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Cold Stress

Chapter 7 discusses the dangers of cold stress and hypothermia in the workplace, particularly in environments exposed to cold, wet, or windy conditions. It outlines the effects of cold exposure, symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, and emphasizes the importance of protective clothing, control measures, and first aid procedures. The chapter also highlights the need for training and awareness among workers to prevent cold-related health risks.

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84 views4 pages

Cold Stress

Chapter 7 discusses the dangers of cold stress and hypothermia in the workplace, particularly in environments exposed to cold, wet, or windy conditions. It outlines the effects of cold exposure, symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite, and emphasizes the importance of protective clothing, control measures, and first aid procedures. The chapter also highlights the need for training and awareness among workers to prevent cold-related health risks.

Uploaded by

quetzalsafetygroup
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF or read online on Scribd
CHAPTER 7 7 Cold stress Cold stross or hypothermia can affect workers who are not protected against cold. The cold may occur naturally (o.g., from weather conditions) or be created, artificially (@.., from refrigerated environments). Cold is a physical hazard in many workplaces. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses may occur, leading to permanent tissue damage and even death. Workplaces exposed to cold, wet, and/or windy conditions include: + Roofs or high buildings open to the wind + Bridges or other projects near large bodies of water + Large steel structures that retain cold or are ‘exposed to cold + Open or unheated cabs + Refrigerated rooms, vessels, and containers. This chapter provides information on + Effects of overexposure to cold + Factors that can worsen these effects + Control measures Knowing this information can help construction workers avoid hypothermia and frostbite. Core temperature The body tries to maintain an internal (core) tomperaturo of approximately 37°C (98.6°F). This is done by reducing heat loss and increasing heat production. Under cold conditions, blood vessels in skin, arms, and legs constrict, decreasing blood flow to extremities. This minimizes cooling of the blood and keeps critical internal organs warm. At very low temperatures, however, reducing blood flow to the extremities can result in lower skin temperature and higher risk of Wind chill Wind chill involves the combined effect of air temperature and air movement. The wind-chill cooling rate is defined as heat loss (expressed in watts per metre squared) resulting from the effects of air ‘temperature and wind velocity upon exposed skin The higher the wind speed and the lower the ‘temperature in the work environment, the greater the insulation value of the protective clothing required. Figure 7-1 provides equivalents between air temperatures with and without wind. For example, -12.2°C with a wind of 48 km/h is equivalent to ~4527°C with no wind. Figure 7-1: Equivalent wind chill temperatures Windspeed VT ee Little Danger mire (hour to freeze flesh) we are orate — Increasing Danger (i minute te freeze flesh) sve ae — a 2086 — Great Dang awe eo (flesh may freeze within 30 seconds) ar jr wt /-esc— Ehemical Substances and Physica! Agente and Biological Exeoeure When air speed and temperature produce an equivalent chill temperature of -32°C (-25.6°F), continuous skin exposure should not be permitted. Unprotected skin will freeze only at temperatures below -I°C (30.2°F), regardless of wind speed. When weather information is not available, the following signs may help to estimate wind speeds in the fie km/h (S mph) light fag just moves + 16 km/h (10 mah) light flag is fully extended by the wind 24 km/h (15 mph) raises a newspaper shest of the ground + 32 km/h (20 mph) wind capable of Blowing snow Jealth

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