Cold Stress Training Team 2024/2025 PDF

Cold Stress Training Team 2024/2025 COLD STRESS OCCURS BY DRIVING DOWN THE SKIN TEMPERATURE AND EVENTUALLY THE INTERNAL BODY TEMPERATURE (CORE TEMPERATURE). THIS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS, AND MAY CAUSE TISSUE DAMAGE, AND POSSIBLY DEATH.  HOW DOES THE BODY REACT T...

Cold Stress Training Team 2024/2025 COLD STRESS OCCURS BY DRIVING DOWN THE SKIN TEMPERATURE AND EVENTUALLY THE INTERNAL BODY TEMPERATURE (CORE TEMPERATURE). THIS MAY LEAD TO SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS, AND MAY CAUSE TISSUE DAMAGE, AND POSSIBLY DEATH.  HOW DOES THE BODY REACT TO COLD CONDITIONS? In a cold environment, most of the body's energy is used to keep the internal core temperature warm. Over time, the body will begin to shift blood flow from the extremities (hands, feet, arms, and legs) and outer skin to the core (chest and abdomen). This shift allows the exposed skin and the extremities to cool rapidly and increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia. WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON COLD INDUCED ILLNESSES/INJURIES? Hypothermia Frostbite Trench Foot Chilblain Hypothermia WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM HYPOTHERMIA? in an emergency , seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Move the person to a warm room or vehicle. Remove wet clothes and replace with dry clothes, cover the body (including the head and neck) with layers of blankets; and with a vapor barrier (e.g. tarp, garbage bag). Do not cover the face. If medical help is more than 30 minutes away: Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol), to help increase the body temperature. Never try to give a drink to an unconscious person. Place warm bottles or hot packs in armpits, sides of chest, and groin. Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing of the skin and underlying tissues. The lower the temperature, the more quickly frostbite will occur. Frostbite typically affects the extremities, particularly the feet and hands. Amputation may be required in severe cases. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF FROSTBITE? Numbness in the affected body part Tingling or stinging Aching Bluish or pale, waxy skin Blisters may occur in the affected part, in severe cases. WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM FROSTBITE? Do not rub the affected area to warm it because this action can cause more damage. Do not apply snow/water. Loosely cover and protect the area from contact. Do not try to rewarm the frostbitten area before getting medical help; for example, do not place in warm water. If a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. It is safer for the frostbitten area to be rewarmed by medical professionals. Give warm sweetened drinks, if the person is alert. Avoid drinks with alcohol. IF A PERSON IS NOT BREATHING OR HAS NO PULSE: in an emergency , seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until the person responds or medical aid becomes available. What is trench foot? is caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold temperatures. It can occur at temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet are constantly wet. Non- freezing injury occurs because wet feet lose heat 25-times faster than dry feet. To prevent heat loss, the body constricts the blood vessels to shut down circulation in the feet. The skin tissue begins to die because of a lack of oxygen and nutrients and due to the buildup of toxic products. How to prevent it: Keep your feet dry. Change wet socks often. Wear waterproof shoes. Let your feet warm up if they feel cold. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TRENCH FOOT? Redness of the skin Numbness Leg cramps Swelling Blisters or ulcers Bleeding under the skin Gangrene (foot may turn dark purple, blue, or gray) WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM IMMERSION FOOT? in an emergency; seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Remove the shoes, or boots, and wet socks. Dry the feet. Avoid walking on feet, as this may cause tissue damage. WHAT ARE CHILBLAINS? Chilblains are painful inflammation of small blood vessels in the skin, caused by the repeated exposure of skin to temperatures just above freezing to as high as 60°F. THE SYMPTOMS Redness Itching Possible blistering Inflammation Possible ulceration in severe cases WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR A PERSON SUFFERING FROM CHILBLAINS? Avoid scratching Slowly warm the skin Use corticosteroid creams to relieve itching and swelling Keep blisters and ulcers clean and covered.  Safety Tips for Workers Your employer should ensure that you know the symptoms of cold stress. Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers. Take regular breaks to warm up when needed. Dress properly for the cold. Stay dry in the cold because moisture or dampness, e.g. from sweating, can increase the rate of heat loss from the body.  Safety Tips for Workers Keep extra clothing (including underwear) handy in case you get wet and need to change. Drink warm sweetened fluids (no alcohol). Avoid touching cold metal or wet surfaces with bare skin. Use proper engineering controls, safe work practices, and personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by your employer. Well Done! Thank you for participating.