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What factors affect our response to cold?
When working at extreme temperatures, the body is exposed to three factors: air temperature, wind speed and humidity. To work in good conditions, you need protective clothing, appropriate physical activity and controlled exposure to the cold, respecting working hours and rest periods.
Here are some useful definitions:
Air temperature: measured with a thermometer in degrees Celsius (C) or Fahrenheit (F).
Wind speed: an anemometer is used to calculate wind speed, in metres per second, kilometres per hour or miles per hour.
Humidity: Humidity dissipates body heat 25 times faster than dry air. It's a good idea to make sure your equipment is sufficiently ventilated to prevent moisture accumulating in your clothing.
Physical activity: during activity, the body produces heat, known as metabolic heat, which is measured in calories (kcal).
Beware of the cold wind!
Have you ever noticed that the temperature feels cooler when the wind is blowing than when it isn't? This is indeed the case, and is referred to as the "felt temperature".
The meteorological services can measure wind chill, which is the sensation of cold produced by the wind on the body when the actual air temperature is not falling, by combining wind speed with the outside temperature.
Is there a regulatory framework for working in the cold?
The French Labour Code does not specify a minimum temperature, but article R.4225-1 states that it is the employer's duty to arrange working conditions in such a way as to protect workers from atmospheric conditions.
On a more general level, employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees by taking measures that include the temperature factor (article L. 4121-2 of the Labour Code).
How can the consequences of cold be prevented?
When working in temperatures below 0°C, access to heated premises is recommended, such as tents or rest rooms, and it must be possible to alternate work times and breaks to evacuate accumulated humidity.
In fact, rest periods must allow perspiration to be ventilated and warm clothes to be changed into. A period of acclimatisation is also necessary for each new employee, so that they can quickly become fully capable of working in the cold.
Injuries caused by the cold can be prevented by using appropriate technical equipment, specially designed for protection against the cold and for safety.
It is generally recommended not to touch metal equipment such as bars or handles that are not covered with a thermally insulating material, and to keep gloves on whenever possible when using machinery; otherwise, the use of under-gloves is recommended.
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