WORKING SAFELY IN COLD WEATHER

Working in Cold Conditions
    It may look like a winter wonderland, but when it's cold outside and you have to work in the freezing weather, you need to take some safety precautions.  Cold weather can kill you if you're not adequately prepared.

Frostbite Nipping at Your Nose
    When you work outside during the winter, you are at risk of suffering an injury from prolonged exposure to low temperatures.  Wind and moisture are both enemies.  Under certain circumstances, both wind and moisture can lead to frostbite.
    Frostbite is difficult to spot, especially while you're outside.  It may not be obvious until hours after you thaw.  Frostbite can be either superficial or deep frostbite.  Either condition can be very uncomfortable at best and deadly at worst.
 
    To check for frostbite, look for the following warning signs:
<Grey or yellowish patches on the affected area
<Soft, pliable skin
<Red and flaky skin after thawing
    These are the classic signs of superficial frostbite.

    For deep frostbite, the symptoms grow more severe.  They include:
<Waxy and pale skin
<Skin that feels cold, hard and solid
<Skin that turns blue or purple upon thawing
<Large blisters that appear after re-warming

How to Prevent Frostbite
    The best way to deal with frostbite is to prevent if from happening in the first place.  The parts of the body most susceptible to frostbite include:  Cheeks, Ears, Nose.
    Your head and neck lose body heat faster than any other parts of your body.  You can best protect yourself by wearing a hat, scarf, and turtleneck sweater.  These items will help protect the most at risk body parts.  Think of them as personal protective equipment for working outside in cold weather.

How to Treat Frostbite
    Despite wearing appropriate clothing, if you think you or another worker is experiencing the onset o frostbite, take action immediately.  Remember, frostbite can be difficult to detect while you are outside so don't take any chances.

Here is a short checklist of what to do and what not to do.

DO:
<Get out of the cold and into a warm place immediately.
<Remove any constrictive clothing that could impair blood flow to the area.
<Seek medical attention immediately.
<If a body part is partially thawed, place frostbitten part in warm water for about 20 to 40 minutes.

DON'T
<Use water hotter than 106 degrees fahrenheit.
<Use water colder than 100 degrees fahrenheit.
<Rub or massage the frostbitten area.
<Rub the area with ice or snow.

    Frostbite is no joking matter.  It is dangerous hazard for those who work outside.  Take it seriously and you will avoid a very painful injury.



To show that you have received and understand this safety information, please sign and return one copy to the foreman at your
Monday morning safety meeting.  Keep the other copy for your reference.

_________________________Date________
 

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