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B.C. Reg. 296/97 |
Deposited September 8, 1997 |
| This archived regulation consolidation is current to December 3, 2004 and includes changes enacted and in force by that date. For the most current information, click here. |
Workers Compensation Act
[includes amendments up to B.C. Reg. 348/2003]
Part 7 — Noise, Vibration, Radiation and Temperature
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Contents |
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Table 7-1: Exposure limits for radio-frequency electromagnetic fields |
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| RETURNTO GENERAL TABLE OF CONTENTS |
7.1 In sections 7.1 to 7.23:
"daily exposure" means the amount of noise, stated in dBA Lex or Pa2h, to which a worker is exposed during the workday;
"dBA" means decibels of noise, measured with an A-weighted filter;
"dBA Lex" means the level of a worker's total exposure to noise in dBA, averaged over the entire workday and adjusted to an equivalent 8 hour exposure (for example, a worker who works in an average of 85 dBA of noise for 16 hours has an Lex of 88 dBA, and for four hours an Lex of 82 dBA);
"3 dB exchange rate" means that when the sound energy doubles, the decibel (dB) level increases by 3;
"noise" means sound energy in the workplace;
"Pa2h" means Pascal-squared hour, a unit of sound exposure (for example, 1 Pa2h equals 85 dBA Lex and 0.5 Pa2h equals 82 dBA Lex);
"peak sound level" means the maximum instantaneous sound level, in dBA.
7.2 An employer must ensure that a worker is not exposed to noise levels above either of the exposure limits of
(a) 85 dBA Lex (1 Pa2h) daily exposure, and
(b) 135 dBA peak sound level.
7.3 (1) If noise in the workplace exceeds either of the exposure limits in section 7.2 the employer must develop and implement an effective noise control and hearing conservation program.
(2) The program must be in writing and address
(a) noise measurement,
(b) education and training,
(c) engineered noise control,
(d) hearing protection,
(e) posting of noise hazard areas,
(f) hearing tests, and
(g) annual program review.
7.4 (1) If a worker is or may be exposed to potentially harmful levels of noise, or if information indicates that a worker may be exposed above 82 dBA Lex, the employer must measure the noise exposure.
(2) The noise exposure measurement must be
(a) performed in accordance with CSA Standard Z107.56-94, Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure, or other standard acceptable to the board, and
(b) updated if a change in equipment or process affects the noise level or the exposure duration.
7.5 An employer is exempt from the requirement to measure the noise exposure of a worker if the employer
(a) based on other information, identifies the worker as being exposed to noise in excess of an exposure limit, and
(b) establishes an effective noise control and hearing conservation program for that worker.
7.6 (1) Noise measurement must be conducted with an instrument such as a noise dosimeter, an integrating sound level meter or other equipment acceptable to the board.
(2) All noise measurement equipment must be calibrated, maintained and operated according to manufacturer's instructions.
(3) Integrating noise measuring equipment must be set to the 3 dB exchange rate.
7.7 (1) Noise dosimeters must meet the requirements for a Type 2 instrument as specified by ANSI Standard S1.25-1991, Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters, or other standard acceptable to the board.
(2) A noise dosimeter must be set with
(a) a criterion level of 85 dBA, and
(b) a threshold level at or below 80 dBA or at 'Off'.
7.8 (1) Noise exposure measurement results must be recorded and specify
(a) the date of the noise measurement,
(b) the workers or occupations evaluated, and
(c) the measuring equipment used.
(2) An employer must ensure that current noise measurement results are readily available for reference by an officer, and the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable.
(3) If non-integrating noise measuring equipment is used for measuring noise exposure its use must be described and justified in writing.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 47.]
7.9 If a worker's daily noise exposure is between 82 dBA Lex and 85 dBA Lex, the employer must inform the worker of
(a) the results of any noise exposure measurement,
(b) the significance of those results to the risk of hearing loss, and,
(c) at the request of the worker, the purpose of hearing protection and testing.
7.10 If a worker's noise exposure is above either exposure limit in section 7.2, the employer must inform the worker of
(a) the results of any noise exposure measurement,
(b) the effects of noise on hearing,
(c) the proper use and maintenance of hearing protection, and
(d) the purpose of hearing testing.
7.11 If a worker is exposed to noise above either exposure limit in section 7.2, the employer must investigate options for engineered noise control.
7.12 If a worker is exposed to noise above either exposure limit in section 7.2, the employer must, when practicable, implement one or more options for engineered noise control to reduce worker exposure to or below the exposure limit.
7.13 If it is not practicable to reduce noise levels to or below the exposure limits in section 7.2, the employer must
(a) reduce noise exposure to the lowest level practicable,
(b) provide and maintain hearing protection to the affected workers, and
(c) ensure that the hearing protection is worn effectively.
7.14 If hearing protection is required, the employer must provide and maintain the hearing protection to workers, in accordance with CSA Standard Z94.2-94, Hearing Protectors and its appendix, or other standard acceptable to the board.
7.15 If it is not practicable to reduce noise levels to or below the exposure limits in section 7.2, the employer must
(a) post warning signs in any work area where
(i) the area noise level exceeds 85 dBA, as averaged over the full workshift, or
(ii) peak sound levels exceed 135 dBA,
(b) supply hearing protection to all workers required to enter such an area, and
(c) ensure that hearing protection is worn by any worker working in the area.
7.16 A worker must wear hearing protection in all posted noise hazard areas and in accordance with instructions provided by the employer.
7.17 An employer must provide hearing tests for workers exposed to noise above the exposure limits in section 7.2 as follows:
(a) an initial test as soon as practicable, but not later than 6 months after the start of employment;
(b) annual tests thereafter.
7.18 An employer must ensure that hearing tests are administered by persons authorized by the board.
7.19 (1) For an initial hearing test, the tester must request that the worker provide relevant medical history information and must record the information provided on a form or in a format required by the board.
(2) The employer must not duplicate or keep a copy of the medical history record.
7.20 An employer must ensure that the authorized hearing tester
(a) records the hearing tests in a manner required by the board,
(b) advises the worker of the test results,
(c) counsels the worker on the use and maintenance of hearing protection,
(d) on request, provides a copy of the test results to the worker, and
(e) submits the test results to the board.
7.21 The employer must maintain, in a manner acceptable to the board, a record of the hearing tests for each worker which must be
(a) kept as long as the worker is employed by the employer, and
(b) treated as confidential and not released to anyone without the written permission of the worker.
7.22 (1) An employer must review the noise control and hearing conservation program annually to ensure its effectiveness.
(2) The review must address
(a) the need for further noise measurement,
(b) the education and training of workers regarding noise exposure,
(c) the adequacy of noise control measures,
(d) the selection and use of hearing protection, and
(e) hearing testing and information on the rate and extent of occupational hearing loss.
7.23 When a joint committee or worker health and safety representative is required at the workplace, the employer must ensure that the committee or representative participates in the program review.
[am. B.C. Reg. 185/99, s. 48.]
7.24 In sections 7.25 to 7.31:
"hand-arm vibration" means vibration that is transmitted from vibrating surfaces of objects such as hand tools, through the hands and arms;
"whole-body vibration" means vibration that is transmitted to a worker's body from vibrating surfaces on which a worker stands or sits.
7.25 The evaluation of hand-arm and whole-body vibration must be conducted in accordance with
(a) ISO Standard 5349-1986, Mechanical Vibration - Guidelines for the Measurement and Assessment of Human Exposure to Hand-transmitted Vibration,
(b) ANSI Standard S3.34-1986, Human Exposure to Vibration Transmitted to the Hand, Guide for the Measurement and Evaluation of,
(c) ISO Standard 2631/1-1985, Evaluation of Human Exposure to Whole-body Vibration, or
(d) other standard acceptable to the board.
7.26 (1) The exposure guidelines for vibration in the standards referenced in section 7.25 must be used for guidance in the purchase and design of equipment and machinery.
