Safe Operating Procedures for Hot and Cold Environments
Purpose
To define the safe operating procedures in a manner that informs and instructs employees of [Employer/Organization Name] on the key health and safety hazards and controls to remember when working under heat or cold stress.
Definitions
Heat stress: Working in a hot environment puts stress on your body's cooling system; combining this with other stresses such as hard physical work, loss of fluids, fatigue or some medical conditions, may lead to heat-related illness, disability and even death.
Cold stress: Working in a cold environment puts stress on the body’s heating system; a cold environment can lower the body’s inner temperature, causing extremities of body parts to freeze.
Personal Protective Equipment
Hot Environment
Fabrics that minimize heat storage and enhances sweat evaporation
Choose fabrics that are light weight made of natural fibres or fabrics that have high absorption properties
Sunglasses with 100% ultraviolet (UV) protection
Protective hat
Reflective clothing
Cooling vest
Face shield
Cold Weather
Turtle necks and sweaters in layers
Polar fleece or other insulating jackets and vests
Polar fleece or other insulated pants
Socks
Hat
Gloves
Responsibilities
Supervisors
It is the responsibility of supervisors to:
Ensure that they are familiar with this procedure and its application.
Identify employees, contract personnel or supplied employees who may be exposed to heat and cold stress.
Provide employees with proper and adequate time to adjust, tools and training to perform their work safely and adapt to the environment.
Employees
It is the responsibility of every employee, contract personnel or temporary employees (e.g. casual, seasonal, summer/coop students) to:
Receive training on this procedure.
Advise supervisors when this procedure cannot be followed.
Cooperate with management, designee or consultant personnel in hazard assessment, monitoring and control activities.
Safe Operating Procedure
Tasks with the potential to cause heat and cold stress will be identified as part of the hazard analysis process. These tasks will then be further evaluated to determine if risks are significant and if heat and cold controls are warranted.
Heat and cold hazards will also be identified through employee reporting of discomfort.
The heat and cold stressors will be compared to Ministry of Labour (MOL) standards, industry best practices and professional standards (e.g. ACGIH) to determine if controls are needed.
The primary method of control will be to eliminate or minimize the heat and cold stressor causing discomfort by altering the task or by introducing engineering controls. This process will be undertaken unless deemed economically unfeasible.
If the above is not possible then secondary controls, such as administrative controls duration of exposure, re scheduling of work, will be undertaken.
Before Working Outdoors
Check weather conditions.
When working in cold environments (i.e. temperatures of -26ºC or below) follow a work warm-up schedule.
Do not work alone; use the buddy system. Watch for signs of frostbite, hypothermia and/or heat stress in fellow employees. If required to work alone, follow working in isolation procedure.
Working in Hot Environments (Indoors or Outdoors)
Drink liquids to replace body fluids lost through perspiration and to maintain a normal body core temperature.
Acclimatize your body to the heat by slowing increasing your time in hot working conditions over a four-day period or reducing the physical demands of the job for a week or two (until your body has become accustomed to the heat).
Take frequent breaks in a cool area.
If possible, complete strenuous jobs at cooler times of day.
Look for ways to reduce manual physical activity, such as climbing steps, lifting, carrying and walking.
If possible, avoid direct sunlight.
Use a buddy system to slow down the pace of work.
Wear light summer clothing that allows free air movement and sweat evaporation.
If working with radiant heat sources, wear reflective clothing.
Working in Cold Environments (Indoors or Outdoors)
Wear clothing appropriate for the task and dress in layers
. Be sure not to wear cotton as the first layer nearest to your skin, as cotton absorbs sweat. Wear nylon long underwear, head protection, gloves and boots at all times.
Avoid sweating. Remove layers clothing to prevent clothes from becoming wet.
Take frequent long breaks in a warm area.
Additional Resources
Ministry of Labour Heat Stress Guideline
Document Management
Effective Date:Revision Date: