Winter weather poses many hazards to people working outdoors, especially if they involve working with snow, ice, and direct exposure to the elements. When temperatures are close to freezing or drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, workers can suffer “Cold Stress,” or injuries related to excessive exposure to low temperatures, which may come in the form of frostbite, hypothermia, trench foot, and more. OSHA recommends protective clothing for work at or below 4 degrees Celsius or below 69.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Four Types of PPE for Extreme Cold Temperatures
Consider the four types of PPE that can help keep you safe when heading out in extremely cold temperatures:
- Thermal protection – This type of protection helps to keep workers warm in cold weather conditions. Thermal protection can come in the form of insulated clothing, thermal underwear, hats, gloves, and boots.
- Eye protection – It's important for workers to protect their eyes from the glare of the sun, as well as flying debris and snow. Frostbite to the eyes can be severe, and even blindness may result. Sunglasses are an excellent way to protect against eye injury.
- Hand protection – Workers need to have hand protection that includes waterproof gloves, thick thermal gloves, or mittens. Consider wearing insulated gloves under work gloves to provide extra warmth.
- Foot protection – Waterproof boots with insulated interiors are vital for outdoor workers. Thick socks and insoles made of wool or synthetic materials should help keep your body warm. In extremely cold conditions, it may be necessary to wear plastic bags inside the boots as an added precaution against moisture from sweat. Some people also wear felt insoles, which can retain their insulating properties even when wet.
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How to choose the right type of PPE for your needs
Choosing the correct type of PPE for your needs is essential to keep yourself comfortable while also staying safe! When choosing the right type of PPE, consider the following:
- Layering clothes provides better insulation and protection against the elements.
- Consider using a neck gaiter to prevent cold air from entering your jacket through your neck area.
- Ensure that your range of motion is not impacted by the clothing you are wearing as this may lead to hazardous situations.
- Tight clothing should be avoided because it restricts blood flow and prevents blood from freely circulating to the extremities. To avoid frostbites, cold fingers and toes require warm blood to reach them.
- Wearing a hat will help you maintain your body temperature for longer. According to the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 10% of body heat is lost from the head.
- Coveralls such as the UHV500 HiVis Lined Bib prevent heat from easily escaping through your belt line.
- Avoid touching cold surfaces without gloves
Remember: Keeping an extra set of dry clothes such as socks, gloves, hats, blankets, and even heat packs can help save you in a situation where you get soaked or need to add extra layers to stay warm.
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Tips for staying safe and healthy in cold weather conditions
When working in cold weather conditions, it is essential to stay safe and healthy. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- To protect yourself from both work hazards and the cold, wear insulated personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Wear appropriate clothing: Layers are essential in cold weather, so make sure you're wearing clothing that will keep you warm. Wool or synthetic materials are best, as they will wick away moisture from your skin. Avoid cotton, as it will absorb moisture and make you colder.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stay hydrated and avoid dehydration.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to the cold: If possible, take breaks in a warm area to avoid getting too cold.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
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Conclusion
Employers should implement a prevention program that includes engineering controls, work/rest schedules, and training on how to best handle hazardous environmental conditions to ensure their employees are not being affected by or spreading cold-related illnesses. Those who work in harsh environments must keep warm at all times. Having an extra set of dry clothing on hand as a backup will allow you to layer up when the temperature drops or your clothing becomes wet.
For more information about Cold Stress and how to prevent Cold-related Illnesses, visit https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/coldstress/
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