(2) When practicable, equipment which meets the guidelines in subsection (1) must be used in preference to equipment which produces higher levels of vibration.
7.27 (1) If equipment is used which produces excessive levels of vibration, the employer must investigate and, if practicable, implement means to reduce the vibration.
(2) Means to reduce whole-body vibration include
(a) controlling the source of vibration by engineered means such as balancing or vibration damping,
(b) providing seated workers with vibration-isolated seating,
(c) providing standing workers with mechanically isolated flooring,
(d) isolating the source of vibration by other measures, and
(e) limiting the duration of exposure.
(3) Means to reduce hand-arm vibration include the use of anti-vibration or low vibration tools, hand tools, grips and gloves.
7.28 Equipment which produces levels of vibration above the recommended guidelines must be labelled to identify the hazard.
7.29 The discharge of cold gases from a pneumatic tool that produces excessive levels of vibration must not be directed over the operator's unprotected hands.
7.30 The employer must ensure that a worker exposed to excessive levels of vibration is informed of the nature of the hazard and possible adverse effects.
7.31 If a worker is exposed to excessive levels of vibration the employer must provide instruction and training in work practices that can reduce the risk, including
(a) maintenance of machinery to prevent the development of excess vibration,
(b) use of gloves and clothing to maintain body temperature,
(c) proper use of any anti-vibration tools, grips or, in some circumstances, gloves, and
(d) any other effective means to reduce the transmission of vibration to the hands or body.
Ionizing and Non-ionizing Radiation
7.32 In sections 7.33 to 7.49:
"action level, ionizing radiation" means an effective dose of 1 milliSievert (mSv) per year;
"action level, non-ionizing radiation" means the exposure limits for the general public listed in the codes and standards identified in this Part, or if no public limit is specified in an applicable standard, it means the maximum exposure limit for workers as specified in the standard;
"effective dose" means the amount of ionizing radiation (in mSv) absorbed by the worker's whole body, adjusted for the energy level and type of radiation and the differing susceptibilities of the organs and tissues irradiated, and if only part of the body is exposed, the effective dose is the sum of the weighted equivalent doses in all irradiated tissues and organs;
"equivalent dose" means the amount of ionizing radiation (in mSv) absorbed by a specific body part and adjusted for the energy level and type of radiation.
7.33 Sections 7.34 to 7.49 apply to all sources of ultrasonic energy, non-ionizing and ionizing radiation, including radiation sources governed by the Atomic Energy Control Act (Canada), or any successor legislation, and the regulations under that Act, but excluding natural background radiation, except as specified by the board, and medical or dental radiation received as a patient.
7.34 If a worker exceeds, or may exceed, an applicable action level for ionizing or non-ionizing radiation the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan meeting the requirements of section 5.54.
7.35 Equipment producing ionizing or non-ionizing radiation must be installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the applicable standard from the following list, or other standard acceptable to the board:
Ionizing:
(a) latest edition of Safety Code 20a, Health and Welfare Canada, X-ray Equipment in Medical Diagnosis, Part A - Recommended Safety Procedures for Installation and Use;
(b) latest edition of Safety Code 27, Health and Welfare Canada, Requirements for Industrial X-ray Equipment - Use and Installation;
(c) latest edition of Safety Code 28, Health and Welfare Canada, Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine - Recommended Safety Procedures for Installation and Use of Veterinary X-ray Equipment;
(d) latest edition of Safety Code 29, Health Canada, Requirements for the Safe Use of Baggage X-ray Inspection Systems;
(e) latest edition of Safety Code 30, Health Canada, Radiation Protection in Dentistry: Recommended Safety Procedures for the Use of Dental X-ray Equipment;
(f) latest edition of Safety Code 31, Health Canada, Radiation Protection in Computed Tomography Installations;
(g) latest edition of Safety Code 32, Health Canada, Safety Requirements & Guidance for Analytical X-ray Equipment;
(h) latest edition of Safety Code 33, Health Canada, Radiation Protection in Mammography;
Radiofrequency:
(i) latest edition of Safety Code 26, Health and Welfare Canada, Guideline on Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Magnetic Resonance Clinical Systems;
(j) latest edition of Safety Code 6, Health and Welfare Canada, Limits of Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields at Frequencies from 10 kHz to 300 GHz;
(k) latest edition of Safety Code 25, Health and Welfare Canada, Short-Wave Diathermy Guidelines for Limiting Radiofrequency Exposure;
Lasers:
(l) ANSI Standard Z136.1-1993, Safe Use of Lasers;
(m) ANSI Standard Z136.2-1988, Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources;
(n) ANSI Standard Z136.3-1988, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities;
Infrared and ultraviolet:
(o) CSA Standard CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 224-M89 (R1994), Radiant Heaters and Infrared and Ultraviolet Lamp Assemblies for Cosmetic or Hygienic Purposes in Nonmedical Applications.
