Wrap the entire body (including the head and neck) in layers of blankets and with a vapor barrier (e.g. Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing.Move the worker to a warm room or vehicle.This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know what is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. Moderate to severe symptoms of hypothermia are loss of coordination, confusion, slurred speech, heart rate/breathing slow, unconsciousness and possibly death. Although shivering indicates that the body is losing heat, it also helps the body to rewarm itself. Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40☏) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.Īn important mild symptom of hypothermia is uncontrollable shivering, which should not be ignored. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body’s stored energy. Exposure to cold temperatures causes the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature (98.6☏) drops to less than 95☏. Give warm sweetened drinks if alert (no alcohol).It is safer for the frostbitten area to be rewarmed by medical professionals. If a frostbitten area is rewarmed and gets frozen again, more tissue damage will occur. DO NOT try to re-warm the frostbitten area before getting medical help, for example, do not use heating pads or place in warm water.DO NOT rub or massage the affected area, because rubbing causes damage to the skin and tissue.Protect the frostbitten area, e.g., by wrapping loosely in a dry cloth and protect the area from contact until medical help arrives.Follow the recommendations described above for hypothermia.Unless necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes.Get into a warm room as soon as possible.Reddened skin develops gray/white patches in the fingers, toes, nose, or ear lobes tingling, aching, a loss of feeling, firm/hard, and blisters may occur in the affected areas. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures. Frostbite can cause permanent damage to the body, and in severe cases can lead to amputation. Provide engineering controls such as radiant heaters.įrostbite is caused by the freezing of the skin and tissues.Avoid touching cold metal or wet surfaces with bare skin.Stay well nourished by snacking on high carbohydrate foods.Schedule work during the warmest part of the day.Schedule frequent short breaks in warm dry areas, to allow the body to warm up.How to select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions.
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