Temperature - extreme cold

  • 15.04.2015
  • 09:54

Working on board a fishing vessel in the winter time, in rough weather conditions, can be challenging in many ways. Those who fish under the roughest climate conditions in the Arctic, may experience work days with extreme cold.

It is then important to be aware of which safety and health related consequences the effects of cold temperatures may have on the crew, as well as know about some protective measures.

The perception of cold temperatures depends on temperature level, wind and humidity.  

Extreme cold temperatures may influence alertness and motor skills. The discomfort of local hypothermia may affect the ability to concentrate.

Extreme cold may cause illness or affect the course of an illness negatively.  People with diagnosed cardiovascular disease may react badly to working in the cold, and have elevated risk of high blood pressure. People with circulatory disorder, lung or respiratory disorders, disease of the muscular and skeletal system, skin disease or allergies, may have diminished state of health as a consequence of working in a cold climate.

Protective measures against extreme cold

  • Plan the activities in proportion to climatic conditions
  • Find out if parts of the work can be carried out indoors
  • Allow more time to carry out the work in cold temperatures
  • Expand the workforce
  • Consider cold stress when planning the working hours and rest time
  • Allow flexibility in terms of intensity and duration of the work
  • Use approved protective clothing against cold
  • Select tools fit for the cold, avoid loss of heat to cold surfaces
  • Ensure adequate access to warm food and drink
  • Pay attention to reheating after exposure to extreme cold
  • Information and training!

Clothing in cold environments

One should select underwear that absorbs and transports sweat away from the body and at the same time insulates. The next layer of clothing must insulate and transport sweat further out (breathe). The outer layer of clothing must protect against the surroundings and reduce humidity within the clothing. The footwear should have friction soles preventing slipping accidents, and at the same time providing venting and insulation. The protective helmet, gloves, goggles and hearing protection must work in the cold.

If normal warm clothing does not provide adequate protection against the cold, the employer must provide additional clothing. Such clothing is considered to be personal protective equipment, and the employer shall bear the cost.

Risk assessment

It is required that hazards on board the fishing vessel are identified and assessed according to the level of risk these pose to people, environment and equipment.

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Risk assessment with FiskRisk

The application FiskRisk is a useful tool for charting risk associated with operations carried out on your vessel.

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