Cold Checklist

These tailgate/toolbox talks were developed for use under California OSHA regulations. The complete set is available from the Labor Occupational Health Program at UC Berkeley. For ordering information, visit the website (www.lohp.org) The American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has adapted these talks to apply to federal OSHA regulations. To contact ACGIH, visit its web site (www.acgih.org).

Date Prepared:_________________________	By:______________________
Project Name/No.______________________	Location:_________________

• Check the box if the statement is true.
• Fill in the blanks where the appears.

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION [1509]

• The company has a written Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) that meets all Cal/OSHA requirements. It includes identification of hazards on the site involving exposure to cold, as well as regular inspections, accident investigation, and correction of hazardous conditions.
• Tasks which require exposure to cold have been identified.

Describe tasks on this job site involving exposure to cold: (a) Is work done outdoors in cold temperatures? Which jobs? How cold is it? Is cold a problem all day or part of the day? Are conditions also damp? How windy is it? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

(b) is work done in cold and/or damp indoor areas? Which jobs? __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________

(c) Does work require contact with cold and/or damp objects or materials? Which jobs? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

TRAINING [1509]

• Workers have been trained to recognize the signs of frostbite (including changes in skin color or peeling skin).
• Workers know how to administer first aid for frostbite.
• Workers have been trained to recognize the signs of hypothermia (including uncontrolled shivering, slow/slurred speech, weak pulse, confusion, or drowsiness).
• Workers have been trained on precautions to take when working in the cold, and proper use of protective clothing and equipment.
• Workers understand the effect alcohol and drugs have on the risk of hypothermia.

WORK PRACTICES [1509]

• Temperature and wind are controlled as much as possible. Heaters, wind shields, and windbreaks are used where feasible.
  
• Workers in cold jobs are rotated when possible, so no one is exposed to cold too long.
• There are plenty of warm liquids (soup, broth, or tea) readily available on the site. Workers drink a quart an hour or more, depending on conditions and their level of exertion. (Dehydration occurs as readily in the cold as it does in the heat.)
• A warm shed, trailer, or van is provided so workers can take breaks and warm up. Sufficient breaks are taken.
• Where feasible, hair is cut and beards shaved or closely trimmed. (Ice can build up on them; they can hide signs of frostbite.)
• Skin contact with cold metal is prohibited.
• Workers periodically touch their extremities (fingers, toes, ears, nose tip, and cheeks) to detect numb or hard areas which might indicate frostbite.
• Workers use the “buddy system” to recognize signs of frostbite and hypothermia in each other.
• In extreme cold or high wind chill conditions, all skin is kept covered.
• First aid supplies and equipment are available.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING [1509]

• Workers wear layers of loose clothing.
• Clothing is kept dry. (Body heat is lost very quickly when clothing is wet.) Waterproof outer shells are not used if workers are sweating, to prevent soaking clothing inside.
• Workers wear full head coverings.
• Workers wear mittens or gloves. (Mittens are better in extremely cold temperatures. Machine controls may need to be modified.)
• In cold and wet conditions (snow, sleet, hail), workers wear waterproof boots. (Regular work boots and rubber overboots are OK.)

GENERAL INSPECTION
Other Hazards Noted	Action
Near Miss Reports:
Other: