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Thermal Comfort Web
Thermal Comfort Web
www.rmt.org.uk
INTRODUCTION
Workplace temperatures are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety &
Welfare) Regulations 1992 which place a duty on employers to ensure that
there is a ‘reasonable’ temperature. This is further supported by the
Approved Code of Practice which states that a minimum temperature
should be 16°C for sedentary work or 13°C for more vigorous activities.
There is no minimum stipulated for outdoor working but the Management
of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to assess
the risk to health and safety of their employees arising out of their work
activity. Employers should carry out thermal risk assessments for outdoor
activities.
HEALTH RISKS
There are a variety of health risks associated with being cold for long
periods of time and these are not limited to:
• Non-freezing injuries
• Freezing injuries
• Chilblains
• Hypothermia
• Frostbite
• Frostnip
SUSCEPTIBILITY TO COLD
Susceptibility to cold injury varies from person to person. In general,
people in good physical health are less susceptible to cold injury. While
anyone working in a cold environment may be at risk, the following
conditions may make the risk of cold injury greater:
KEEPING WARM
In order to survive and stay active in the cold, the constant heat loss has
to be counterbalanced by the production of an equal amount of heat. Heat
is both required and produced at the cellular level as a result of complex
metabolic processes that convert food - a primary source of energy - into
glycogen. Glycogen is a substance that is the "fuel" for biochemical
processes underlying all life functions, heat production included.
• Food intake
• “Fuel" (glycogen) store
• Fluid balance
• Physical activity
• Shivering - a reflex reaction, which increases the body's heat
production (up to 500%) when necessary. This reaction is limited to a few
hours because of depletion of muscle glycogen and the onset of fatigue
EAT PROPERLY
Balanced meals and adequate liquid intake are essential to maintain body
heat and prevent dehydration. Eat properly and frequently. Working in the
cold requires more energy than in warm weather because the body is
working to keep the body warm. It requires more effort to work when
wearing bulky clothing and winter boots especially when walking through
snow.
DRINK OFTEN
Drink fluids often especially when doing strenuous work. For warming
purposes, hot non-alcoholic beverages or soup are suggested. Caffeinated
drinks such as coffee should be limited because it increases urine
production and contributes to dehydration. Caffeine also increases the
blood flow at the skin surface which can increase the loss of body heat.
HEAT RETENTION
Heat retention and tolerance to cold also depends on the body's structure,
certain reflex and behavioural mechanisms that retain heat within the
body as well as what you are wearing. Factors that influence heat
retention are:
REGULAR BREAKS
Along with proper clothing, regular breaks being taken in a warm
building, with access to warm drinks, is an effective method of ensuring
better recovery and efficiency. Food containing plenty of carbohydrates
and fats for energy and warmth prior to beginning work can also help.
Wet clothing should be removed as quickly as possible as it can cause both
accelerated heat loss and impair movement.