Appropriate Winter PPE

November 29, 2021

Personal protective equipment protects workers against exposure to the perils that lead to serious worksite injuries. In extreme temperatures, personal protective equipment that adds optimum insulation and resistance to cold temperatures will safeguard employees over and above the typical hazards of the job, meaning extra equipment specifically geared to warding off winter’s chill.


It is ultimately the responsibility of the management and supervisors to ensure that workers get the proper and appropriate PPE. They are obligated to incorporate any extra measures necessary into their health and safety protocols and procedures. These additional steps also ensure that the worksite meets construction insurance coverage requirements.


Warm Hands Work Better

Accidents happen on the job when hands become numb with cold. Insulated work gloves guard against frostbite and keep hands warm and limber during cold winter work. There are multiple styles and levels of protection to choose from depending on the needs of the worker. Depending on the demands of the job, gloves can become worn out quickly and will need replacing to ensure the continued safety of the employee. 


Footwear to Ward Off Frostbite

Frostbite in extremities like toes can happen within minutes, especially when standing in slush, ice, or snow. Repercussions from frostbite can include gangrene, long-term numbness, or permanent loss of sensation. Protect feet against the harsh winter elements by choosing waterproof work boots of high quality. Weather resilient footwear should include insulating felt lining, rubber treads with leather upper for durability, and removable insoles.


Keep a Warm Head

Hard hats protect against everything except the cold. Incorporate cold weather liners purpose-built for hard hats to protect not only the head but also keep the neck and ears warm. Balaclavas made from flannel or knits work well in severely cold temperatures, and the addition of a hood will give added protection against wet and windy weather conditions.


The Eyes Have It

On a winter worksite, eyes can receive short-term and long-term damage from several factors. These can include snow blindness from overexposure to UV rays, wind chill, and construction debris. Road salt and sand will also harm eyes when blown around on a windy day. Workers need to protect their eyes by wearing polarized safety glasses with foam sealing and anti-fog protection.


Dressing For Warmth

Wearing multiple layers allows workers to adapt to changeable weather conditions that fluctuate rapidly from dry to damp and mild to frigid. Start with an initial layer made from material that will draw sweat away and keep skin drier, followed by a middle layer of wool, wool blend, or fleece that will provide warmth against the cold. A final layer of nylon or similar textile will block the wind.


In extreme weather conditions or working outdoors for extended periods, a waterproof anti-exposure work suit provides supplementary protection against hypothermia.


When it comes to personal safety on a construction site during the harsh winter months, having reliable and appropriate PPE is vital to keeping healthy and remaining safe against the added hazards of the season. Ensure that workers receive the necessary protection against the elements by contacting Action Supply Inc., suppliers of high-quality workplace PPE since 1983.


