6-03 The Effects of Extreme Cold

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CHAPTER 6-3
The effects of extreme cold


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Advisory notice

Reference

Enquiries
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THE EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD


Advisory notice

The operational needs of the Public Service require some employees to work
outdoors in conditions of extreme cold.  The purpose of this advisory
notice is to give information regarding the effects of cold, advice on how
to prevent these effects from occurring, and how to deal with the effects
before medical help can be reached.

Frostbite - This is the destruction of body tissues, usually in the face,
hands or feet, by freezing.  Circulation of blood in the tissues is slowed,
then stopped; the skin appears a waxy white and becomes numb.  Severe
frostbite can lead to the destruction of tissue and even to the loss of
fingers or toes (gelure).

Hypothermia - This is an actual lowering of body temperature due to the
prolonged exposure to cold.  Heat is lost from the body faster than it can
be generated by metabolic activity.  There is a gradual deterioration of
body function leading eventually to loss of consciousness and death
(hypothermie).

Trench foot - This is a form of local cooling of the feet, usually in cold,
damp or even wet conditions, and can occur under conditions less cold than
those producing frostbite (pieds gelés).

Clothing - The purpose of cold weather clothing is to maintain layers of
warm air around the body.  Clothing should be worn in a number of layers,
so that one or more items of clothing can be discarded when doing heavy
work.  The outer layer should be windproof.  Gloves should also be in
layers, again with a windproof outer layer.  Mitts are warmest, but a pair
of gloves should be carried for more exacting work.  "Mukluk" type footwear
is best for the feet, provided that they will not get wet.  Protection of
the head is essential as this is where most heat loss occurs.  Face masks
may also be needed (porter des vêtements appropriés).

Keeping dry - Wet clothing will conduct heat away from the body.  Sweating
should be avoided by wearing only enough layers of clothing when working
hard, and by opening clothing at the neck.  Dry socks should be put on each
morning.  Snow must be brushed off all clothing before it is put on.  Note
that gasoline, when very cold, can cause severe skin burns.  It must never
be allowed to come in contact with the skin.  The same applies to metal
objects (rester au sec).

Avoid the wind - Avoid exposure of the face to the wind.  Build windbreaks
or arrange to work on the lee side of buildings or trees (rester à l'abri
du vent).

Frostbite - Use the buddy system, keeping a watch for the appearance of a
white patch on another employee's face.  If this happens the person
affected should hold his/her bare hand over the area to warm it up. 
Fingers can be warmed by placing the hands close to the body, preferably
under the armpits.  If feet are frozen, the person affected should not
walk, but should be transported to a warm place.  Further treatment, in all
frostbite cases, should be undertaken by a physician (gelure).

Hypothermia - Treatment is by slow re-warming.  The victim should be
protected from further heat loss by being wrapped in blankets and moved to
a medical treatment centre or a hospital as soon as possible.  Unconscious
patients should be handled very gently.  Hot water bottles or other warming
devices, if available, should be no more than comfortably warm and must not
be applied directly to the skin (hypothermie).

Reference

This chapter replaces chapter 6-7 of PMM Volume 12.

Enquiries

Enquiries should be directed to the responsible officers in departments
headquarters, who in turn, may seek interpretation from the following:

      Safety, Health and Employee Services Group
      General Personnel Policy Development and Compensation Division
      Personnel Policy Branch
      Treasury Board Secretariat