This document provides information on winter safety hazards and tips. It discusses types of winter weather like snow, ice, cold temperatures and associated risks. It recommends dressing in layers and having emergency kits. Specific safety tips are provided for activities like shoveling snow, driving, outdoor recreation and heating homes. Signs of cold stress injuries like frostbite and hypothermia are outlined. The document emphasizes taking proper precautions and safety measures to prevent injuries during winter conditions.
4. AHEC EH&S
SNOW (TYPES OF WEATHER AND RISKS)
• Blizzards- Sustained winds of 35 mph or more with snow
reducing visibility
• Blowing snow- Wind driven snow that reduces visibility
• Snow squalls- Brief, intense snow showers
• Snow showers- Snow falling at various intensities
• Flurries- Light snow, short durations, little/no accumulation
• Avalanche- A mass tumbling of snow triggered by rapid
accumulation
5. AHEC EH&S
ICE (TYPES OF WEATHER AND RISKS)
• Black ice- Patchy ice on roadways or surfaces that
cannot easily be seen
• Ice jams- Long cold spells that can cause rivers and
lakes to freeze
• Ice recreation- Activities on ice can be deadly. 4
inches of ice mandatory for safely walking on top.
• Frost- The formation of thin ice crystals on the ground
8. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
LAYERING CLOTHING
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• Base layer- Closest to skin so it collects the most sweat.
The purpose of this layer is to keep you dry. Never wear
cotton as a base layer
• Wind layer- Protects from wind-chill
• Insulation layer- Provides extra loft and warmth. Light
down is a great option
• Hard shell layer- Protects you from the elements.
Should offer breathability and water resistance. Can be
either hard or soft.
9. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
TYPES OF COLD WEATHER CLOTHING
Coats and Accessories Mix and Match Depending on Weather:
• Parkas
• Raincoats
• Gloves
• Boots
• Coats
• Jackets
• Thermal socks
• Scarves
• Water-proof Ski Attire
• Snow pants
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12. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
FROSTBITE
• Freezes skin tissue
• Can cause severe damage resulting in
gangrene and amputation
• Obstructs blood supply
• Body areas most affected are feet, hands,
ears, nose
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13. AHEC EH&S
SYMPTOMS
• Initial effects include uncomfortable
sensations of coldness; tingling, stinging, or
aching feeling of the exposed area followed
by numbness.
• Areas appear white and cold to the touch.
Appearance varies depending on whether
re-warming has occurred.
• DO NOT break blisters, rub or massage, re-
expose to the cold
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14. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
INCREASED RISK OF
FROSTBITE
• Exposure to below freezing temperatures
• Exposure to high winds
• Exposure to high altitude
• Use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs
• Contact with metal or gasoline
• Previous frostbite injury
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15. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
TYPES OF FROSTBITE
Pre-thaw
• Superficial- skin feels cold and crusty on top, while soft
underneath. Skin does not blanch.
• Deep- skin feels cold and hard
Post-thaw
• Similar to burns- superficial, semi-thickness and full-
thickness
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17. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
HYPOTHERMIA
• Occurs when body temperature falls and
the body cannot produce heat as fast as it is
being lost
• The difference between mild and severe
hypothermia is the core body temperature
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18. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
TYPES OF HYPOTHERMIA
Mild
• Body temperature higher than 90 degrees F
• Signs- shivering, cold abdomen
Severe
• Body temperature less than 90 degrees F
• Signs- muscles rigid, shivering stops, altered mental
status
• 50-80% of victims die
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19. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
RECOGNIZE AND TREAT THESE SYMPTOMS
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• Stop heat loss
• Get out of cold
• Cover with something
• Replace wet clothing
• Cover the head (90% of heat loss)
• For mild hypothermia, allow shivering
20. AHEC EH&S
SAFE WORK
PRACTICES
• Allow period of readjustment to the cold
• Set your own pace and take necessary work
breaks
• Stay hydrated
• Establish buddy system
• Educate yourself!
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22. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
TIPS FOR SAFE
DRIVING
• Scrape all snow and ice off of your vehicle
• Keep your headlights clear
• Do not wear restrictive clothing
• Keep a continuous flow of warm air
• Anticipate
• Slow down
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23. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER
Proper Vehicle Maintenance
• Test battery strength
• Inspect the exhaust system and the air, fuel and
emission filters
• Check heating system, windshield wiper and antifreeze
fluid levels, and change the oil
• Check both the front window and rear window
defrosters
• Each week, check the tire pressure and tread life.
Consider installing winter tires
• Locate the spare tire, jack and ice scraper
• Inspect wiper blades
Driving Techniques
• Clear frost, snow and ice thoroughly from all windows and
exterior mirrors of your car
• Never warm up vehicle in a close garage
• Consider keeping gas tank at least half full to help prevent
gas line freeze-up
• Check that your exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow
• Don’t use cruise control on icy roads
• Allow more time and space for breaking
• Stay calm and be prepared for black ice
• If your vehicle has anti-lock breaks, be familiar with how
they operate
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24. AHEC EH&S
MAINTAIN “SPACE”
Speed- The #1 cause of winter driving accidents is
driving too fast
Patience and courtesy save lives
Awareness of other vehicles
Concentration
Exit- Always leave yourself an out
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26. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
SAFE SHOVELING
• Take it slow
• Try to shovel fresh snow
• Push the snow as you shovel
• Don’t pick up too much at once
• Lift with your legs, not your back
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion
• Dress warmly
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29. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
STRATEGIES
For safe walking on snow and ice:
• Use handrails
• Avoid talking on cell phones
• Take steps slowly
• Maintain your center of balance
• Wear proper footwear
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36. AHEC EH&S
KNOW WHEN AND
HOW TO SEEK
MEDICAL HELP
Talk to your supervisor about when and
where to go (Auraria Health Center) if
experiencing signs of cold stress
41. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
HEATING SAFETY
Using a furnace puts you at risk for carbon
monoxide poisoning. Ensure your home and
work environments have working carbon
monoxide detectors.
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43. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
POWER OUTAGES
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Personal safety is always the priority during power
outages. However, if we lose power on campus, make sure
to report the issue to necessary trades to ensure a safe
campus for students, faculty, and staff.
44. AHEC EH&S
AHEC EH&S
IF TRAPPED IN A
VEHICLE DURING A
BLIZZARD
• Stay in the car
• Display a trouble sign
• Occasionally run engine to keep warm
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Do minor exercises to keep circulation
• Use newspapers, maps, and the removable car
matts for insulation
• Avoid overextertion
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45. AHEC EH&S
COMMUNICATION
PLANS AND
EVACUATION
PROCEDURES
In case of a winter safety emergency, the
HazMat Response Guide provides a list of
contacts for important safety personnel such as
ACPD, Denver Fire Department and AHEC, CU,
and MSU EH&S departments.
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