Control Measures - est55030074

DOE-EM-STD-5503-94

Inadequate clothing, and

Poor worker health.

The physical conditions that effect cold exposure disorders or conditions are the same as those

associated with heat disorders or conditions, such as physical fitness, alcohol or drug use, and

disease.

6.3.1. Control Measures

The presence of dead air space between the warm body and clothing and the outside air is

essential. Many layers of relatively light clothing with an outer shell of windproof material

maintains body temperature much better than a single heavy outer garment worn over ordinary

indoor clothing. The more air cells each clothing layer has, the more efficient it insulates against

body heat loss. Clothing also needs to allow some venting of perspiration. In addition to

adequate clothing, whenever possible, full use should be made of windbreaks and heat tents.

Table 6-3 gives the recommended time limits for working in various low temperature ranges.

TABLE 6-3

Maximum Daily Time Limits for Exposure at Low Temperatures

Temperature Range

Maximum Daily Exposure

Celsius

Fahrenheit

0 to -18

30 to 0

No limit, providing that the person is properly clothed.

-18 to -34

0 to -30

Total work time: 4 hours. Alternate 1 hour in and 1 hour out of the low-

temperature area.

-34 to -57

-30 to -70

Two periods of 30 minutes each at least 4 hours apart. Total low

temperature work time allowed is 1 hour.

-57 to -73

-70 to -100

Maximum permissible work time is 5 minutes during an 8-hour working

day. At these extreme temperatures, completely enclosed headgear,

equipped with a breathing tube running under the clothing and down the

leg to preheat the air, is recommended.

6.3.2. Physiological Monitoring

Early recognition of the symptoms of cold exposure stress is essential in preventing serious or

permanent disorders or conditions. Workers and managers involved in cold weather operations

should be adequately trained to recognize the following conditions and related symptoms:

6-6