October 22, 2025
In the world of industrial supply, especially when it comes to hydraulic hoses and fittings, what truly sets a provider apart isn’t just product stock. It’s relationships . At Action Supply, we’ve built our business over four decades on more than inventory: we’ve built it on reliability, responsiveness, and customers trusting us as their go-to partner. The Local Partner Advantage Faster turnaround : Local on-site hose assemblies, quick access to inventory, and the ability to respond when downtime is unacceptable. We work hard to complete your projects with higher quality and fast turn around times. Better communication : You’re dealing with a team that knows your region, your industry, and your challenges—not a generic call center. Inventory you can count on : When your partner manages stock on-site or nearby, you’re less likely to face costly delays. Action Supply offers inventory management services to keep critical parts ready when you need them. Service & Support That Make the Difference Here’s how we add value for our customers year-round: Custom Hose Assemblies On-Site : We don’t just stock hoses; we build them to spec, on-site, matching exact lengths, fittings, and ratings so there’s no guess-work or field fabrication headaches. Consultation & Technical Guidance : Hydraulic systems are complex. We help customers select the right hose, fitting, and coupling for factors like pressure, fluid compatibility, abrasion, and environment. Speed When It Counts : Downtime kills productivity. Having a local partner means faster pick-up, faster delivery, and in many cases, faster problem resolution because we’re already on-site or nearby. Proactive Inventory Planning : From planned maintenance to emergency response, we partner with customers to anticipate needs rather than just react. A true partnership means fewer surprises. A Long-Term View: Why Trust Matters Relationships are built on consistency over time. At Action Supply, our “we’ve worked hard for over 40 years” mindset means we place value on being there for our customers today…and five, ten, twenty years down the road. That long-term presence gives customers the confidence to count on us for standard supply, for emergency replacement, and for growth scale-up. When you know your supply partner will show up, send the right part, understand your system, and back it with service, you’re not just buying hoses or fittings. You’re buying peace of mind. How to Make the Most of Your Supply Partner Here are a few actions to ensure your local supply relationship delivers maximum value: Treat them as part of your team : Share your upcoming projects, shutdown schedules, and maintenance plans with your supply partner. Engage early : Instead of reaching out only when a hose fails, loop in your supply partner during planning or design phases. Keep open communication : Share what matters to you (lead time, budget constraints, delivery windows) and let them tailor service accordingly. Leverage their expertise : Ask questions about alternatives, better materials, and long-term cost savings.  In industrial operations, margins are tight, downtime is costly, and every component matters. At Action Supply, we believe relationships matter because when you win, we win. And when you’re up against the clock, facing tough specs, or dealing with complex hydraulic systems, you’ll appreciate having a partner who’s local, dedicated, and backed by decades of experience.
September 17, 2025
When uptime, safety, and fluid integrity matter, choosing the correct fitting is the difference between a reliable system and unexpected downtime. The right fitting ensures a leak-free seal, matches pressure and fluid compatibility, and simplifies serviceability in the field. Action Supply builds and manages custom hose assemblies daily and can help match fittings to your exact application. Material Selection: Match the Environment Material choice impacts corrosion resistance, strength, and cost. Stainless steel (316 where marine exposure or salt spray is present) offers excellent corrosion resistance and strength for structural or submerged fittings. Brass is economical and machinable, and performs well in many freshwater or general industrial applications, but can corrode faster in saline environments. Choose material based on fluid chemistry, temperature, and exposure to salt or corrosives. A Practical Checklist for Choosing Fittings Identify the media: hydraulic oil, freshwater, saltwater, chemical — materials and sealing change accordingly. Confirm pressure & temperature ratings: match fittings and hose to the system’s max working and burst pressures. Match thread type and size: NPT ≠ BSP — use thread gauges or manufacturer tables if unsure. Choose sealing method: metal-to-metal (37° JIC/AN), ORFS face-seal, or thread-seal (NPT + tape/compound). Account for serviceability: will techs need to disconnect often? Choose fittings that tolerate repeated assembly. Plan for corrosion: in marine or corrosive environments choose 316 stainless, bronze, or specially coated parts. Document and label: record part numbers, thread specs, and orientation to remove guesswork on replacements. Installation & Testing Tips Use the correct torque spec for the fitting type; overtightening can damage seals or distort threads. For ORFS, always replace O-rings during reassembly and inspect sealing surfaces for nicks. For pipe threads (NPT), use appropriate thread sealant or PTFE tape and apply properly (direction, number of wraps). Pressure-test new assemblies at the manufacturer-recommended proof pressure before returning equipment to service. When to Call the Experts at Action Supply If your job is complex (mixed standards on site, high-pressure hydraulic systems, or marine installations), bring the assembly to the shop or have Action Supply’s on-site team build and verify the assembly. We offer on-site hose assemblies, inventory management, and industry-grade fittings (including Eaton/Weatherhead hoses and couplings) so you get the right part and verified performance the first time. Call (281) 315-3841 or use our contact form to request on-site assembly or inventory support.
August 11, 2025
Avoid costly downtime this peak season. Learn 5 key warning signs your hydraulic hoses need replacing to keep your equipment safe and productive.