Winter-Proofing Your Construction Site: Tools & Equipment to Keep Operations Running Smoothly

Winter is Coming! And with it, a new set of challenges for construction projects. Harsh conditions like rain, snow, ice and freezing temperatures can cause serious delays, damage materials, and create hazardous working environments for everyone involved. 

Protecting a construction site from bad weather during the winter months is crucial to ensuring both safety and project efficiency. Exposure to moisture can weaken structures, damage electrical systems, and even compromise the integrity of foundations. Moreover, slippery surfaces increase the risk of accidents, making it vital to implement protective measures like tarping, scaffolding covers, and de-icing strategies. Proper planning and weatherproofing not only keeps your project on schedule but it will also protect the investment and well-being of workers involved.

Don’t worry though - when it comes to the safety of your construction site, FTH Hire Group have definitely got you covered!

From heaters that’ll keep you warm on site, to battling the shorter daylight hours with site lighting, FTH have got the tools and equipment to keep your projects on track all winter long.

Please also check out our winter hire essentials; put together to give you that nudge as to what is required for your project. So why not get ahead of the game and plan for any eventuality!

Site Hygiene & Welfare

Your workers are a big part of keeping your construction sites running. HSE policy dictates that all workers in construction and other similar sites must have access to drinking water, toilet and washing facilities, as well as shelter that should include a place to rest, as well as a place to keep warm and eat their food.

FTH can provide a variety of on-site welfare facilities; from self-contained welfare units in a variety of capacities, to site toilets and even mobile hand wash stations.

Pumps

With the winter weather, construction sites are more susceptible to water accumulation. Pumps are crucial during these times to keep the site operational, especially when natural drainage is insufficient.

They are an essential tool on a building site for effective water management, ensuring site safety, protecting materials and keeping construction on schedule.

Our range of centrifugal pumps, diaphragm pumps, puddle pumps and submersible pumps are designed to help clear your site of water quickly and efficiently.

Dehumidifiers

Using a dehumidifier on a building site is essential for several reasons, particularly in managing moisture levels, improving drying times and preventing structural issues.

Construction sites are often exposed to rain, humidity and dampness in winter. Materials such as plaster, concrete and paint all require thorough drying to ensure mould and damp are kept at bay.

Hiring a dehumidifier to control these situations occurring, will prevent problems during all stages of a build or renovation. Ultimately minimising delays and helping projects stay on track, despite unfavourable weather conditions.

We have a range of small and large dehumidifiers for hire.

Heaters

Worker safety and providing a comfortable working environment are a priority. Our range of heaters for hire provide warmth in break areas or working areas, improving worker morale and overall productivity. Some finishing tasks, such as painting or sealing, require dry and warm conditions to ensure proper adhesion. Heaters create the optimal environment for these tasks, ensuring high-quality finishes despite cold weather.

Our range of portable electric heaters, propane space heaters or dustbin heaters are perfect for different types of enclosed spaces and sites, but all provide the same benefit!

Lighting

Site lighting is critical in winter because it directly addresses the challenges posed by limited daylight, poor weather conditions and heightened safety risks, ensuring safe and efficient operation on building sites.

Having adequate lighting on a site where visibility could be dangerous, is incredibly important and is in fact required by the HSE.

We can supply lighting for indoor or outdoor site work, from plasterer’s lights or floodlights, portable LED light for rail, utilities or underground work with a rechargeable battery. Our hire ranges are backed up by a range of convenient power transformers, splitter boxes, leads and extension reels.

Generators

Using a generator on a building site during winter is particularly important due to the increased challenges that colder weather and shorter daylight hours present.

From powering heaters, keeping work areas and materials warm, through to powering site lighting to maintain visibility and reduce the risk of accidents. You may need power for site offices or welfare units, or perhaps need to provide continuous power to remote areas, with electrical outputs for equipment.

We have a huge range of generators between 3 kVA and 125 kVA with many power variants in between.

Pressure Washers and Bowsers

Winter conditions often bring rain, snow, and ice, leading to muddy and slippery surfaces on construction sites. Pressure washers help remove mud, dirt and debris from roads, pathways and work areas, ensuring safer surface conditions for walking or driving around the site.

Construction machinery such as excavators, dumpers, rollers or telehandlers can accumulate mud, salt or other debris during winter use. Pressure washers clean off this buildup, preventing wear and tear. Keeping your hired in plant clean is essential; not only will it ensure it remains in peak working condition, but it will boost your site presentation should clients or inspectors visit.

We have a range of diesel, petrol or electric pressure washers for hire, including road tow options.  We also have water bowsers for storage of water around your site, in the event of no mains supply.

Hire FTH for your next project!

Did you know we supply plant, tools and equipment for hire to businesses around the South East of England, Wales and Scotland? In England, our hire hubs are located in Farnborough, Farnham, Basingstoke, Guildford, Reading, Maidstone, Horsham, Worthing, Southampton and Airdrie. We also now have 8 hire hubs in Wales to expand our network and support our customers working across the UK. Contact your local hire hub today.

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We look forward to assisting you in any way we can.