Cold Stress Training

WHAT IS COLD STRESS?

Cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions that are not used to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for "cold stress." Increased wind speed also causes heat to leave the body more rapidly (wind chill effect). Wetness or dampness, even from body sweat, also facilitates heat loss from the body. Cold stress occurs by driving down the skin temperature, and eventually the internal body temperature. When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Types of cold stress can include frostbite and hypothermia.  

 Frost Bite - Frostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. 

Symptoms 

• Reddened skin develops grey/white patches in the fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes 

• Tingling, Aching and/or loss of feeling on skins 

• Blisters may occur in affected areas 

 First Aid 

• Get into a warm room as soon as possible 

• Do not walk on frost bitten feet or toes 

• Protect the frostbitten area, e.g., by wrapping loosely in a dry cloth and protect the area  

• DO NOT rub or massage affected area, may cause damage to skin 

• DO NOT try to re-warm the frostbitten area before getting medical help. IF a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur.  

• Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol) 

Hypothermia - Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to less than 95°F. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know what is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it. 

Symptoms  

• Uncontrollable shivering (Although shivering indicates that the body is losing heat, it also helps the body to rewarm itself.  

• Loss of coordination, confusion 

• Slurred speech 

• Heart rate/breathing slow 

• Unconsciousness 

First Aid 

• Move the worker to a warm room or vehicle 

• Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing  

• Wrap the entire body (including the head and neck) in layers; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag) DO NOT cover the face\ 

• Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol)  

• Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin 

• Call 911 if necessary 

LEADERS REQUIRED TO KNOW 

Wind Chill -  

Outdoor workers exposed to cold and windy conditions are at risk of cold stress, both air temperature and wind speed affect how cold they feel. Wind Chill is the term used to describe the rate of heat loss from the human body, resulting from the combined effect of low air temperature, and wind speed. The Wind Chill Temperature is a single value that takes both air temperature and wind speed into account.