Prevention of Cold Stress
Engineering Controls
Engineering controls can be effective in reducing the risk of cold stress through the design of equipment, materials, and facilities. For example:
- Radiant heaters may be used to warm workers.
- Shielding work areas from drafts or wind will reduce the wind chill.
- Using insulating materials on equipment handles, especially metal handles, when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tyndale Vice President of Technical explains cold stress and how to avoid it.
Work Practice Controls
There are several work practice measures to protect workers in cold environments. Here are a few:
- Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that may be dangerous.
- Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help workers.
- Train workers about cold-induced illness and injuries.
- Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
- Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm, dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
- Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
- Use the buddy system-work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.
- Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-6. The insulation of equipment and facilities is an example of _____.
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