General Workplace Safety
Cold Weather

• Are the people going suitable?
• What are they taking to protect themselves?
• What planning are they doing in case of emergency?

• Training and experience of all team members.
• Selection of clothing and equipment.
• Emergency evacuation.
• Communication.
• What if......separated from group, get cut off, roads/air moves impossible etc?
• know the weather forecast before going
• tell someone reliable where you are going and when you will be back
• wear the proper clothing, carry water & emergency gear (survival kit)
• don't  do more than you are capable - know your limits

• BBC staff required to work in predominantly poor climatic conditions be provided with the information that will help ensure their safety and survival.
• So far as possible that staff are taking the correct breaks and are responsible for encouraging staff to keep themselves hydrated and correctly fed.
• That provisions for suitable cover and contingency planning should be made prior to outdoor deployment.
• All staff likely to be deployed in an exposed environment are familiar with clothing requirements.
• People are withdrawn should they develop any medical or physical complications during the course of the work.
• No individuals with underlying medical or psychological conditions are required to work in weather conditions that could be prejudicial to their health.
• Work in such environments should use a buddy system to help minimise the risks from hypothermia.
• Diet is important in preventing problems when working in cold environments. The average person will need 4000 calories per day when working in cold conditions. Poor dietary habits can make people more susceptible to cold weather injuries. Everyone should have a substantial breakfast and then top up energy levels during the day (through biscuits, chocolate etc) a good supply of hot sweet drinks should also be available throughout the day (preferably in hot thermos for ease of transport).
• Dehydration can also be a risk in cold climates due to excessive sweating in protective clothing. Those working in such areas should ensure they take on adequate fluid (2.5litres per day is the average; arduous work in cold weather clothing can double this need).
• Staff should be aware of the signs of dehydration (excessive thirst, dark coloured urine, infrequent passing of urine and eventually mental confusion and irrational behaviour).
• When working in cold conditions it is important to regulate body heat by increasing or decreasing the clothes worn. After periods of strenuous activity it may be necessary to "vent off" or remove layers in order to reduce heat/sweat. Conversely it may also be necessary to wear additional layers when sedentary.
• It is important to ensure that the head is covered; a waterproof woollen hat can reduce body heat loss by up to 35%.
• Alcohol should be avoided when working in cold weather climates as it increases the risks of dehydration/hypothermia and can impair judgement.
• If working in mountainous areas where avalanches are a possibility staff should never work or travel alone and those working in the area should ensure that people are aware of their intended location(s).
• Should any person show adverse effects whilst working in cold weather climates they should withdraw to a warm safe place. Wet clothing should be replaced; medical aid requested and the person monitored continuously.

• It is of paramount importance that each member of the team is sufficiently trained and/or experienced in operating in the conditions.  The worse case scenario should always be planned for.  If the least experienced crew member became separated in poor weather would they have enough knowledge to survive?
• Cold conditions are very unforgiving, a small mistake can cost dearly i.e. leaving a glove off too long can cause frost bite, this means the person is a casualty which has a knock on effect for the team.  They have to look after him, they are slowed down, there is potential for one of them to become a casualty.

• Layered approach.
• Thermal layer next to skin.
• Mid layers easily removable in order to ventilate.
• Outer layer windproof if necessary.
• 2nd outer layer waterproof and breathable.
• Do not over heat, ventilate and if physical exertion expected then start slightly cold.
• If necessary have sleeping bag and insulation underneath such as a foam mat.
• Protect extremities with layers of gloves, good quality hat.  Use tube scarves rather than wrap around scarves which can get blown off.
• Footwear suitable for terrain.  Boots should give good ankle support and have a good grip.  Choose material, Gore-Tex good but stays wet where as leather dries out.   Consider using gaiters over the top of boots.
• Take eye protection.  Sunglasses with UV protection can help reduce glare reflected glare from snow and goggles are essential during blizzards or high wind.
• Carry spare clothing, emergency rations and means to heat them.
• Carry emergency shelter such as survival bag/blanket or tent if possible.
• Carry a suitable medical kit (refer to occupational health)
• Waterproof all spare/emergency kit.
• Always sleep in dry clothing and change into wet clothing when working.  Do not risk getting both sets of clothing wet.

The safety stores can supply suitable equipment.

Emergency evacuation

• This must be pre-planned as it is too late to make it up in a storm with a casualty.
• Consult the High Risk Team and AXA PPP (medical insurance ) to ensure a realistic evacuation procedure is in place.
• Find out where the nearest AXA approved medical facility is.  Does it have the required expertise and facilities?

• Does the mobile/landline system work in the area you are going?
• Consider the use of a satellite phone (NB climatic conditions can seriously impair a sat phone).
• Batteries die quickly in the cold.