Page 26 - Occupational Health & Safety, December 2018

PROTECTIVE APPAREL
The Essence of Cold Weather Protection
Lightweight garments may seem counterintuitive for protecting against the cold, but layering up lightweight garments is one of the best ways to combat the cold and remain comfortable.
BY MELISSA GERHARDAT
s the seasons change, we are used to ad-
justing our everyday wardrobes to combat dwindling temperatures. For workers such as those in the oil and gas and utility indus-
tries, who may face long periods of exposure to the outdoors, transitioning work wear for the changing seasons is just as important.
Long hours outdoors leaves workers susceptible to cold stress and related illnesses. Similar to heat stress, cold stress occurs when someone begins to lose the ability to regulate his or her body temperature during prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, in this case to the cold. This can lead to a decrease in pro- ductivity and performance. As core body temperature drops, various stages of hypothermia occur, which can cause workers to lose coordination and experi- ence a decrease in breathing and heart rate. How the cold affects a worker can depend on many factors, including medications, pre-existing conditions, and body composition. (Princeton University, 2018)
For workers who face arc flash or flash fire haz- ards, combating the cold may not be as simple as throwing a favorite jacket over their FR gear, but dressing for cold doesn’t have to be complicated. First, remember it’s important to follow the safety protocols outlined by employers. Any outer layer added over FR uniforms also needs to be FR and compliant to the standards appropriate for protection against potential hazards. Just as with any other hazard, education is a key step in mitigating cold stress.
As soon as core temperature begins to drop, mild hypothermia occurs and brings common symptoms such as shivering, lack of coordination, stumbling, fumbling, and slurred speech. When you’re in a cold environment, most of your body’s energy is used to keep your internal temperature warm. (Princeton University, 2018) When you’re busy trying to keep warm, it can be very difficult to focus on getting the job done. Preparing workers for their environmental conditions not only works to help keep them safe, but also it helps maintain productivity levels. Acclimating workers to cold exposure, hydration, scheduling fre- quent breaks, and equipment such as heaters are all part of the prevention process. (Dorsey, 2018)
According to OSHA, “[d]ressing properly is ex- tremely important to preventing cold stress.” The agency’s Cold Stress Guide provides information for
employers to prepare their team for coming months. Some of OSHA’s recommendations for dressing for the cold are using light, loose layers that allow for ventilation and including a moisture-wicking layer against the skin. (OSHA, 2018) These recommenda- tions align with end user research that has identified the top three characteristics of a comfortable garment as lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking.
Comfort is Key
Comfort is a contributing factor to workers’ willing- ness to wear their PPE for compliance. An ISEA/ VPPPA survey of safety professionals conducted in 2016 identified these top hurdles to getting wearers to wear their PPE: lack of comfort, too hot, and poor fit. Providing garments that workers want to wear is
22 Occupational Health & Safety | DECEMBER 2018
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NATIONAL SAFETY APPAREL