Definition of Hypothermia
Hypothermia is dangerously low body temperature, below 95°F (35°C)
What causes Hypothermia?
Cold, wind, poorly insulated or wet clothing and fatigue are some of the main factors that contribute to hypothermia.
Cold is the most common cause oh hypothermia. Chilled air cools down the body. Even temperatures above freezing can expose you to hypothermia if there is a cold wind and your clothing is wet. You can become exposed to extreme cold if your clothing becomes wet or it is not properly insulated to protect you from the cold and wind. To keep you warm in cold stores Delf Coldwear solutions supply a range of clothing and accessories for people working at 0ºc down to -50°c. Clothing that is wet from sweat also speeds up heat loss from the body. Properly insulated head gear is also vitally important. In some cases up to 50% of your body’s heat loss can be caused an unprotected head.
Fatigue will increase your vulnerability to the risk of hypothermia.
Danger signs of hypothermia.
It is important to treat hypothermia in its early stages. If no action is taken, the condition may deteriate to moderate or severe hypothermia. Always stay on the lookout for the early signs of hypothermia in both your co-workers and yourself.
Guidelines that work.
Wear warm head covering. Most body heat is lost through the head.
Wear layered clothing. Layers allow warm air to stay trapped but do not trap perspiration next to the skin. The first layer of clothing should allow the skin to breathe allowing sweat to escape. Clothing made from polypropylene or knitted silk allow sweat to escape from next to the skin. The guideline for working in cold stores is 3 layers on the torso i.e. polo shirt, sweat shirt and cold store jacket (IB4). On the legs cold store trousers (IB5 or IB6)
You then must have suitable accessories for the head, feet and hands.
Please look at our catalogue for all our products - http://www.delf.co.uk/
KeyWords: hypothermia
