Working in the Cold
Many circumstances, particularly in winter, result in exposure to cold environments. While feeling mildly cold is not normally a health concern, it can present safety issues for some workers.
Common symptoms of cold can include loss of dexterity, uncontrolled shivering, poor hand-eye co-ordination, slow reaction times and impaired decision making- all of which could contribute to incidents.
Prolonged exposure to extreme cold conditions can result in reduction of the core body temperature causing frost bite, irrational behaviour and in severe circumstances death.
To prevent workers being exposed to harmful or uncomfortable cold conditions, we need to consider:
For work in cold:
Assessing all tasks that require working in cold conditions for long periods of time to ensure controls are suitable;
Limit the duration workers need to be outdoors or in cold environments;
Ensure work uniforms are appropriate for the circumstances.
For cold workplaces:
Prevent draughts entering buildings by sealing gaps around windows and doors;
Install insulation;
Cover cold concrete floors with floor-coverings e.g. carpet;
Encourage workers to regularly move about, or exercise and wear suitable clothing.
*CAUTION! Consider whether the control measures will introduce any new hazards into the workplace. For example, woollen or loose clothing around rotating equipment could result in entanglement, and flame-type heaters can introduce fire hazards.
For more information download the fact sheet below
Winter Home Fire Dangers
Cold conditions can result in fire dangers in the home. According to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Winter brings more preventable house fires than any other time of the year.
Some simple steps can prevent most heater-related fires;
Have working smoke alarms in all living areas, hallways and bedrooms and test at least once a month during winter.
Power boards should have an overload protection and not be covered.
Avoid the use of portable heaters where possible.
Keep anything that can burn at least one meter from all heat sources
Have a one meter “child-free zone” and supervise children near heaters.
Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment.
Ensure flues and chimneys are regularly cleaned.
Have heating equipment inspected annually by a qualified professional.
Remember to turn off all heating and extinguish open fires when leaving home or going to bed.
Gas Heater Hazards
Do you have a gas heater at home or work?
Faulty or poorly maintained gas heater can leak carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide can be lethal as it can’t be seen and has no smell. It can cause death or chronic illness.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen in any home or building with gas heating appliances, including newer ones.
Every year Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) runs a campaign currently called “Be Sure” to help keep Victorians safe from carbon monoxide poisoning. The key message of “Be Sure” is that all types of gas heaters should be serviced at least every two years by a registered gasfitter. This includes wall units, central heating units, space heaters and gas log fires.
Get a gasfitter to check your heater
Arrange a gas heater service with your local plumber/ gasfitter.
Check the Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) website here for more information.
