1PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Armor Safety & Rescue Services4401 Parker Rd.Houston, TX 77093713-969-9099http://www.armorsafety.net

January 2016Cold Weather Work

2PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Working in cold weather can expose workers to environmental cold injuries

Hundreds of workers report cases involving days away from work caused by exposure to environmental cold

each year

3PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Environmental cold can affect any worker, especially those who work outdoors and are involved in support activities for oil and gas operations

4PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Environmental cold puts workers at risk of cold stress and slips, trips, and falls caused by icy and snow-covered surfaces

5PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Cold stress happens when your body cannot regulate its temperature

First your skin temperature drops, then your core body temperature

6PPT-SM-CWW 2016

There are several different types of cold stress, including•Hypothermia• Frostbite• Trench foot

7PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops to less than 90°F

Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, loss of coordination and slurred speech, and slow breathing and heart

rate

8PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Frostbite happens when your skin and tissues freeze

Symptoms include reddened skin with gray or white patches on the fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes

9PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Trench foot affects your feet when they are exposed to wet and cold conditions for a long period of time

Symptoms include reddened skin and tingling, pain, and swelling

10PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Certain factors put you at higher risk of cold stress, such as•High wind speeds•Working in wet or damp environments•Dressing improperly for the weather

11PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Health problems like hypertension, hypothyroidism, and diabetes can also put you at higher risk

Exhaustion and poor physical fitness may also increase your risk

of cold stress

12PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Companies must help prevent cold stress by training workers on• How to recognize the

environmental and workplace conditions that can lead to cold stress• The symptoms of cold

stress, how to prevent it, and what to do to help affected workers

• How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy

conditions

13PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Workers can prevent cold stress by monitoring themselves and other workers for cold stress symptoms• Uncontrolled shivering• Loss of coordination,

slurred speech, and confusion• Slow breathing and heart

rate• Reddened skin and blisters• Gray or white patches in

the extremities• Tingling, pain, swelling,

or numbness• Leg cramps

14PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Wear the right clothes for cold weather work• At least three layers of

loose fitting clothing• An insulated coat or

jacket• A knit mask to cover

your face and mouth• A hat that covers your

ears• Insulated gloves• Insulated,

waterproof boots

15PPT-SM-CWW 2016

To prevent slips, trips, and falls, clear snow and ice from walking surfaces

16PPT-SM-CWW 2016

When walking on snow or ice, wear insulated and water resistant boots or rubber over-shoes with good rubber treads

Take short steps and walk at a slower pace

17PPT-SM-CWW 2016

When working at elevated heights during cold weather• Plan ahead for safe

snow removal• Wear fall protection• Make sure ladders are

used safely• Clear snow and ice from

surfaces• Use extreme caution

when working near power lines• Take steps to prevent

harmful exposure to cold temperatures

and overexertion

18PPT-SM-CWW 2016

Remember, prepare for cold weather work• Be alert for symptoms of cold stress•Dress appropriately and stay dry•Use engineering controls, safe work practices, and PPE

19PPT-SM-CWW 2016