Cold Stress - on the job tool box talks

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FROSTBITE

The most common injury caused by exposure to cold temperatures is frostbite.  Body parts most susceptible to frostbite include the nose, ears, chin, fingers and toes.  Frostbite occurs when the blood flow through a body part is restricted due to extreme cold temperatures and ice crystals then begin to form in the body tissue.

Symptoms: The first symptom of frostbite is a slightly flushed skin color.  The color of the skin then changes to white or grayish yellow and finally grayish blue.  Pain may be felt during the early stages, however, the pain may cease in later stages.  The frostbitten area will also feel very cold, numb and the outer layer of skin may feel "hard".

First Aid Treatment: Move the victim to a warm location.  Place the frostbitten part into a warm water bath between 100-105 degrees.  Do not use hot water.  Handle the part with extreme care.  Do not rub or massage the area.  Avoid exposing the part to hot air or metal objects.  The re-warming process may take between 30-60 minutes.  Severe frostbite should be handled by medical personnel. 

HYPOTHERMIA

Prolonged exposure to cold temperature may also cause the cooling of the body's inner core, more commonly known as hypothermia.  This loss of body temperature can be fatal.

Symptoms: Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, dizziness, numbness, confusion, weakness, impaired judgment, impaired vision and drowsiness.  Later stages of hypothermia include the loss of consciousness, decreased pulse and breathing rate, coma and possible death. 

First Aid Treatment: Professional medical treatment should be obtained.  Move the victim to a warm area.  If available, have the victim change into a set of dry, warm clothing.  If the victim is fully conscious, a warm drink may be given.  Do not give the victim a caffeinated or alcohol beverage. 

PROTECTIVE MEASURES

a.         Avoid consumption of caffeinated or alcohol beverages.  Temporary warmth may be achieved; however, body heat loss will occur.

b.         Wear a hat and scarf.  Up to 50% of heat loss occurs from the head and neck.

c.         Wear three (3) layers of clothing.

1.     Against the skin:  a warm, breathable synthetic fabric such as Gore-Tex or Thinsulate will allow moisture to escape to the next layer.

            2.  Middle: layer of wool clothing to draw moisture away from skin.

            3.  Outer: water-resistant or repellant material.

d.         Frostbite and hypothermia may occur when temperatures are above freezing due to extended periods of exposure and windy conditions.

This information provided by: Assurance Agency

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Happy Hoildays

Residential Construction Employers Council

The RCEC wishes you
a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year!

Cathy Kirin

Ladders - On the job Tool Box Talks

The following information is being provided to serve as a basic guideline in the use of ladders.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

a.            Ladders shall be used for access to different levels. 

b.            Climbing backing blocks or bracing shall be prohibited.

c.                 Ladders with broken or missing rungs or step, broken or split side rails, or other defects shall be prohibited from use.

d.                The area around the top and bottom of the ladder shall be kept clear.

e.            Always face the ladder when ascending or descending the ladder.

f.            At least one hand shall be used to grasp the ladder when ascending or  

     descending a ladder.

g.         An object or load which could cause a person to lose their balance and fall shall not be        carried up or down a ladder.

h.                Never use the top step or the top of a step ladder.

i.                  Never straddle the top of a step ladder.

LADDER PLACEMENT

a.                Ladders in use shall be tied off, blocked off or otherwise secured at the top to prevent movement.

b.                Ladders without slip resistant feet shall not be placed onto flat surfaces unless they are cleated or otherwise secured.

c.            Ladder side rails shall extend at least 36 inches above the landing.

d.            Ladders shall be placed at such an angle that the horizontal distance from the  

top support to the foot of the ladder is approximately one-quarter of the working    length of the ladder.         (4 to 1 pitch)

e.            Ladders shall not be placed in any location where it may become displaced by   

       work activities or pedestrian traffic.

f.            Working from ladders:  It is recommended that ladders be tied off at  the top while 

     working from them to prevent displacement.

    

g.            Ladders placed on roof levels MUST have a toe board at the base to 

               prevent displacement.

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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Cold - On the Job Tool Box Talks

Overview

When your body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses and injuries may occur, and permanent tissue damage and death may result. Cold related illnesses can slowly overcome a person who has been chilled by low temperatures, brisk winds, or wet clothing.

Two of the most common cold related illnesses and injuries are frostbite and hypothermia. While frost bite is dangerous and can cause permanent injury, hypothermia is a medical emergency. If not handled properly, hypothermia can kill you.

Frost bite—What happens to your body?

Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue; pale, waxy-white skin color; skin becomes hard and numb; usually affects the fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose.

Hypothermia—a medical emergency—What happens to your body?

Normal body temperature (98.6°F) drops to or below 95°F; fatigue or drowsiness; uncontrolled shivering; cool bluish skin; slurred speech; clumsy movements; irritable, irrational or confused behavior.

Things you can do to prevent difficulties from cold related illnesses and injuries

·          Recognize the weather conditions that could cause cold related illnesses and injuries.

·          Know the signs and symptoms of cold related illnesses/injuries and how to help yourself or a fellow worker.

·          Wear proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer your clothing so you can adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water away from your skin (polypropylene).

·          Avoid exhaustion or fatigue. Energy is needed to keep your muscles warm.

·          Use the buddy system when working in cold conditions.

·          Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.

·          Take frequent short breaks in warm dry shelters to allow your body to warm up; work during the warmest part of the day.

You are at increased risk when you:

·          Have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

·          Are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet, or are older.

·          Take certain medication (check with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacy and ask if any medicines you are taking affect you while working in cold environments).

This information is provided by: Assurance Agency

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