As winter weather approaches, we want to share a few important safety reminders from our safety and compliance team.
Our mutual priority is simple: to keep your people and our drivers safe while ensuring uninterrupted delivery of the gases that support your operations.
Snow, ice, and other seasonal hazards can quickly turn a routine delivery into a high-risk activity. Slippery walking surfaces, hidden obstacles, and blocked access to tanks or cylinder storage areas not only increase the likelihood of slips, trips, and falls, but can also delay or prevent the safe delivery of product that may be critical to your processes.
To help us serve you safely and efficiently throughout the winter months, we respectfully request your partnership in the following areas:
Maintain clear access to storage areas
Please keep the area around your cryogenic tank(s) and/or cylinder storage locations free of snow, ice, and any obstructions (including pallets, tools, debris, and parked vehicles). A clear, level pathway from our delivery vehicle to your tank or cylinder storage area is essential.
Control snow and ice on walking/working surfaces
Regularly plow or shovel access roads, driveways, and walkways used for gas deliveries. While salt, ice melt, or traction aids (such as sand) reduce the risk of slips and falls for both your team and our drivers, be sure NOT to salt cylinder storage areas as salt is corrosive to steel cylinders.
Preserve safe working space around tanks and cylinders
Avoid piling snow against tanks, vaporizers, valves, vents, or cylinder cages. Snow accumulation in these areas can hide critical valves, compromise ventilation, and increase the difficulty and risk of performing safe connections.
Ensure adequate lighting and visibility
During winter months, many deliveries occur in low-light conditions. Please verify that exterior lighting around your gas storage and delivery areas is functioning and provides sufficient visibility for safe handling and connection of equipment.
Keep access points open during scheduled deliveries
When possible, please ensure gates, doors, and other access points to gas storage areas are unlocked and free-moving during your scheduled delivery windows, so our drivers can complete the work efficiently and safely. Be sure to notify us if holiday hours differ from your standard receiving hours.
If you have any questions about winter preparation around your gas storage areas, or would like to review specific conditions at your site, our safety team is happy to consult.
Thank you for your continued partnership and for your commitment to safety.