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1 7 Cold Stress The potential for cold stress is a particular concern when field activities are performed while air temperatures at the site are below 40 degrees F If winds are blowing at 5 miles per hour (mph) or greater and/or the weather is damp or wet, cold stress is even more of a potential hazard Precautions that will be taken to prevent cold stress include wearing cold-protective clothing appropriate for the level of cold and physical activity, changing under clothing if it becomes wet, and establishing a work/warming regimen Cold protective clothing will include layering of garments and use of gloves and hats The warming breaks should be taken in a waren location if at all possible, including improvising a wind break shelter at the site During warming breaks, warm sweet beverages and soups should be consumed to provide calories and fluids Drinking coffee or other caffeineted beverages is not recommended Cold stress, if not prevented, can result in frostbite and hypothermia Ignoring the signs and symptoms of cold stress can be life-threatening Prevention is the key As a preventive measure, body core temperature must not drop below 96 8 degrees F Pain in the extremities is the first early warning of cold stress Severe shivering sets in when the body core temperature has dropped to 95 degrees F or less If this occurs, work will stop immediately and the affected worker(s) will take a warming break of sufficient duration that the cold stress signs and symptoms are gone TRAINING REQUIREMENTS All staff working on site have completed training in hazard recognition and basic health and safety issues as required by the occupational safety and health regulations contained in 29 CFR 1910 120 (e) This training is accomplished through an initial 40-hour classroom program, which ' includes hazard communication training, and 24-hour on-the-job training The 8-hour refresher training is conducted annually In addition, field personnel will be familiar with the requirements of this SSHP, and will participate in site activity and safety briefings provided by the project SSO The SSO and project manager have completed the required 8 hours of additional supervisory training for this project assignment, and first aid and CPR ' All subcontractor personnel directly involved with the field work must also meet the training requirements of 29 CFR 1910 120, and be respirator trained and fit-tested by a qualified person In addition, the subcontractor's field personnel must attend the site safety briefings ' conducted prior to starting field activities and as needed during the project 1 E 152711ssHP Doc