3 Common Types of Cold Stress - And How You Can Prepare For Them

Whether we're ready or not, winter will be here before we know it. Now is the perfect time to start planning ahead to stay prepared. No matter what winter throws your way—whether it's blizzards, freezing temperatures, or heavy rain—it's crucial to be ready for the changes in working conditions so you can face the season head-on.

While preparation for changing environmental conditions can include a variety of factors, we've boiled it down to three key areas to focus on as you get ready to battle the elements in the coming months: Combating Cold Stress, The Proper PPE for the Elements and Creating A Safe Work Practice Game Plan. Whether you're a seasoned foreman or a road warrior in the trenches, this guide can serve either as a quick checklist that supports a seamless transition into the challenging working conditions that the winter season brings with it.

Combating Cold Stress with Heated Product and PPE

Cold stress results from the body's inability to warm itself. It typically occurs when cold temperatures, high wind, dampness or exposure to cold water, causes skin temperatures to drop quickly. Eventually, these environmental factors force the body to work harder to maintain its core internal body temperature – meaning energy is expelled trying to maintain body heat instead of focusing on the task at hand.

Common Types of Cold Stress and Protection Protocols

Frostbite: Freezing of the skin and tissues on the extremities that can cause permanent damage.

Hypothermia: When core body temperature drops below 95°F. Can also occur at temperatures above 40°F when wet from rain, or damp from sweat.

Trench foot: A non-freezing injury of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions.

Dressing Right for Cold Stress: Heated Glove Liners and Layering Tips

Properly dressing for inclement weather and being aware of how your body is reacting to the conditions are two key aspects of preventing cold stress – especially when cold temperatures cannot be avoided. Layering, specifically a three-layer system, provides better insulation. We recommend the following:

• An inner layer of wool, silk or synthetic (polypropylene) fabric keeps moisture away from the body. Thermal wear, wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold more body heat than cotton.
• A middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric provides insulation even when wet.
• An outer layer that provides wind and rain protection that allows ventilation to prevent overheating.

Keeping extremities protected from extremely cold temperatures, wind chill and from getting damp or wet is the fourth element to properly dressing for the elements.

Creating A Safe Work Proactivce Game Plan for Working in Cold Temperatures

Both employers and employees share the responsibility of preparing to work in cold weather conditions. At a minimum, employers should train workers on how to recognize the symptoms of cold stress and develop plans to identify potential hazards that include an actionable safety response. Depending on the scenario, employers may be in a position to equip workers with proper winter PPE. If this is not the case, guidance on selecting proper garments for the specific conditions workers will endure should be provided. OSHA has created a useful resource for employers that details the elements of a safe work practice plan for winter conditions.

Since cold stress symptoms can appear suddenly or over a long stretch of time, self-monitoring and monitoring other coworkers for cold stress symptoms is extremely important. Cold stress is common but avoidable if properly prepared for. PIP® offers functional and transitional outerwear that feature built-in layering features in addition to thermal gloves and headwear that are designed to combat cold stress.

Bisley® Extreme Cold Workwear

• Versatile collection featuring a jacket (343M6450X), bib overall (318M6452T) and coverall (344M6453X that provides workers with the warmth they need to maintain productivity and stay comfortable in harsh conditions
• Durable waterproof 300D Ripstop polyester outer shell paired with Dupont™ Sorona®Aura multi-layered insulation deliver a lightweight feel with heavyweight protection in extreme cold environments down to -51°F (-46°C)

Insulated G-Tek® PolyKor® Cut Resistant Seamless Knit Single-Layer PolyKor / Acrylic Gloves

• Featuring a double-dipped Nitrile Foam grip ideal for wet and dry weather conditions and for applications where secure handling is required
• The PolyKor®/Acrylic blended shell is lightweight and provides excellent dexterity, tactile sensitivity, cut resistance and economical cold weather protection
• Available in three styles: ANSI A6 41-8156, and the fully coated ANSI A3 41-1415 and ANSI A4 41-1417

Boss® Therm™ Heated Apparel

• Therm™ Heated Glove Liner 399-HG20 is made from a soft 4-way stretch material that conforms to your hand for a snug fit without sacrificing dexterity, while the extended cuff prevents drafts and snow from entering making it the perfect liner for any glove
• Therm™ Heated Vest 399-HV100 utilizes innovative heating panels built into the chest and back, delivering customized warmth at the touch of a button with three distinct temperature settings (low, medium, high) to suit varying cold conditions
• Maintain optimal performance and uninterrupted warmth with replacement parts: 5-Volt Battery Unit (399-HVBAT) and Remote Control (399-HVRE) for the heated vest and Replacement Batteries (399-GLVBT) for the heated glove liner

Set yourself up for success this winter season. By focusing your efforts on identifying how you plan to Combat Cold Stress, The Proper PPE for the Elements and Create a Safe Work Practice Game Plan, you position yourself to end the year strong and kick-off the year ahead on the right foot.

If you’re interested in learning more about PIP’s broad offering of cold weather PPE that’s specifically designed to prevent cold stress in a variety of applications, click here or contact your local PIP® Sales Representative today.