7.36 If required in a standard acceptable to the board, personal protective equipment must be provided by the employer and properly used by the worker.
7.37 If a worker exceeds, or may exceed, an applicable action level for ionizing or non-ionizing radiation, the employer must ensure that the worker is adequately educated and trained in the hazards and safe use of the equipment or materials causing the exposure.
7.38 The employer must ensure that the exposure of workers to ionizing radiation is kept as low as reasonably achievable below the exposure limits.
7.39 (1) A worker's exposure to ionizing radiation must be limited to
(a) an annual effective dose of 20 mSv, and
(b) an annual equivalent dose of
(i) 150 mSv to the lens of the eye,
(ii) 500 mSv to the skin, averaged over any 1 cm2 area at a nominal depth of 7 mg/cm2, regardless of the area exposed, and
(iii) 500 mSv to the hands and feet.
(2) Once a worker has declared her pregnancy, her effective dose, for the remainder of the pregnancy, from external and internal sources, must be limited to the lesser of
(a) 4 mSv, or
(b) the dose limit specified for pregnant workers under the Atomic Energy Control Act, or any successor legislation, and the regulations under that Act.
7.40 (1) Before a worker uses or approaches equipment or materials whereby the worker exceeds, or may exceed the action level, the employer must prepare written instructions for
(a) the safe operation of the equipment,
(b) the boundaries of the hazard area,
(c) the work procedures to be followed,
(d) the correct use of any required personal protective equipment, and
(e) procedures to be followed in an emergency.
(2) The instructions required by subsection (1) must be posted or otherwise available in the work area, or near the equipment controls.
7.41 (1) Unless specifically exempted by the board, if a worker exceeds or may exceed the action level, the employer must ensure that the worker is provided with and properly uses an acceptable personal dosimeter.
(2) Personal dosimetry data must be submitted to the National Dose Registry of Health Canada, and if requested, a copy must be submitted to the board.
7.42 (1) If a worker exceeds, or may exceed, the action level, the employer must conduct a radiation survey which measures radiation levels in the occupied work areas that may be influenced by the radiation-producing equipment or material.
(2) A radiation survey must include leak testing to determine any unusual source of emission of ionizing radiation or any source of escape of a radioisotope.
(3) The radiation survey must be conducted at least every 2 years, and when
(a) the equipment has been damaged or modified,
(b) a radioisotope or a radioactive sample has been spilled or accidentally released,
(c) there is an indication of an unusually high exposure of a worker to ionizing radiation, or
(d) specified in the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
7.43 (1) The employer must maintain records of radiation surveys for at least 10 years, and of exposure monitoring and personal dosimetry data for the period of employment plus 10 years.
(2) The records referenced in subsection (1) must be available to workers.
7.44 (1) In assessing the adequacy of control measures for ionizing radiation, the employer must use all available exposure information to measure the effectiveness of the controls in comparison with similar industry and occupation groups.
(2) If there is a significantly higher dose profile than industry averages indicate is achievable, the employer must examine the work practices and conditions of exposure at the workplace, and alter them to reduce the unusually high doses as required by section 7.38.
