Risk assessment for cold work

Abstract

Many people world wide are exposed to cold environments, either artifical as in cold stores and freezing houses, or outdoors. Cold is a hazard to health and may affect performance. Safe and optimal working conditions may be achieved in cold work places by assessing conditions using international standards. ISO 11079 presents a method for evaluation of whole body heat balance as well criteria for assessment of local cooling of for example hand and fingers, bare skin and airways. Additional standards are available describing evaluation strategies, work place observation checklists and checklist for medical screening. Risks associated with contact with cold surfaces can be evaluated with ISO 13732. The strategy and principles for assessment of risks related to cold work are reviewed in this paper.