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Pressure Washers Master Cold Weather Safety & Essential Tips With The OSHA COLD STRESS CARD

Ron Musgraves

Ron Musgraves

Past President
Staff member
Maintaining Safety in Cold Weather is Crucial!

The OSHA Cold Stress Card
Provides Valuable Guidance.

It's Especially Important for All
Pressure Washers & Mobile Cleaning Contractors.

The Key to Cold Weather Safety is Awareness,
Preparation, & Taking Proactive Measures
to Protect Against the Risks of Low Temperatures.
​
Tips Tailored For Contractor Cleaning Industry

Preparation​

  1. Layer Clothing: Wear multiple layers to maintain body heat. Start with moisture-wicking fabrics followed by insulating layers and a waterproof outer layer.​
  2. Protective Gear: Use appropriate gear like insulated gloves, hats, and footwear to prevent frostbite or hypothermia.​
  3. Stay Dry: Change out of wet clothing promptly to prevent heat loss and potential health risks.​
  4. Know the Weather: Stay updated on weather forecasts to plan work accordingly. Wind chill can significantly affect how cold it feels outside.​

Work Practices:​

  1. Frequent Breaks: Schedule regular breaks in warm areas to give the body time to recover from exposure to the cold.​
  2. Buddy System: Implement a buddy system to monitor each other for signs of cold-related illnesses.​
  3. Equipment Maintenance: Ensure that all machinery and tools are properly maintained and functional, as extreme cold can affect their performance.​

Health Awareness:​

  1. Recognize Signs: Train workers to recognize symptoms of cold-related illnesses like hypothermia, frostbite, and trench foot.​
  2. First Aid: Have a well-stocked first-aid kit available and train employees on how to provide basic first aid for cold-related injuries.​
  3. Communication: Encourage open communication among workers to report any concerns about their health or safety in cold conditions.​

Emergency Preparedness:​

  1. Emergency Plan: Establish an emergency plan in case someone experiences severe cold-related symptoms.​
  2. Access to Help: Ensure that emergency services can be contacted easily and that workers know how to seek help if needed.​

Additional Tips:​

  • Encourage employees to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.​
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can cause dehydration and affect body temperature regulation.​
Join the Ultimate Pressure Washing Community
'PRESSURE WASHING FRIENDS'
Your Go-To Hub for Expert Tips & Support!
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​
For More Info Or Updates on Events
Please Sign Up For The National Cleaning Expo​
 
Ron Musgraves

Ron Musgraves

Past President
Staff member
Cold Temperatures with heightened wind speed, accelerate body heat loss, exposing workers to the Risks of Cold Stress.

Anyone working in chilly condition, such as those in freezers, outdoor agriculture, or construction faces these hazards.

Various Types of Cold Stress Include
Hypothermia:
  • When the body temperature drops from the normal 98.6°F to 95°F or lower.
  • Mild Symptoms: Alertness with shivering.
  • Moderate to Severe Symptoms: Shivering stops, confusion, slurred speech, slowed heart rate/breathing, loss of consciousness, and potentially death.
Frostbite:
  • Freezing of body tissues, commonly in hands and feet! Especially with temperatures above freezing due to wind chill.
  • Symptoms: Numbness, reddened skin with gray/white patches, hardened texture, and potential blistering leading to possible amputation.
Trench Foot (Immersion Foot):
  • Non-freezing injury to the foot from prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, even at air temperatures as high as 60°F if the feet stay consistently wet.
  • Symptoms: Redness, swelling, numbness, and blisters.
Risk Factors Include:
  • Improper dressing, wet clothing/skin, and exhaustion.
Employer Responsibilities for Prevention:
  • Providing cold stress hazard training and preventive measures.
  • Offering engineering controls like radiant heaters.
  • Gradually acclimating workers to the cold, monitoring them, and scheduling breaks in warm areas.
Steps to Protect Yourself and Others:
  • Recognize symptoms and monitor yourself and colleagues.
  • Consume warm, sweetened fluids (avoid alcohol).
  • Dress appropriately with layered, loose-fitting, insulating clothing, including insulated jackets, gloves, hats, and waterproof boots.
Actions to Take When a Worker Suffers from Cold Stress
For Hypothermia:
  • Call 911 immediately in emergencies.
  • Move the affected worker to a warm place, change their clothes, and cover them with blankets, avoiding the face.
  • If medical help is distant, offer warm, sweetened drinks (no alcohol), and apply heat packs to specific areas.
For Frostbite:
  • Follow steps similar to those for hypothermia.
  • Avoid rubbing the affected area, walking on frostbitten feet, applying snow or water, or breaking blisters.
For Trench (Immersion) Foot:
  • Remove wet shoes/socks, air dry in a warm area, elevate the affected feet, and seek medical attention.
Join the Ultimate Pressure Washing Community
'PRESSURE WASHING FRIENDS'
Your Go-To Hub for Expert Tips & Support!
1702324122718.png

For More Info Or Updates on Events
Please Sign Up For The National Cleaning Expo​
 
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