7.45 (1) The employer must ensure that every worker who exceeds, or may exceed, the action level is fully informed of any potential reproductive hazards associated with the worker's exposure to ionizing radiation.
(2) When requested by a pregnant worker or by a worker intending to conceive a child, the employer must make counselling available with respect to the reproductive hazards.
7.46 (1) Exposure to radiofrequency electromagnetic fields from short-wave diathermy devices must be limited to the maximum exposure levels in the latest edition of Safety Code 25, Health and Welfare Canada, Short-Wave Diathermy Guidelines for Limiting Radiofrequency Exposure.
(2) Exposure to electromagnetic fields from magnetic resonance clinical systems must be limited to the maximum exposure levels in the latest edition of Safety Code 26, Health and Welfare Canada, Guideline on Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields from Magnetic Resonance Clinical Systems.
(3) Except as identified in subsections (1) and (2), exposure to non-ionizing radiation and contact currents from radiofrequency electromagnetic fields must not exceed the limits in the latest edition of Safety Code 6, Health and Welfare Canada, Limits of Exposure to Radiofrequency Fields at Frequencies from 10 kHz to 300 GHz.
MHz = megahertz | W/m² = watts per square metre |
rms, (V/m) = root mean square, volts per metre | f = frequency in MHz |
rms, (A/m) = root mean square, amperes per metre |
7.47 Exposure to non-ionizing radiation from lasers must be limited to the exposure limits identified in the following standards, where applicable, or other standard acceptable to the board:
(a) ANSI Standard Z136.1-1993, Safe Use of Lasers;
(b) ANSI Standard Z136.2-1988, Safe Use of Optical Fiber Communication Systems Utilizing Laser Diode and LED Sources;
(c) ANSI Standard Z136.3-1988, Safe Use of Lasers in Health Care Facilities.
7.48 (1) For welding, burning and allied processes, the employer must ensure that the requirements for radiation protection in Part 12 (Tools, Machinery and Equipment) are met.
(2) Exposure to ultraviolet radiation produced by equipment or industrial processes must be limited to levels in Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents, 1995-1996, published by the ACGIH.
7.49 The operation of equipment which emits ultrasonic energy must be in accordance with the practices and procedures identified in the following codes or standards, where applicable, or other standard acceptable to the board:
(a) latest edition of Safety Code 23, Health and Welfare Canada - Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ultrasound: Part 1 - Medical and Paramedical Applications;
(b) latest edition of Safety Code 24, Health and Welfare Canada - Guidelines for the Safe Use of Ultrasound: Part 2 - Industrial and Commercial Applications.
7.50 In sections 7.51 to 7.62:
"unacclimatized worker" means a worker who is not accustomed to working in hot environments or who has been removed from a hot environment for seven consecutive days;
"WBGT° C" means the wet bulb globe temperature measured with a black globe thermometer (GT), wet-bulb thermometer (WB), and a dry thermometer (DB) and measured according to the equations
(a) for indoor or outdoor environments with no solar load, WBGT° C = 0.7WB + 0.3 GT, and
(b) for outdoor environments with solar load, WBGT° C = 0.7WB + 0.2GT + 0.1 DB.
7.51 (1) Sections 7.52 to 7.62 apply to a workplace where a worker is or may be exposed to conditions which could cause heat related disorders, including exposure to a thermal environment that
(a) is in excess of the heat action levels in Table 7-2, or
(b) which could result in a worker's core body temperature exceeding 38° C (100° F).
(2) Firefighting is exempt from subsection (1) provided special provisions are made to ensure that the firefighter's core body temperature is maintained below 38° C (100° F), including
(a) instruction and training,
(b) work procedures that address both the hazards and necessary controls, and
(c) specialized personal protective equipment.
7.52 The exposure of a worker wearing a single layer of light summer clothing must be maintained below the heat exposure limits listed in Table 7-2 by engineering or administrative controls.
