injuries and what to do to help the worker.
Train the workforce about cold-induced illness and injury.
Select proper clothing for cold,wet and windy conditions.
* Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures.
Wear a hat and gloves in addition to underwear that will keep water from skin (polypropylene).
Take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters.Perform work during warmest part of day.
Avoid exhaustion or fatigue as energy is required to keep a body warm.
Use the buddy system (work in pairs).
Drink warm sweet beverages (sugar water, sports type drinks).
Avoid drinks with caffeine such as: coffee, tea, hot chocolate or alcohol.
Eat warm, high calorie foods such as pasta dishes.

Workers are at increased Risk when....

They have predisposing health conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension.
They take certain medications. Check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacy and ask if any of your medications you are taking affect you while working in cold environments.
They are in poor physical condition, have a poor diet or are of older age.

Hypothermia-Medical EmergencyWhat happens to the body.....

Normal body temperature of 98.6F drops to or below 95F.
Fatigue or drowsiness is evident,uncontrolled shivering, cool skin bluish in color, slurred speech, clumsy movements, irritable, irrational or confused behavior

What should be done....

Call for emergency help (ambulance or 911)
Move the person to a warm, dry area. Stay or have someone responsible stay with the injured person.
Remove any wet clothing and replace with dry clothing or wrap in blankets.
*If they are able, have person move their arms and legs to generate muscle heat.
DO NOT rub the persons body or place in a warm water bath, this could stop the heart.

FROST BITE What happens to the body....

Freezing in deep layers of skin and tissue. Pale, waxy white skin color. Skin becomes hard and numb.Usually affects the extremeties (fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears and nose).

What should be done.....**

Just as in hypothermia move to a warm, dry place.
Remove wet or tight clothing that may block blood flow to the affected area.
**DO NOT RUB affected area as this may cause skin and tissue damage.
*GENTLY place affected area in a warm water bath approx. 105F do not pour warm water directly on the skin as it will warm too quickly and damage can occur. Proper warming takes about 25-40 minutes.

After the affected area has been warmed it may become puffy or blister. The affected area may have feelings of burning or numbness. when normal feeling, movement and skin color have returned, the area should be dried and wrapped to keep it warm.

NOTE: If there is a chance the affected are may get cold again, Do Not warm the skin. If the skin is warmed and then gets cold again severe tissue damage will result.

IN ALL CASES seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Get familiar with these simple procedures and remember: " It is better to know it and not need it than to need it and not know it."

This article is excerpted from a recent OSHA document to view the full document with a handy reference chart go to:

Pressure Washing Cold Weather Safety Reference Chart

How to Properly Store your Pressure washer Pump

Pressure Washer and Ladder Safety

Read About Pressure Washers and Carbon Monoxide

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