Working in Cold Conditions

Cold Weather

Cold Workplaces

Roofs in cold weather Bridges near large

bodies of water High buildings

exposed to wind Refrigerated rooms

or containers Commercial fishing areas Steel structures that retain cold Unheated warehouses in cold climates

Goals

Cold-Related Illnesses and injuries and first aid Treatment

Risk Factors and Prevention Measures Quiz

Body reacts to cold by:

Trying to maintain core temperature of 98.6ºF

Decreasing blood flow to extremities to prevent heat loss which– Keeps internal organs warm– Increases chance of frostbite

Shivering generates heat

Hypothermia

Progressive loss of body heat Accelerated when person is wet Most cases occur in air temperatures

between 30ºF and 50ºF Can occur in air temperatures as high as 65ºF Occurs in water at 72ºF

Mild Hypothermia

Shivering and chattering teeth

Blue lips and fingers

Poor coordination

Moderate Hypothermia

Mental impairment and confusion Disorientation and poor decision making Inability to take precautions from the cold Slower heart rate and breathing rate Slurred speech

Severe Hypothermia

Resembles death Unconsciousness Irregular or hard-to-find pulse No shivering No detectable breathing

First Aid for Hypothermia

Move victim to shelter Remove wet clothing

and wrap victim in warm covers

Apply direct body heat Re-warm neck, chest,

abdomen, and groin first Give warm, sweet drinks if conscious Monitor breathing, administer CPR Get medical help

Frostbite

Exposure to severe cold or contact with cold objects

Affects fingers, toes, cheeks, nose, and ears Tissue freezes at 30ºF May cause gangrene More susceptible to future frostbite Tissue death—amputation or loss of function

Frostbite Symptoms

Sensations of coldness Tingling, stinging,

or aching sensation Skin feels numb and

cold to the touch Skin is waxy and

appears white Blistering, turning red, then black

First Aid for Frostbite

Warm gradually with body heat Do not rub—may result in more tissue damage Use water between 102°F-110°F Apply sterile dressing to blisters Do not thaw if risk of re-freezing Get medical attention; thaw at hospital

Goals

Cold-Related Illnesses and injuries and first aid Treatment

Risk Factors and Prevention Measures Quiz

Environmental Cold Stress Factors

Low temperature Cool, high winds Dampness Cold water

Wind Chill Temperatures

Combined effect of air temperature and air movement

Temperature (ūF)Wind (mph)

Calm 40 30 20 10 0 -10 -20 -30 -40

10 mph 34 21 9 -4 -16 -28 -41 -53 -6620 mph 30 17 4 -9 -22 -35 -48 -61 -7430 mph 28 15 1 -12 -26 -39 -53 -67 -7840 mph 27 13 -1 -15 -29 -43 -57 -71 -82

Other Risk Factors

Inadequate or wet clothing Drug use or certain

medications A cold or certain diseases Male gender Age Heart condition Physical condition

Environmental Protection

Heated shelters Windscreens On-site sources of heat Thermally insulated

tools and work surfaces

Administrative Controls

Work and Warm-up Schedule for 4-hour Shift

Wind Chill Temp. Max. Work Period Number of Breaks

-20F and Warmer 2 hours 1-30F 75 minutes 2-40F 55 minutes 3-45F 40 minutes 4-50F 30 minutes 5Colder Cease Nonemergency Work

Protective Clothing

Several layers of clothing Synthetic fibers next to

skin to whisk away sweat Water-repellent, wind-

resistant outer clothing Hats, hoods, or face covers Insulated, waterproof footgear Insulated, waterproof gloves Change of clothing available

Hand Protection

Wear gloves when fine manual dexterity is not required

Use tools and machine controls designed for gloved hand operation

Limit bare hand work to 10-20 minutes when < 60ºF

Use warm air jets, radiant heaters, contact warm plates

Use metal handles covered by thermal insulating material

Prevent contact frostbite when near metal surfaces < 20ºF

Other Protective Controls

Be medically fit Eat high calorie foods Consume warm, sweet drinks and soups Avoid coffee Stay in good physical condition

Safe Work Practices

Avoid heavy perspiration Work in the warmest

hours of the day Minimize prolonged

sitting, standing Allow time to

adjust to cold Do not work alone Watch for symptoms of cold-related illness

Goals

Cold-Related Illnesses and injuries and first aid Treatment

Risk Factors and Prevention Measures Quiz

Summary

Symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite First aid treatment Wind chill factor Engineering and administrative controls Protective clothing and staying dry

Quiz

1. The body responds to cold by shivering and _____________________________________

2. Hypothermia can occur in air temperatures as high as 65ºF. True or False

3. Describe at least three symptoms of hypothermia.

4. Describe at least one form of environmental protection for workers in the field.

5. Other risk factors of cold-related illness include: certain medication, certain diseases, age, and physical condition. True or False

Quiz (cont.)

6. Drinking coffee will help workers stay warm.True or False

7. Describe at least three symptoms of frostbite.

8. Warm up frostbitten areas by rubbing gently. True or False

9. Environmental cold stress factors include: temperature, wind, and __________________

10.Administrative controls, such as __________, can be used to protect workers from overexposure to cold conditions

Quiz Answers

1. Decreasing blood flow to the extremities

2. True, when other contributing factors are present

3. Confusion, disorientation, slow heart rate and breathing, shivering, blue lips, poor coordination, slurred speech

4. Heated shelters, windscreens, heat sources, thermal insulated tools

5. True

Quiz Answers (cont.)

6. False, coffee increases blood flow to the extremities

7. Cold sensation, tingling, aching, numbness, white skin, waxy skin

8. False, rubbing will contribute to the skin damage

9. Dampness

10. Limiting work time or taking additional breaks