7.53 The exposure of an unacclimatized worker wearing a single layer of light summer clothing must be maintained below the heat action levels listed in Table 7-2.
7.54 If clothing other than a single layer of light summer clothing is required to be worn due to the nature of the work, the heat action levels and exposure limits must be corrected by subtracting the appropriate clothing correction value listed in Table 7-3.
7.55 If a worker is or may be exposed to conditions which could cause heat-related disorders, the employer must conduct a heat stress assessment to determine the potential for overexposure of workers by measuring the WBGT° C or other measuring standard acceptable to the board in the work area.
7.56 If a worker is or may be regularly exposed to a thermal environment in excess of the heat action levels as determined by a heat stress assessment, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan meeting the requirements of section 5.54.
7.57 (1) If it is not practicable to reduce exposure below the heat exposure limits by engineering controls then the employer must provide
(a) administrative controls such as an acceptable work-rest cycle, or
(b) where it provides equally effective protection, personal protective equipment such as reflective suits or air or water cooled vests.
(2) The work-rest cycle must ensure that the thermal index averaged over the hottest 2 hour period is below the exposure limits listed in Table 7-2.
7.58 The employer must provide and maintain an adequate supply of cool potable water close to the work area for the use of a heat exposed worker.
7.59 If a worker exhibits signs or reports symptoms of a heat-related disorder, the worker must be removed from the hot environment and assessed by a first aid attendant, if available, or by a physician.
[am. B.C. Reg. 348/2003, s. 3.]
7.60 The employer must post heat stress hazard warning signs in indoor work areas where the heat exposure limits could be exceeded if a worker was continuously exposed to heat.
7.61 Workers at risk of heat-related disorders, and their supervisors and immediate co-workers must be adequately educated and trained in
(a) recognition of signs and symptoms of heat-related disorders, and
(b) the responsibility to leave the hot environment if signs or symptoms of a heat-related disorder occur.
7.62 The employer must, when required by the board, maintain records of
(a) the heat stress assessment required under section 7.55, and
(b) worker education and training.
Work load1 | Action level2 | Exposure limit2 | ||||
Light | 28 WBGT° C | 30 WBGT° C | ||||
Moderate | 24.7 WBGT° C | 26.7 WBGT° C | ||||
Heavy | 23 WBGT° C | 25 WBGT° C | ||||
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Clothing type | Correction value (WBGToC) |
Cotton coveralls worn over light summer clothing | 2 |
Winter work clothing | 4 |
Impervious coveralls | 6 |
7.63 Sections 7.64 to 7.75 apply to any workplace where a worker is, or may be, exposed to conditions which would cause the body core temperature to fall below 36° C (96.8° F) or would cause cold-related injury to the exposed skin.
7.64 (1) If a worker is or may be exposed to conditions which could cause hypothermia or cold-related injury, the employer must conduct a cold stress assessment to determine areas and tasks where workers may be at risk.
(2) The potential for accidental exposure to cold conditions must be included in this assessment.
7.65 If a worker is exposed to a thermal environment with an equivalent chill temperature less than -7° C (19ºF), as determined using Table 7-4
(a) a heated shelter must be made available near the worker, and
(b) the worker must be instructed to enter the shelter at the onset of symptoms of impending hypothermia.
7.66 When cold surfaces are present, precautions must be taken to prevent frostbite from contact with these surfaces.
7.67 (1) A worker who is at risk of developing hypothermia or cold-related injury must wear adequate insulating outer clothing.
(2) For work in a controlled environment such as a freezer the employer must provide protective clothing which affords adequate protection against cold conditions.
(3) If clothing becomes wet so that its insulating value is impaired, the worker must be provided with the opportunity to change into dry clothing in a heated shelter.
(4) If a worker becomes immersed in water, the worker must be immediately provided with dry clothing and, if necessary, treated for hypothermia.
7.68 If work takes place outdoors in snow or ice covered terrain and there is excessive ultraviolet light, glare or blowing ice crystals which present a risk of injury to the eyes, workers must wear eye protection appropriate to the hazards.
