Cold Stress

How Cold is Too Cold?

When the body is unable to warm itself, cold related stress may result. This may include tissue damage and possibly death. A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain it's temperature. Cold air, water, and snow all draw heat from the body. Wind chill is the combination of air temperature and wind speed. For example, when the air temperature is 40°F, and the wind speed is 35 mph, your exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the air temperature being 11° F. While it is obvious that below freezing conditions combined with inadequate clothing could bring about cold stress, it is also important to understand that it can also be brought about by temperatures in the 50's coupled with some rain and wind.�

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Cold Stress Factor

• Temperature of the air surrounding the body.
• Body temperature.
• Air movement around the body.
• Body movement.
• Length of exposure.

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Cold Environment

• Normal body temperature 98.6º F.
• Body temperature drops Below 86º, control system Becomes ineffective.
• Below 59º, body begins to Experience impairment of many functions.
• Most Hypothermia results when ambient temperature is between 30º and 40º F.

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Cold Environment

• Increased heat loss To the environment
• Muscle hypertonus, resulting in shivering, is body’s attempt to maintain body temperature.

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What are the most common cold induced problems?

Hypothermia

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Trench Foot

Frostbite

Hypothermia

• Prolonged exposure to cold causes the body to lose energy faster than it is produced.
• Body temperature drops to lower than normal.
• Can happen when temperatures are above freezing.

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Conditions Affecting Hypothermia

• Aging, Allergies, Poor Circulation, & Illness.
• Self-Imposed Conditions, Such As Drinking, Smoking, & Taking Sedatives Also Increase Risks.
• Wet Clothing, Windy Conditions, & Poor Physical Condition.

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Hypothermia Symptoms

• Numbness, Stiffness, Drowsiness, Poor Coordination.
• Slow Or Irregular Breathing And Heart Rate.
• Slurred Speech.
• Cool Skin, And Puffiness In The Face Are Common.

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Hypothermia Symptoms

• May Seem Apathetic About Getting Out Of Cold.
• Shivering And Teeth Chattering Is A Sure Sign That Body Temperature Is Too Low.
• Victim First Feels Cold Then May Feel Mild Pain In Extremities.

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Hypothermia Symptoms

• Victim May Seem Confused & Disoriented; Memory Lapses.
• Worst-Case Results Can Cause Death.

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Safety Procedures

• Get Victim To Where It Is Warm.
• Get Them Out Of Wet, Frozen, Or Tight Clothing; Keep Victim Dry.
• Get Them Into Loose Warm Clothes Or Blankets.
• Give Warm (Room Temperature) Liquids.

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Safety Procedures

• Do Not Give Alcohol Or Substances Containing Caffeine.
• Warm Center Of Body First.
• If Necessary, Seek Medical Assistance & Give CPR.

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Frostbite

• Most Serious, And Second Most Common, Cold Exposure Hazard.
• Nose, Ears, Cheeks, Fingers, & Toes Most Often Affected.
• Affected Area Doesn’t Get Enough Heat & Freezes.

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Frostbite

• Freezing Causes Blood Vessel Constriction.
• Results In Lack Of Oxygen, Excess Fluid Buildup, Blistering, And Tissue Death.
• May Not Be Aware Anything Bad Is Happening.

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Frostbite

• Recognized By Distinct Pallor Of The Exposed Skin.
• Skin Goes From White Or Grayish Yellow, To Reddish Violet, To Black.
• Usual Feeling Of Being Really Cold, Then Numb.
• May Get A Tingling Or Aching Feeling Or Brief Pain.

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Frostbite

• Damage To Skin Sometimes Causes Blisters.
• Constricted Blood Vessels Impair Blood Flow.
• Can Cause Permanent Tissue Damage.

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Frostbite

• Victim Can Become Unconscious.
• Death May Result From Heart Failure.
• If Necessary, Seek Medical Assistance & Give CPR.

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Care of Frostbite

• Don’t Rub Affected Part.
• Don’t Use Hot Baths, Or Heat Producing Devices.
• Don’t Break Blisters.

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Care of Frostbite

• Warm The Frozen Part With Clothing, Blankets, Or With Room Temperature Water.
• Once Warm, Exercise The Part.
• Exception: Do Not Walk On Frostbitten Feet.

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Trench Foot

• Trench Foot or immersion foot is caused by having feet immersed in cold water at temperatures above freezing for long periods of time. It is similar to frostbite, but considered less severe.
• Symptoms usually consist of tingling, itching or burning sensation. Blisters may be present.�

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Care for Trench Foot

• Soak feet in warm water
• Wrap with dry cloth bandages
• Drink a warm, sugary drink

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Driving Preparedness

• Serviceable Clothing (Sweatshirt, Jeans, Coveralls, Coat).
• Distilled Water And Anti Freeze.
• Easily Stored Food (Chips, Candy Bars, Cookies, Some Canned Foods, Etc.)

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Driving Preparedness

• Matches, In A Waterproof Container.
• Large Candles.
• Tool Kit ( Pliers, Screwdrivers, Crescent Wrench, Jumper Cables, Duct Tape Electrician’s Tape, Etc.)

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Driving Preparedness

• A Couple Quarts Of Motor Oil And Multipurpose Lubricant, Such As WD 40.
• Ice Scraper, Sand or Kitty Litter, Traction Mat, Shovel.

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Driving Preparedness

• Road Atlas.
• Reflective Triangles Or Flares.
• Couple Blankets Or Comforters.

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Driving Preparedness

THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT ITEMS:

• A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR YOUR SAFETY IN COLD WEATHER !! AND
• A CELLULAR PHONE!!

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Protection

• Prevention Is The Best Way To Deal With Cold Stress.
• Don’t Drink Alcohol, Bathe, Smoke, Or Take Drugs Before Being Exposed To Cold.
• Dress In Loose Layers Of Dry Clothing.

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Protection

• Cover Hands, Feet, Face, & Head.
• In Cold Environment, Keep Moving.
• Take Regular Breaks In Warm Places.

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Engineering Controls

• Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress.
• Radiant heaters may be used to warm workers. Shielding work areas from drafts or wind will reduce wind chill. Use insulating material on equipment handles, especially metal handles, when temperatures drop below 30° F.

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Training

• Training in recognition and treatment is important. Supervisors, workers and coworkers should watch for signs of cold stress and allow workers to interrupt their work if they are extremely uncomfortable.
• Supervisors should also ensure that work schedules allow appropriate rest periods and ensure liquids are available.
• They should use appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment and work practices to reduce the risk of cold stress.
• All of these measures should be incorporated into the relevant health and safety plans.�

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