TOOL TYPE CHART
GEOGRAPHY ALL
LAST REVIEWED 11/8/14
SOURCE:
WSCC
FROSTBITE RISK AND CONTROL CHART
BENEFITS
Exposure to winter weather conditions, such as low temperatures, snow, wind and ice, can endanger your
workers and lead to frostbite, hypothermia and other conditions. So if your workers work outside in the
winter or are exposed to winter weather conditions, you should take steps to protect them, including
educating them on the impact of various kinds of weather conditions, such as wind chill.
HOW TO USE THE TOOL
Use this chart to educate workers and supervisors on wind chill, its impact on the risk of getting frostbite and
steps to take to avoid developing this condition. Display it in your workplace and give it to all workers and
supervisors as part of your cold stress training
OTHER RESOURCES:
WSCC’s Thermal Conditions Code of Practice
Spot the Safety Violation: Dress Properly to Avoid Cold Stress
Cold Stress & the OHS Laws
Cold Exposure Control Plan
Model Cold Stress Policy
Cold Stress Checklist
Cold Stress Handout
Cold Work Warm-up Break Schedule
T H I S T O O L A N D H U N D R E D S M O R E A V A I L A B L E I N T H E O H S T O O L B O X A T www.ohsinsider.com. Templates and tools from OHS
Insider are provided for members of our service. Members may use this document as is or as a starting point to customize their
own documents. OHS Insider assumes no responsibility for the effectiveness or legality of any of its online templates or tools.
Always consult your legal counsel and management before implementing any new policies or procedures.
FROSTBITE RISK AND CONTROL CHART
WIND CHILL
0 to -9°C
RISK OF FROSTBITE
Low
-10 to -27°C
Low
-28 to -39°C
Increasing risk:
Exposed skin can
freeze in 10 to 30
minutes
-40 to -47°C
High risk:
Exposed skin can
freeze in 5 to 10
minutes
WARNING LEVEL
-48 to -54°C
High risk:
Exposed skin can
freeze in 2 to 5
minutes
-55°C and colder
High risk:
Exposed skin can
freeze in less than 2
minutes
HEALTH CONCERN
Slight increase in discomfort
WHAT TO DO
Dress warmly, with the outside
temperature in mind
Uncomfortable
 Dress in layers of warm
clothing, with an outer
Risk of hypothermia if
layer that’s wind-resistant
outside for long periods
 Wear a hat, mittens and
without adequate protection
scarf
 Keep active
Check face and extremities
 Dress in layers of warm
(fingers, toes, ears and nose)
clothing, with an outer
for numbness or whiteness
layer that’s wind-resistant
(frostbite)
 Cover exposed skin: wear a
hat, mittens and a scarf,
Risk of hypothermia if
neck tube or facemask
outside for long periods
 Keep active
without adequate protection
Check face and extremities
 Dress in layers of clothing,
frequently for numbness or
with an outer layer that’s
whiteness (frostbite)
wind-resistant
 Cover all exposed skin:
Risk of hypothermia if
wear a hat, mittens and a
outside for long periods
scarf, neck tube or
without adequate protection
facemask
 Keep active
Check face and extremities
 Be careful—dress very
frequently for numbness or
warmly in layers of
whiteness (frostbite)
clothing, with an outer
layer that’s wind-resistant
Serious risk of hypothermia
 Cover all exposed skin:
if outside for long periods
wear a hat, mittens and a
scarf, neck tube or
facemask
 Be ready to cut short or
cancel outdoor activities
 Keep active
DANGER!
Stay indoors
Outdoor conditions are
hazardous
T H I S T O O L A N D H U N D R E D S M O R E A V A I L A B L E I N T H E O H S T O O L B O X A T www.ohsinsider.com. Templates and tools from OHS
Insider are provided for members of our service. Members may use this document as is or as a starting point to customize their
own documents. OHS Insider assumes no responsibility for the effectiveness or legality of any of its online templates or tools.
Always consult your legal counsel and management before implementing any new policies or procedures.