never mind the snow its -10

[newspaper]

how cold does it have to get before its to dangerous to deliver it was -10 on delivery today and colder tomorrow

http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.u ... ticle.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[woofwoof]

i take it fingerless gloves dont work in that weather

[krussel]

It was -9.4 deg c down here in the SE a couple of days ago and we got sent out regardless, so i guess it does not count.

[TeeferTiger]

"The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment

Regulation 7 of these Regulations deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:

During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace i.e. a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.

The associated ACOP goes on to explain:

'The temperature in workrooms should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing. Where such a temperature is impractical because of hot or cold processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable. 'Workroom' means a room where people normally work for more than short periods.

The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity.'

Where the temperature in a workroom would otherwise be uncomfortably high, for example because of hot processes or the design of the building, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature, for example by:

* insulating hot plants or pipes;
* providing air-cooling plant;
* shading windows;
* siting workstations away from places subject to radiant heat.

Where a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved throughout a workroom, local cooling should be provided. In extremely hot weather fans and increased ventilation may be used instead of local cooling.

Where, despite the provision of local cooling, workers are exposed to temperatures which do not give reasonable comfort, suitable protective clothing and rest facilities should be provided. Where practical there should be systems of work (for example, task rotation) to ensure that the length of time for which individual workers are exposed to uncomfortable temperatures is limited."

But that's all for INDOOR work. We should be provided with suitable clothing for outdoor work which, when it's -10, does not include fingerless gloves and no thermal/properly waterproof gear. I realise we get hot walking around, but when we stop, we're at risk of hypothermia. Do RM REALLY care rather than just saying they do?

[mucker]

Do RM REALLY care rather than just saying they do?

no they couldnt give a flying feck

[REDLETTER]

Fingers sticking to the metal on gates is the biggest problem and the cracks starting to appear in my already knackered fingers

[fishtank]

It was -17 up here last week.
This morning it was an almost tropical -9.

[RedBagMan]

i take it fingerless gloves dont work in that weather

Fingerless gloves are great in theory ... but the ends of my fingers (index and middle) have been pretty much numb for the last couple of weeks - not turned black yet though

Permanent damage ?

[demon]

-13 in the north east today

[TeeferTiger]

It's not just the crappy footwear, it's giving us rubbish waterproof clothing where the only waterproof bit is the INSIDE of the pockets which hold the water nicely. Nothing to protect our faces, fingers or feet from the cold.

I was out in town yesterday and I have to say, my knee caps were absolutely frozen. Took me at least 6 hours to get them warm again, and I hadn't even been at work.

[taurus88]

The T-man just layers himself up. A pair of trousers underneath my work trousers; three pairs of socks; an under-shirt, followed by a red jumper, followed by my red polo work-shirt, followed by a fleece, followed by my work fleece, followed by a waterproof & windproof coat, followed by my hi-vis. In terms of gloves I wear two pairs of the fingerless ones. I've also got a buff which I can use as a hat, a neck-warmer, whatever (surprisingly good piece of kit to say how metro it seems). Yes, it's not RM gear but I'd rather be conduct-coded than die seeing as they won't even allow me to have one of the storm coats.

[TeeferTiger]

The T-man just layers himself up. A pair of trousers underneath my work trousers; three pairs of socks; an under-shirt, followed by a red jumper, followed by my red polo work-shirt, followed by a fleece, followed by my work fleece, followed by a waterproof & windproof coat, followed by my hi-vis. In terms of gloves I wair two pairs of the fingerless ones. I've also got a buff which I can use as a hat, a neck-warmer, whatever (surprisingly good piece of kit to say how metro it seems). Yes, it's not RM gear but I'd rather be conduct-coded than die seeing as they won't even allow me to have one of the storm coats.

But that's my point. RM should PROVIDE you with this stuff. Either that, or give you money towards your own stuff when you've had to wear it due to failings of their provided equipment. If they want you to go out working in those conditions, they should give you the tftj. Not expect you to just provide your own. Also, when it's too hot they tell you to wear more clothes... I realise this is to prevent sun stroke etc, but the best way of avoiding that, is staying out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. So what time do they move our shifts to?! Bloody ridiculous approach to H&S it is. They don't practise what they preach. Or rather, what they preach isn't practisable.

[krussel]

T man is spot on its all about thin layers which trap the air in pockets around the body. Its thermal long johns for me (GF calls them passion killers), neck warmer and water proof socks all help under the normal RM kit.

[wiganpostie]

I like to go commando under my Royal Mail issue pantaloons in this weather - a splash of Brut on my wrinkled gentleman and his two close friends keeps me warm and toasty for the duration of my walk.

[DGP1]

I like to go commando under my Royal Mail issue pantaloons in this weather - a splash of Brut on my wrinkled gentleman and his two close friends keeps me warm and toasty for the duration of my walk.