Cold stress

HSE provides guidance on preventing cold stress

Employers and employees should note that where HSE does not have specific guidance ie working in temperatures below 12°C, compliance with British/European Standards ensures you are working to the minimum standard expected. As a first point of reference in these circumstances employers/employees are advised to refer to the following British Standards:

• BS EN 511: Specification for protective gloves against cold
• ISO 13732-3 Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Touching of cold surfaces Part 3. Ergonomics data and guidance for application
• BS 7915: 1998 Ergonomics of the thermal environment : Guide to design and evaluation of working practices for cold indoor environments.
• ISO 11079 Evaluation of cold environments - Determination of required clothing insulation (IREQ)
• ISO 15743 Ergonomics of the thermal environment - cold workplaces - risk assessment and management

The standards named are not an exhaustive list but provide a basis from which to formulate a risk assessment strategy and to start managing the problem. You may need to refer to additional standards but this will be dependant on your operational circumstances.