Working in Rain + Bad Weather Reference

Why this matters

Weather doesn't stop service business - customers want their AC fixed in 95°F sun + their roof patched in rain. But weather creates safety hazards + work-quality issues. The tech who knows when to work, when to delay, + how to mitigate hazard makes good decisions. This is the field card.

Rain considerations

Light rain:

• Most outdoor work continues
• Increased slip risk
• Tools + materials need protection
• Customer interaction sheltered

Heavy rain:

• Many trades pause outdoor
• Visibility reduced
• Electrical hazards elevated
• Some work continues (urgent repair)

Thunderstorm:

• STOP outdoor work
• Move to shelter
• Electrical conductors + open exposure = danger
• Wait for storm to pass

After rain:

• Wet surfaces slick
• Roof shingles slippery
• Mud / wet soil unstable
• Some work better when dry

Lightning safety

When thunder is heard:

• Storm within 10 miles
• Lightning can strike well in advance of rain
• "When thunder roars, go indoors" - 30-30 rule (lightning, count to 30; thunder within 30 sec = unsafe)

Lightning hazards:

• Direct strike (rare but fatal)
• Side flash (current jumps from struck object)
• Ground current (struck ground to feet)
• Conduction (through tools, equipment, building)
• Streamers (positive charge from ground reaching up; can be dangerous)

Safe locations:

• Inside building (with walls + electrical wiring providing path)
• Inside enclosed vehicle (NOT open)
• Low ground, away from tall objects

Unsafe locations:

• Open area
• Top of building
• Near tall trees / poles
• Holding metal tools / ladders
• Pools / lakes / open water
• Tractor / open equipment

Wait 30 minutes after LAST thunder before resuming.

Cold weather

Below 32°F (freezing):

• Water-based products freeze
• Mortar / concrete unsafe to mix
• Some adhesives don't set
• Hands lose dexterity
• Gloves required

Below 20°F:

• Equipment harder to start
• Diesel gels (winter blend OR additive needed)
• Hydraulic fluid thickens
• Workers fatigue faster from cold

Below 0°F:

• Most outdoor work uncomfortable / dangerous
• Frostbite risk in minutes (exposed skin)
• Equipment failures common

Cold work practices:

• Layered clothing
• Wind breaker outer
• Insulated boots
• Glove dexterity matters
• Frequent warmup breaks
• Hot drinks (not alcohol)

Hot weather

(See heat-stress article for detail)

Quick reminders:

• Hydration
• Sun protection
• Schedule heavy work for cool hours
• Recognize symptoms in self + crew
• Cooling breaks

Wind

Light wind (under 10 mph):

• Minimal impact most work
• Loose materials secured

Moderate wind (10-25 mph):

• Ladder more dangerous
• Heavy material handling difficult
• Roofing concerns (shingles installing)
• Tarps / coverings need extra security

Strong wind (25-40 mph):

• Most ladder work paused
• Roof work paused
• Power lines may flex into trees
• Falling branches risk
• Aerial lift / boom work paused

Storm wind (40+ mph):

• Stop most outdoor work
• Pre-storm preparation (cover, secure)
• Avoid tall objects
• Stay alert for falling debris

Snow + ice

Snow falling:

• Visibility reduced
• Roof + ladder slippery
• Driving treacherous
• Workers cold + wet

Snow on roof:

• Don't walk roof
• Removal: from edge with snow rake (long pole)
• Don't dig down to shingles (damages)
• Ice dams = secondary problem

Ice on ground:

• Major slip / fall risk
• Salt + ice melt before work
• Boots with traction
• Slow down

Ice on equipment:

• Doesn't start
• Hydraulic lines stiff
• Use de-icer carefully (some flammable)

Specific weather + trade

Roofing:

• Most weather-sensitive
• Wet shingles = slip + install failure
• Cold shingles = brittle install
• High wind = no installs
• Hot roof = burns; install issues
• "Tear-off in rain" = water damage to interior

HVAC:

• Outdoor unit work in heavy rain difficult
• Cold-weather refrigerant readings (use charge chart for outdoor temp)
• Snow on outdoor unit = clear before service

Electrical:

• Don't work outdoor electrical in rain
• Wet ground + electrical = electrocution
• Wait for dry

Plumbing:

• Outdoor plumbing in freeze = frozen
• Excavation in rain = wet trench + cave-in
• Snow / ice = surface hazard

Lawn care:

• Rain delays mowing
• Wet grass = clumping + lawn damage
• Pesticide application requires dry conditions
• High wind = pesticide drift

Painting:

• Most paints need dry surface
• Cold temp = poor cure
• Hot temp = fast dry / lap marks
• Humid = slow dry / sagging

Weather-driven scheduling

Forecast checking:

• Hourly forecast 2-3 days out
• Customer pre-call for weather risks
• Buffer day for outdoor work

Decision threshold:

• "Maybe rain" → proceed; monitor
• "Light rain probable" → outdoor work questionable
• "Heavy rain / storm" → reschedule

Customer communication:

• Day-before: "Weather looks marginal; will confirm by [time]"
• Day-of: "Conditions don't allow safe work; rescheduling to [date]"

Customer respects safety reasoning; understands.

Customer wants you to work in unsafe weather

Sometimes:

• Customer in emergency (no heat, water damage)
• Customer not flexible
• Customer doesn't believe weather is severe

Stand your ground:

• "I can't safely [walk roof / work outdoor electric / etc.] in these conditions"
• "I can temporarily mitigate; come back [when safe]"
• "Safety is the issue, not preference"

A workplace injury isn't worth the customer's preference.

Vehicle considerations

Wet roads:

• Increased following distance
• Reduced speed
• Aware of hydroplaning at puddles

Snow / ice on roads:

• Chains OR winter tires
• Higher distances
• More dispatch time per call

Visibility (rain, snow, fog):

• Lights on (even in light rain)
• Reduced speed
• Hazards if stopped roadside

Materials in weather

Cold materials:

• PVC brittle (cracks easily)
• Caulks won't apply / cure
• Adhesives slow
• Concrete shouldn't pour below 40°F

Wet materials:

• Drywall absorbs; can't install
• Paint sheen affected
• Wood expands
• Insulation reduces R-value

Hot materials:

• Asphalt soft (footprints)
• Sealants run
• Adhesives set too fast

Specific actions

Tarping during rain (roofer):

• Cover damaged area temporarily
• Don't lose tarp to wind
• Customer's interior protected
• Resume work when dry

Water in customer's home during rain (any trade):

• If your work could cause additional water: pause
• If existing water from external source: address that first

Electrical work in damp basement:

• Pump out water first
• GFCI for any equipment
• Test before touching anything

Trench during rain:

• Cave-in risk amplified
• Water accumulates
• Most should pause

After-storm work

References

• OSHA 1926 (Construction Safety Standards)
• NWS (National Weather Service) lightning safety
• ANSI A14 (ladder safety wind ratings)
• Manufacturer guidance on material temperature limits
• Manuall internal: Heat Stress + Jobsite Hydration, Frozen Pipe Prevention + Thaw