|
Winter brings about a number of changes. Travel becomes more difficult and time consuming, we spend more time indoors, and outdoor conditions often become unpleasant, sometimes deadly. While we Canadians often take our winter survival skills for granted, lack of preparation can have serious consequences.
Here’s a “refresher” to help you get ready for winter - at work, at home and while traveling.
|
|
Outdoors
Cold weather can have a number of effects on the body. Cold air can dry the skin and cause loss of body fluids. Some health conditions, such as arthritis, rheumatism, and Raynaud’s (white finger) worsen and are more painful. More severe cold can cause frostbite, the freezing of body tissue. Loss of body heat can progress to hypothermia, a reduction of the body’s core temperature, which can be life threatening.
|
Frostbite and Hypothermia
St. John Ambulance Canada provides the following guidelines:
Frostbite: can be recognized by numbness and white, waxy skin. “If the skin is firm to the touch but soft underneath, act quickly to avoid further heat loss. Gradually rewarm the frozen area with body heat. Warm hands work best, but don’t rub… If the skin goes grayish blue and is hard to the touch, seek warmth and medical attention immediately.”
Hypothermia: “Shivering and slurred speech are early warning signs, followed by confusion and lack of coordination. Get out of the cold if possible and increase body heat immediately.”
|
Windy conditions make cold weather more dangerous. For example, air at temperature -12°C and wind speed 32 km/hr (blowing and drifting snow) has a wind chill equivalent of -32°C; skin can freeze within one minute. Warm clothes that cover the head, body and extremities are essential in these conditions. Lost body fluids should be replenished with warm liquids or plain water, but not with alcohol or caffeine.
On the Road:
Winter driving demands more care and attention. Furthermore, your vehicle should be in good condition to provide a safe trip in winter conditions. Carry an emergency kit, particularly if you’re traveling between cities or in remote areas. AMA – the Alberta Motor Association – recommends that emergency kits include:
√ booster cables
√ small shovel
√ extra clothing (hats, gloves, footwear)
√ blanket
√ warning light or flares
√ waterproof matches
√ survival candle
√ non-perishable food items
√ traction aids (kitty litter or mats)
√ tow chain or rope
√ fire extinguisher.
Indoors:
We use more heat and electricity in winter, so take time to ensure that your premises are safe. Fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and electrical shock can cause serious injury and can be fatal.
Alberta Municipal Affairs, the department responsible for fire safety in the province, reports that approximately 85 deaths occur each year in Alberta due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Their statistics also show that there is a dramatic increase in the number of candle-related fires in November, December, and January.
- Appliances that burn natural gas or propane must have an adequate supply of combustion air for complete combustion, and proper ventilation to direct deadly carbon monoxide gas and other by-products to the outdoors. They should be installed and repaired only by qualified professionals. Carbon monoxide can accumulate quickly in enclosed or poorly-ventilated areas. Thorough ventilation is essential.
- Space heaters, barbeques or other appliances that are designed for outdoor use should never be used indoors.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Headaches, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, nausea, fainting, increased or irregular heartbeat, impaired judgment, or loss of coordination may be signs that excessive CO exposure has occurred. Remove affected persons to fresh air where possible and seek immediate medical attention.
- Install a CO monitor that has a CSA, UL, or ULC approval. Install, use and maintain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Inspect fireplaces frequently and have chimneys cleaned at regular intervals.
- When using candles, keep them away from furniture, curtains and other combustibles. Place them where children and pets can’t reach. Make sure that candles are mounted on non-combustible holders that can’t tip and are big enough to collect dripping wax.
- Never go to sleep or leave the house / building until fireplace fires and candles are completely extinguished.
There are many other things you can do too. Take time now to make sure that your workplace, home, and vehicle are safe this winter.
References:
- Cold Weather Workers Safety Guide, 2nd Edition, Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, 1999, 106 pages.
- “Winter Safety and First Aid Tips”, St. John Ambulance Canada, www.sja.ca
- “Stay Safe in Cold Weather”, Canadian Red Cross, www.redcross.ca
- “Fire Facts Safety Tips”, Alberta Municipal Affairs, Fire Commissioner’s Office, www.municipalaffairs.gov.ab.ca/mahome/fco/FireFacts.cfm
- “Carbon Monoxide at the Worksite”, Workplace Health & Safety Bulletin CH031, Alberta Human Resources and Employment, May 2004.
-
News Release: “Tips for Preparing Your Vehicle for Winter”, Alberta Motor Association, October 19, 2004.
This article is provided for information only. Article Reproduced by Guzzardi & Associates with Permission. Copyright 2005 Escalade Services Group Inc..
|
