Maintaining an adequate worksite temperature level is essential for the safety and comfort of your workers. When the mercury drops to cold or freezing temperatures, workers are put at risk. The following points should be considered when there is a question of whether your worksite temperature levels are too low.

1. Conduct assessments of cold working conditions

The minimum temperature at each work location should be assessed and monitored, to determine whether your workers are being exposed to temperature extremes. Measurement and monitoring should be carried out for a range of different conditions (including at night and early morning). This will ensure all possible conditions have been covered.

2. Consider control measures

Different control measures should be implemented depending on the severity of the conditions. In extreme conditions, removing workers from the source of the cold should be considered before any other measures are taken. Where required, heating arrangements, (e.g. electric heaters, fuel heaters, central heating, etc.), should be considered.

Where cold conditions cannot be completely eliminated, provide employees with personal protective clothing. In addition, incorporate the following measures into operating procedures:

• Do not allow bare skin to come into contact with cold surfaces below -7°C, especially surfaces made of materials that are good conductors of heat, e.g. metals.
• Do not allow bare skin to come into contact with evaporative liquids, e.g. petrol, cleaning fluids, alcohol.
• Do not remain still for a long time.
• Do not consume alcohol.
• For warming purposes, supply hot non-alcoholic drinks. Limit caffeine consumption as it increases urine production and blood circulation – both increase the loss of body heat.
• Encourage the restriction of tobacco consumption.
• Encourage personnel to eat adequate food frequently.
• Encourage personnel to drink plenty of water to re-hydrate.
• In refrigerated rooms, keep air speed < 1 m/sec where possible.
• All work in cold conditions should be under constant observation (through a buddy system or supervision).

General advice warning

The information on this site is of a general nature only. It does not take your specific needs or circumstances into consideration. You should look at your own situation and requirements before making any decisions.

Learn more about our services.