19th January 2010, 12:21 PM
Kevin touches on the main point regarding the importance of undertaking risk assessment. The HSE does provide a clarification note http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/inform...utdoor.htm which highlights various options to be considered as part of the assessment, including defering outdoor work until conditions improve:
- Ensure the personal protective equipment [1] issued is appropriate - Provision of mobile facilities for warming up, and encourage the drinking of warm fluids such as soup or hot chocolate
- Introduce more frequent rest breaks
- Can work be delayed and undertaken at warmer times of the year without compromising on safety
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of cold stress.
The Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service (SOHAS) also provide a very useful note (http://guide.opendns.com/track/click.php...arch_pos=1)
that outlines the conditons and describes symtoms associated with cold stress. They also suggests ways of minimising the risks that arise, which can including impairment of judgement that might contribute to other forms of risk.
- Ensure the personal protective equipment [1] issued is appropriate - Provision of mobile facilities for warming up, and encourage the drinking of warm fluids such as soup or hot chocolate
- Introduce more frequent rest breaks
- Can work be delayed and undertaken at warmer times of the year without compromising on safety
- Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of cold stress.
The Sheffield Occupational Health Advisory Service (SOHAS) also provide a very useful note (http://guide.opendns.com/track/click.php...arch_pos=1)
that outlines the conditons and describes symtoms associated with cold stress. They also suggests ways of minimising the risks that arise, which can including impairment of judgement that might contribute to other forms of risk.