Richard Design Services, Inc.

750 Pearl Street

Beaumont, Texas 77701

SAFETY TRAINING FEBRUARY, 2011

WORKING IN THE COLD

This safety session should teach employees to recognize the hazards and symptoms of exposure to cold and how to
prevent and respond to cold exposure.

1. Overexposure to Cold – Indoors or Outdoors – Can Be Harmful to Health

A. Frostbite – Body tissues may freeze when skin is exposed to extreme cold or touches a very cold object.
1) The nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes are at greatest risk.
2) Worst cases can cause permanent tissue damage, loss of movement in affected parts, and possibly
unconsciousness and death from heart failure.
3) Damage may be greater if the body part is thawed, then refrozen.
B. Hypothermia – Exposure to cold may send body temperatures to dangerously low levels.
1) It can occur in above-freezing temperatures when it is windy or you are exhausted or wearing wet
clothes.
2) Worst cases can lead to unconsciousness and death,
C. Factors that increase the risks of frostbite and hypothermia include:
1) Age
2) Overweight
3) Smoking and Drinking
4) Certain medications, allergies, or poor circulation
5) Victims’ failure to recognize symptoms and take prompt action

2. Reduce the Risks of Exposure to Extreme Cold

A. Avoid bathing, smoking, or drinking alcohol before going into cold conditions.
B. Wear layers of loose, dry clothes.
1) If possible, wear wool underneath and a waterproof layer on top..
C. Always cover hands, feet, face, and head in the cold
1) An uncovered head can make the body lose up to 40 percent of its heat
D. Change or get dry immediately if clothes get wet.
E. Keep moving while working in the cold. Take regular breaks in warm areas.
F. Move to a warm area when you start to feel very cold or numb.
1) Have a warm alcohol-free, caffeine-free drink..

3. Recognize Frostbite and Hypothermia Symptoms

A. Frostbite Symptoms include:

1) Feeling extremely cold, then numb – with possible tingling, aching, or brief pain.
2) White or grayish yellow glossy skin, which may blister.
3) Confusion, failing eyesight, and shock as condition progresses
B. Hypothermia Symptoms include:
1) Chills, shivering, numbness and sometimes pain in the extremities.
2) Slurred speech, poor coordination, confusion, drowsiness.
Richard Design Services, Inc.
750 Pearl Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701

SAFETY TRAINING FEBRUARY, 2011

WORKING IN THE COLD

4. Respond Quickly and Correctly to Frostbite and Hypothermia Symptoms

Act immediately when symptoms develop to prevent serious problems

A. Move to a warm place

B. Replace frozen, wet, or tight clothes with warm clothes or blankets
C. Drink a warm beverage – without alcohol or caffeine
D. Get medical help after first aid treatment
E. Take first aid actions for frostbite:
1) Warm the frozen part immediately with blankets or warm (not hot) water
2) Avoid touching the frozen part; do not rub it or hit it.
3) Keep the frozen part away from hot stoves, heat lamps or hot water bottles.
4) Do not break blisters or drink anything with caffeine.
5) Exercise the body part once it is warm – but do not walk on frostbitten feet.
F. Take first aid actions for hypothermia:
1) Cover victim with blankets – and/or lie next to person to give body heat.
2) DO NOT use hot baths, electric blankets, or hot water bottles.
3) Keep the person awake and give artificial respiration if needed.
4) Get emergency help immediately if the person loses consciousness,

In conclusion, you must dress and move to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Act immediately if you or someone around
you experiences any symptoms.

Please review and complete the attached Quiz. Once completed, forward to the RDS Safety Department, Attn: Jeanie
Sistrunk. This entire file can be forwarded by pushing the red button at the bottom of the test which will send back to the
Safety Department via email.

If you have any questions, problems or believe there is a safety issue that you feel needs immediate attention, please call
Jeanie Sistrunk at 832-7827, Extension 1544 or cell phone (409)658-6904.

DID YOU KNOW………..

Falling while getting into or out of heavy equipment, a truck or tractor cab, hooking up air and electrical lines, or mounting
or dismounting trailers is a sure way to get seriously hurt. An insurance industry study showed that falls from vehicles
produced injuries that were almost 25% worse than other types of injuries.

Even an ankle sprain can play havoc with your ability to use the clutch. Minor injuries can cost you big in terms of lost
income and downtime.

The biggest single cause of falls from a vehicle is driver error and failure to follow the THREE-POINT rule.
Richard Design Services, Inc.
750 Pearl Street
Beaumont, Texas 77701

SAFETY TRAINING FEBRUARY, 2011

WORKING IN THE COLD

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO AVOID FALLS?

No matter what type of access system your vehicle has available, use the THREE-POINT system to significantly reduce
the chance of a slip or fall. The THREE-POINT system means three of your four limbs are in contact with the vehicle at all
times-two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand.

The THREE-POINT system allows a person to have maximum stability and support, thereby reducing the likelihood of
slipping and falling. Be a winner; use the THREE-POINT system.

DO'S

• Wear shoes with good support -- not sandals, bare feet or high heels.
• Exit and enter facing the cab.
• Slow down and use extra caution in bad weather.
• Get a firm grip on rails or handles with your hands.
• Look for obstacles on the ground below before exiting.

DON'Ts

• Don't climb down with something in your free hand. Put it on the vehicle floor and reach up for it when you get
down on the ground.
• Don't rush to climb out after a long run. Descend slowly, to avoid straining a muscle.
• Don't ever jump out. You may land off balance or on an uneven surface, and fall.
• Don't use tires or wheel hubs as a step surface.
• Don't use the door frame or door edge as a handhold.
• Don't become an injury statistic