushing or treating snow and ice.
Keeping situation awareness and using defensive driving skills are critical when there are challenging visual conditions. Review the airside safety shift briefings on the Safety Stop page.
Take caution and dress for success
When working below the wing (ramp, baggage laterals and apron), it is mandatory to wear a safety vest and footwear that is approved by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). Additionally, when we are working outside during the winter, we must prepare to face cold and windy conditions.
Follow these tips for dressing in winter:
- Check the forecast before your shift to prepare and dress for the weather.
- Wear loose-fitting layers over a base layer to retain body heat.
- Wear a windproof and waterproof coat that is reflective as your top layer. Your reflective outer piece needs to be CSA-approved Class 2 reflective safety vest standard.
- Use the two-layer sock system. Wear a thin sock to wick away moisture and a wool sock on top to keep your feet warm. Bring an extra pair of socks in case you need to change during the day.
- Wear insulated work boots to keep you warm throughout your day.
- Always wear a toque or winter hat. You lose 30-50 percent of heat from your head. On extremely cold days, you may require more than one toque to keep warm.
By following these tips and procedures, you help ensure that we all have a safe and productive winter season!