Understanding Cold Stress Hypothermia Hypothermia occurs when heat is lost faster than it can be replenished and the body temperature drops below 95°F/35°C. With mild symptoms, a worker will still be alert but will start shivering and stomping their feet to generate heat. At a moderate hypothermia stage the worker will stop shivering, may lose coordination and fumble, and may become confused or disoriented. Severe hypothermia will show a slowing of breathing, dilated pupils, loss of consciousness and potentially death. Frostbite The lower the temp, the more quickly frostbite can occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, hands and feet, but any injury caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues is considered frostbite. Look for reddened skin that develops gray/white patches, numbness in affected parts, and firm or hard skin as symptoms of frostbite. In severe cases, blisters can occur on the affected skin and amputation has been required. Trench Foot Also referred to as immersion foot, trench foot is caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold temperatures. It can occur in temperatures as high as 60°/15.5°C if the feet are constantly wet. This non-freezing injury is possible because wet feet lose heat 25 times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body will constrict the blood vessels to shut down circulation to the feet. As a result, skin tissue will begin to die due to the buildup of toxic products and the lack of oxygen and nutrients. Look for redness of the skin, swelling, numbness, and blisters. https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/emergencypreparedness/guides/cold.html Workplace Solutions: Preventing Cold-related Illness, Injury, and Death among Workers (cdc.gov) https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/wp-solutions/2019-113/pdfs/2019-113. pdf?id=10.26616/NIOSHPUB2019113 Seven Safe Work Practices 1. Stay hydrated! Dehydration is often associated with working in warm weather and sweating, but it is easy to become dehydrated in cold weather – drink lots of water; warm beverages may help increase body temperature. 2. Use the buddy system! Work in pairs in order to monitor each other for symptoms. 3. Take frequent breaks in warm areas, and be sure to take a break if you feel extremely uncomfortable. 4. If you are new to working in cold weather, acclimate yourself by gradually increasing your workload and taking shorter, more frequent breaks in warm areas. 5. Use radiant heaters in secure areas to warm up. 6. Set up shields to keep out drafts and wind to create a more comfortable and safe working environment. 7. Make sure all workers are properly trained on how to operate any engineering controls. SAFETY FOR TECHNICAL SUPPORT CONTACT: SAFETYQUESTIONS@FASTENAL.COM OR 1-833-FNL-SAFE WF_687750 | JF 6/23 6.2023 | AD
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