A cold environment can be a serious health hazard for workers, when exposed for a length of time. However, when properly managed by ensuring the right safety equipment is available, the risks can be mitigated.
Employees who work in jobs that involve spending extended time in cold environments are at risk of hypothermia or ‘cold stress’ and need to be issued with workwear that will provide sufficient thermal protection.
According to WorkSafe Victoria’s Safe Operations of Cold Storage Facilities Handbook, a cold environment is defined as one in which greater than normal bodily heat losses occur.
The serious risks of working in cold environments
Employees who stay in cold environments for extended periods of time without wearing suitable protective clothing, are at risk of serious health implications. These can include:
Hypothermia - This is where the body temperature decreases significantly (below 35°C) and can ultimately and quickly lead to death. Early symptoms of hypothermia include confused thought processes, loss of general motor control, slurred speech, aggressive shivering and a perception the victim feels hot.
Frostbite - This is where the fluids in the body tissues freeze which causes permanent damage to the skin. Body parts at the most risk to this are the extremities like the fingers, toes, nose and ear lobes.
Long term conditions – long-term conditions such as arthritis, rheumatism and bronchitis are commonly associated with the cold, and may only come out years after working in the cold. Muscle and tissue damage may also occur.
PPE for cold storage environments:
Appropriate clothing and equipment should be always worn when working in cold environments. This PPE may include:
Personal Protective Clothing - Clothing should be selected to suit the temperature, weather conditions, the level and duration of activity, and job design. These factors are important considerations in helping regulate warmth as well as the amount of heat and perspiration you generate while working. Thermal underwear clothing such as thermal leggings and thermal long sleeves from Wilderness Wear are perfect to keep your body warm.
Safety Boots – Rubber Soled, leather-topped safety boots with insulating liners are best suited for heavy work in cold since leather is porous, allowing the boots to “breathe” and let perspiration evaporate. Additionally, special care should be taken to ensure that the safety boots fit with trouser legs effectively so that an adequate seal prevents cold air from entering. The Gator Cool Room/Freezer Boot is a perfect example of this.
Socks - You may want to wear one pair of thick, bulky socks or two pairs - one inner sock of silk, nylon, or thin wool and a slightly larger, thick outer sock. Liner socks that are made from polypropylene will help keep feet dry and warmer by wicking sweat away from the skin.
Gloves – Gloves that are worn in cold environments should be warm and well-fitted to allow for manual tasks to be performed, as cold hands can increase the likelihood of an accident occurring. Gloves like the Maxisafe TempTec Thermal/Chemical Glove are a good solution, with thermal insulation and chemical resistance.
Face and Eye Protection - In cold working environments, where face protection is used, eye protection must be separated from the nose and mouth to prevent exhaled moisture from fogging and frosting eye shields or glasses. Choose protective eyewear that is appropriate for the work you are doing, and for protection against ultraviolet light from the sun, glare from snow, blowing snow/ice crystals, and high winds at cold temperatures like the Bolle Rush Plus Seal.
Head gear - A knitted beanie with a windproof jacket will typically provide sufficient protection to the ears and neck, while also allowing for the removal of layers to cool down if necessary.
Moreover, a balaclava may be necessary for extremely cold environments or when stationary.
Southland Supply Group
As part of Southland’s commitment to safety, we have worked with our customers to research and offer a complete range of cold store clothing. Southland has a wide range of PPE and safety equipment for most workplace tasks and environments. Visit our website at https://www.southland.com.au/ to see our complete range or you may contact us at 1800 77 22 91 / webstore@southland.com.au