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5.3 Cold Stress Program This procedure applies to all employees who perform field work in cold environments at risk of cold stress injury and intended to protect workers from the most severe effects of cold stress. 5.3.1 Training ATC Site employees have been trained in cold stress as part of their HAZWOPER 40-hour initial training. Site workers will receive refresher training by the SSHO in cold stress safety and health procedures. The training program will include, as a minimum, instruction in the following areas: Proper first-aid treatment Proper clothing practices Proper eating and drinking habits Recognition of impending frostbite Recognition of the signs and symptoms of impending hypothermia or excessive cooling of the body when shivering does not occur Safe working practices The SSHO will be trained in first-aid, CPR, and cold stress conditions. 5.3.2 Environmental Monitoring Frostbite and hypothermia are two types of cold injury that personnel must be protected against during the performance of field duties. The objective is to prevent the deep body temperature from falling below 96.8° F and to prevent cold injury to body extremities. Two factors influence the development of a cold injury the ambient temperature, and wind velocity. The SSHO will monitor environmental conditions by recording ambient temperature and estimated wind- speed. Information contained in Tables 5-1 and 5-2 will be used to evaluate the possibility of hypothermia among workers on-site. 5.3.3 Protective Clothing and Rest Breaks Use appropriate cold weather clothing when temperatures are at or below 40°F as exposed skin surfaces must be protected. These protective items can include facemask, hand wear, and foot wear. Workers handling evaporative solvents during cold stress conditions will take special precautions to avoid soaking gloves and clothing because of the added danger of prolonged skin contact and evaporative cooling. Personnel will wear protective clothing appropriate for the level of cold and planned physical activity. The objective is to protect all parts of the body, with emphasis on the hands and feet. Eye protection against glare and ultraviolet light should be worn in snowy and icy conditions. The work rate should not be so great as to cause heavy sweating that could result in wet clothing. If heavy work must be done, opportunities for rest breaks will be provided where workers have the opportunity to change into dry clothing. Conversely, plan work activities to minimize time spent sitting or standing still. Rest breaks should be taken in a warm, dry area. Windbreaks can also be used to shield the work area from the cooling effects of wind. 5.3.4 Identification and Treatment of Cold Stress When frostbite, hypothermia, or other cold stress symptoms are suspected, treat the patient to relieve symptoms or transport them to the medical facility identified on page TC-4. HASP Farmer 2017 5-3 9/19/17