Purpose

To provide comprehensive guidelines for protecting workers from cold stress, including hypothermia and frostbite, in cold environments through the implementation of appropriate clothing, work-rest schedules, and provision of warm shelters.

Scope

These guidelines apply to all employees, contractors, and visitors working in environments where cold stress is a potential hazard, such as outdoor construction sites, cold storage facilities, and other low-temperature settings managed by the company.

Guidelines for Preventing Cold Stress

1. Planning and Preparation

• Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of all work areas to identify potential cold stress hazards. Consider factors such as temperature, wind chill, and exposure duration.
• Cold Stress Plan: Develop and implement a site-specific cold stress management plan that outlines procedures and responsibilities for preventing and managing cold stress.

2. Appropriate Clothing

• Layering: Encourage workers to dress in layers to maintain body heat. Layers should include:
  • Base Layer: Moisture-wicking material to keep skin dry.
  • Middle Layer: Insulating layer (e.g., wool, fleece) to retain body heat.
  • Outer Layer: Windproof and waterproof layer to protect against wind, rain, and snow.
• Head and Face Protection: Provide hats or balaclavas to protect against heat loss from the head. Use face masks or scarves to protect the face from frostbite.
• Hand Protection: Provide insulated gloves to protect hands from cold exposure. Ensure gloves allow for dexterity while providing adequate warmth.
• Footwear: Ensure workers wear insulated, waterproof boots to protect feet from cold and damp conditions.

3. Work-Rest Schedules

• Temperature Monitoring: Continuously monitor weather conditions, including temperature and wind chill, using reliable sources.
• Work-Rest Cycles: Implement work-rest cycles that balance work periods with adequate rest periods in warm shelters. Adjust the frequency of breaks based on the severity of the cold conditions.
  • Mild Cold Stress: Work for 50 minutes, rest for 10 minutes in a warm area.
  • Moderate Cold Stress: Work for 40 minutes, rest for 20 minutes in a warm area.
  • Severe Cold Stress: Work for 30 minutes, rest for 30 minutes in a warm area.
• Rotation of Tasks: Rotate workers to limit prolonged exposure to cold conditions and reduce the risk of cold stress.

4. Provision of Warm Shelters

• Warm-Up Areas: Establish heated shelters or designated warm-up areas close to the worksite where workers can take breaks and warm up.
• Heaters and Insulation: Equip shelters with portable heaters and ensure they are well-insulated to maintain a comfortable temperature.