7.69 Protective gloves, mittens, footwear, head covering and/or facemasks appropriate to the hazard must be worn if there is a danger of frostbite to the extremities.
7.70 If a worker is required to perform work with bare hands and there is a risk of cold-related injury to the hands, provision must be made for warming the worker's hands to prevent the cold-related injury.
7.71 If it can be reasonably anticipated that a worker may be exposed to hazardous cold conditions outdoors as a result of an unplanned event, the worker at risk must be provided with clothing and equipment sufficient to permit survival from exposure to the natural elements until the worker can be removed from the exposure.
7.72 If a cold-exposed worker exhibits signs or reports symptoms of impending hypothermia the worker must be removed from further exposure and assessed by a first aid attendant, if available, or a physician.
[am. B.C. Reg. 348/2003, s. 4.]
7.73 Warning signs must be posted in indoor work areas where there is a risk of hypothermia or cold-related injury.
Estimated wind speed | Actual temperature reading (° C) | |||||||||||||||||
10 | 5 | 0 | -5 | -10 | -15 | -20 | -25 | -30 | -35 | -40 | -45 | -50 | ||||||
(in km/h) | Equivalent chill temperature (° C) | |||||||||||||||||
0 (Calm) | 10 | 5 | 0 | -5 | -10 | -15 | -20 | -25 | -30 | -35 | -40 | -45 | -50 | |||||
8 | 9 | 3 | -2 | -7 | -12 | -18 | -23 | -28 | -33 | -38 | -44 | -49 | -54 | |||||
16 | 4 | -2 | -7 | -14 | -20 | -27 | -33 | -38 | -45 | -50 | -57 | -63 | -69 | |||||
24 | 2 | -5 | -11 | -18 | -25 | -32 | -38 | -45 | -52 | -58 | -65 | -72 | -78 | |||||
32 | 0 | -7 | -14 | -21 | -28 | -35 | -42 | -50 | -56 | -64 | -71 | -78 | -84 | |||||
40 | -1 | -8 | -16 | -24 | -31 | -38 | -46 | -53 | -60 | -67 | -76 | -82 | -90 | |||||
48 | -2 | -10 | -17 | -25 | -33 | -40 | -48 | -55 | -63 | -70 | -78 | -86 | -94 | |||||
56 | -3 | -11 | -18 | -26 | -34 | -42 | -50 | -58 | -65 | -73 | -81 | -89 | -96 | |||||
64 | -3 | -11 | -19 | -27 | -35 | -43 | -51 | -59 | -66 | -74 | -82 | -90 | -98 | |||||
(Wind speeds greater than 64 km/h have little additional effect.) | LOW HAZARD | INCREASING HAZARD | HIGH HAZARD | |||||||||||||||
The table was originally developed by the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine, Natick, MA, and is adapted from the 1995-1996 Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices, published by the ACGIH. The ACGIH publication provides the equivalent table with temperature in degrees Fahrenheit and wind speed in mph. | ||||||||||||||||||
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Equivalent chill temperatures for actual temperatures and wind speeds not listed in this chart may be calculated by interpolation. For example, at a wind speed of 16 km/h, an actual temperature reading of -23ºC (3/5 of the difference between -20ºC and -25ºC) produces an equivalent chill temperature of -36ºC (3/5 of the difference between -33ºC and -38ºC). | ||||||||||||||||||
1 This table shows the cooling power of wind on exposed flesh expressed as equivalent temperature under calm conditions. | ||||||||||||||||||
7.74 Workers at risk of developing hypothermia or cold-related injury must be adequately educated and trained in
(a) recognition of the signs and symptoms of cold injury or impending hypothermia,
(b) proper rewarming procedures and appropriate first aid treatment,
(c) proper use of clothing,
(d) proper eating and drinking practices, and
(e) safe work practices appropriate to the work that is to be performed.
7.75 The employer must, when required by the board, maintain records of
(a) the cold stress assessment required under section 7.64, and
(b) worker education and training.
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