Cold weather in mining operations

Scope

MSHA’s regulations contain mandatory safety and health standards for underground and surface metal and nonmetal mines, for the protection of life, the promotion of health and safety, and the prevention of accidents.

Regulatory citations

• 30 CFR Part 56 — Safety and health standards—surface metal and nonmetal mines
• 30 CFR Part 57 — Safety and health standards—underground metal and nonmetal mines
• 30 CFR Part 58 — Health standards for metal and nonmetal mines

Key definitions

• Frostbite: A condition that occurs when the skin tissue actually freezes. This condition usually occurs at temperatures below 30°F. The effects of wind chill can cause frostbite at temperatures above freezing.
  Symptoms of frostbite include tingling, stinging or aching of the exposed area followed by numbness. If the frostbitten areas have not been rewarmed, they appear white and cold to the touch. The treatment for frostbite includes covering with clean, sterile cloths or bandages. Do not massage or rub snow on frostbitten tissue. This may cause greater injury.
• Hypothermia: A condition that occurs when body temperature falls to a level where normal muscular and brain functions are impaired. There are three stages of hypothermia:
  • Impending hypothermia
  • Mild hypothermia
  • Severe hypothermia
• Impending hypothermia: This stage of hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops to 95°F. The skin may become pale, numb and waxy. Muscles become tense. Fatigue and weakness begin to show.
• Mild hypothermia: This stage of hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops to 93.2°F. Uncontrolled shivering begins. The individual is still alert, but movement becomes less coordinated and some pain and discomfort exists.
  The treatment for mild hypothermia includes removal from the cold environment, keeping the head and neck covered to prevent further heat loss and providing warm, sweetened drink (no alcohol, tea or coffee) and high- energy food.
• Severe hypothermia: Occurs when the body core temperature drops below 87.8°F (31°C). The skin becomes cold and may be bluish in color. The individual is weak, and uncoordinated. Speech is slurred, and the victim appears exhausted, denies problem and may resist help. Gradually there is a loss of consciousness with little or no breathing occurring. The individual may be rigid and appear dead.
  The treatment for severe hypothermia includes immediate external warming. One method may be by placing the victim in a warmed sleeping bag with two other people. Keep the miner awake and apply mild heat to stop loss of heat, not to re-warm.
  Check for pulse and breathing. If neither is present, begin CPR and mouth to mouth resuscitation. Continue until medical help arrives.
• Trench foot: A condition caused by prolonged exposure to a wet, cold environment, or actual immersion in cold water.
  The symptoms of trench foot include a tingling or itching sensation, burning, pain and swelling, and sometimes blisters.
  First aid treatment for trench foot includes moving to a dry area, carefully washing and drying of the affected area, warming and a slight elevation of the feet. Seek medical help as soon as possible.

Summary of requirements

Employers should:

• Train workers to recognize the signs and symptoms of cold stress in their coworkers and in themselves.
• Make sure workers are as prepared as they can be to work safely in the cold.
• Monitor weather conditions.