ARCHIVED REPORTS XR0000638 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I �i Ilvgothermia is defined as a decrease in the patient core temperature below 96-OF. The body temperature is norm, aily maintained by a combination of ' . central (brain and spinai cord) and oertpherai (skin and muscle) activity, Interferences with any of these mechanisms can result in hypothermia_ even in the absence of what normaiiv is considered a "cold" ambient temperature. Symptoms of hypothermia inciude: shivering, apathy, listlessness. sleepiness. 1 and unconsciousness. - Frostbite is both a general and medical terra given to areas of local cold injury. Unlike systemic hypothermia. frostbite rarely occurs unless the f ambient temperatures are less than freezing and usually less than ZfcF. Symptoms of frostbite are- a sudden blanching or whitening of the skin; the s skin has a waxy or whites appearance and is firm to the touch; tissues are ecoid, pale,and solid. { Prevention of Cold Related Illness - f • Educate workers to recognize the symptoms of frostbite and hypothermia • Identify and limit known risk factors: • Assure the availability of enclosed. heated environment on or adjacent to the site. Assure the availability ofd changes of clothing. . t"Y B g- � • Develop the capability for temperature recording at the site. Assure the availability of warm drinks. Monitoring - - Start (oral) temperature recording a the job site: I yAt the Field Team Leader's discretion when suspicion is based on changes ti .in a worker's performance or mentai status. • At a worker's retauest. • As a screening measure. two times per shift. under unusually hazardous conditions (e.g., wind-chill less than 00F, or wind-chill less than 33Q°F with precipitation). • As a screening measure whenever any one worker on the site develops hypothermia. Any person developing moderate hypother;r:ia (a core temperature of 920F) cannot return to work for 48 hours. h CT I i ' I E F.+1r��s�-�il�•1 i 2-5 I