EN ISO 15743:2008

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-oktober-2008
Ergonomija in toplotno okolje - Hladna delovna mesta - Ocena in upravljanje
tveganj (ISO 15743:2008)
Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Cold workplaces - Risk assessment and
management (ISO 15743:2008)
Ergonomie der thermischen Umgebung - Arbeitspraktiken in der Kälte - Strategie für die
Risikobewertung und das -management (ISO 15743:2008)
Ergonomie des ambiances thermiques - Lieux de travail dans le froid - Évaluation et
management des risques (ISO 15743:2008)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN ISO 15743:2008
ICS:
13.180 Ergonomija Ergonomics
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN ISO 15743
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2008
ICS 13.180
English Version
Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Cold workplaces - Risk
assessment and management (ISO 15743:2008)
Ergonomie des ambiances thermiques - Lieux de travail Ergonomie der thermischen Umgebung - Arbeitsplätze in
dans le froid - Évaluation et management des risques (ISO der Kälte - Risikobewertung und Management (ISO
15743:2008) 15743:2008)
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 21 June 2008.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
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EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN ISO 15743:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword.3

Foreword
This document (EN ISO 15743:2008) has been prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159 "Ergonomics"
in collaboration with Technical Committee CEN/TC 122 “Ergonomics” the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at
the latest by January 2009.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Endorsement notice
The text of ISO 15743:2008 has been approved by CEN as a EN ISO 15743:2008 without any modification.

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 15743
First edition
2008-07-01
Ergonomics of the thermal
environment — Cold workplaces — Risk
assessment and management
Ergonomie des ambiances thermiques — Lieux de travail dans le
froid — Évaluation et management des risques

Reference number
ISO 15743:2008(E)
©
ISO 2008
ISO 15743:2008(E)
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ii © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 1
4 Strategy for assessment and management . 2
4.1 Cold risk assessment. 2
4.2 Health assessment . 3
4.3 Cold risk management . 4
5 Practices for cold risk assessment and management. 5
5.1 Responsibilities . 5
5.2 Cold risk assessment. 5
5.3 Cold risk management . 6
Annex A (informative) Checklist for identifying cold-related problems at work. 8
Annex B (informative) Analysis of cold-related problems . 12
Annex C (informative) Guidelines for planning and managing cold work . 17
Annex D (informative) Cold work health questionnaire . 22
Annex E (informative) Cold work assessment and management in indoor work — Example from
the food processing industry . 26
Bibliography . 29

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 15743 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 159, Ergonomics, Subcommittee SC 5,
Ergonomics of the physical environment.
iv © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Introduction
This International Standard is one of a series of thermal standards (see Clause 2 and the Bibliography)
intended to be used in the assessment and management of work in the cold, i.e. in conditions that cause
uncomfortable sensations of cool or cold. In light physical work, these conditions can occur at 10 °C or below.
A number of industries, types of commerce and occupations involve substantial cold exposure, outdoors or
indoors, where individual workers can also be exposed to windy and/or wet conditions. Working in cold
environments can involve several adverse effects on human performance and health: thermal discomfort,
increased strain, decreased performance and cold-related diseases and injuries. Cold can also interfere with
several other factors in the workplace, modifying or aggravating the risk of common hazards and increasing
the risk of cold-associated injuries.
Due to the negative impact of cold on human health and performance, as well as on work productivity, quality
and safety, a comprehensive strategy of risk assessment and management practices and methods is needed
for work in cold environments.
Even though some of the standards referred to above describe specific methods (instruments and indices) to
be used to assess the required insulation of clothing for different cold exposures (see ISO 11079), or
physiological and psychological consequences related to different thermal exposures, an instruction of
practical application for cold working environments is lacking.
This International Standard was created to specify methods and practices for assessing and managing
occupational health and performance risks in cold work. The choice of when these are to be used is at the
discretion of those responsible for occupational health and/or safety.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 15743:2008(E)

Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Cold workplaces —
Risk assessment and management
1 Scope
This International Standard presents a strategy and practical tools for assessing and managing cold risk in the
workplace, and includes
⎯ models and methods for cold risk assessment and management,
⎯ a checklist for identifying cold-related problems at work,
⎯ a model, method and questionnaire intended for use by occupational health care professionals in
identifying those individuals with symptoms that increase their cold sensitivity and, with the aid of such
identification, offering optimal guidance and instructions for individual cold protection,
⎯ guidelines on how to apply thermal standards and other validated scientific methods when assessing
cold-related risks, and
⎯ a practical example from cold work.
This International Standard supports good occupational health and safety (OHS). It is applicable to both
indoor and outdoor work situations — indoor work includes work done inside vehicles, outdoor work both
inland and offshore work — but is not applicable to diving situations or other types of work performed
underwater.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9886:2004, Ergonomics — Evaluation of thermal strain by physiological measurements
ISO 12894, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Medical supervision of individuals exposed to extreme
hot or cold environments
ISO 13731, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Vocabulary and symbols
ISO/TS 14415, Ergonomics of the thermal environment — Application of International Standards to people
with special requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 13731 apply.
ISO 15743:2008(E)
4 Strategy for assessment and management
4.1 Cold risk assessment
Cold risk assessment in the workplace follows the principles of risk assessment presented in ISO 15265 and
generally accepted principles of risk assessment presented in, for example, BS 8800. It consists of three
stages.
a) In stage 1 (observation) possible cold-related hazards at work are identified. This includes collecting
qualitative information by an observation method (see 5.2 and Annex A). Based on the observed
problems, management methods should be implemented in order to eliminate or reduce the source of
harm. A further analysis should be conducted if the problem at work is not easily reduced or eliminated, or
whenever it is uncertain whether the preventive actions have been sufficient to guarantee worker health
and safety.
b) Stage 2 (analysis) aims at quantifying, analysing and estimating the cold-related effects observed in stage
1 and considered problems (see 5.3 and Annex B). The need for a further analysis in the workplace can
also originate from the needs and definitions of occupational healthcare professionals, in assessing
specific health-related problems in working situations. It is recommended that occupational health care or
safety professionals conduct this analysis. To be able to perform the assessment, these persons should
be provided with basic training related to cold, e.g. how to use the methods and estimate the risks. Based
on the estimated cold risk, appropriate cold risk management methods should be applied. If it is still
uncertain as to whether the management methods are adequate to ensure the worker's health and safety,
a further analysis should be conducted (stage 3).
c) Stage 3 (expertise) aims at quantifying, analysing and estimating cold risks. It will deal with highly
complex thermal working circumstances and require sophisticated or special measurements. This level
should be conducted by the same persons as those involved in stage 2, with the additional assistance of
highly specialized experts. The duration of an individual assessment is one day, or more, if necessary.
The assessment is aimed at solving any specific cold-related problem found during stages 1 and/or 2.
See 5.2.3.
See Figure 1.
2 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Figure 1 — Model for cold risk assessment in the workplace
4.2 Health assessment
Human responses to cold include complaints, decrease in performance, symptoms, attacks of diseases and
cold injuries. The responses show a great individual variation and their presence is difficult to predict from the
level of duration and intensity of cold exposure. The only way to identify these responses is to collect
information from the individuals.
Cold-related health assessment is a three-stage medical screening conducted by occupational health
professionals. Each stage involves identification of cold-related health risks both in the workplace as well as
assessing the health of individuals.
a) Stage 1 consists of a health check (see Annex D). The method used is a medically-based questionnaire
whose purpose is to identify potential individuals having cold-related diseases or cold-related personal
working limitations. The factors to be identified are, for example, cold sensitivity, cold urticaria, respiratory
symptoms, cardiovascular symptoms, peripheral circulatory disturbances, symptoms related to white
fingers, musculoskeletal symptoms, the effect of cold on performance and the occurrence of local cold
injuries. As a result of stage 1 of the assessment, those individuals with no personal need for any further
analysis with regards to cold are identified.
b) Stage 2 is largely taken up by an interview and a clinical investigation of persons suspected of having a
cold-related individual health problem. The content of the interview and clinical investigation is dependent
on the results of the preliminary questionnaire and is symptom- or disease-specific. If cold-related
diseases or working limitation are recognized, an additional risk evaluation (Annex B) in the workplace
might be needed.
c) Stage 3: if there are still some open questions on the individual's health status or other cold
consequences, a more detailed analysis in a hospital expert unit or units or a provocation laboratory
might be needed. When evaluating health aspects, it is important also to utilize the information obtained
from the workplace risk assessment, e.g. the risk check at stage 1 and possibly more quantitative
information from stages 2 and 3.
See Figure 2.
ISO 15743:2008(E)
Figure 2 — Relationship between cold risk assessment and health assessment
The health assessment made by the occupational health professionals helps people to conduct their working
activities in cold environments. Usually, as a result of the screening, only very few persons have severe
limitations for working in a cold environment. However, it is very common that individuals have minor
limitations or complaints. As a result of the selection, the occupational health professionals accept or reject
employees for work in a cold environment. Those accepted need particular advice, training and information in
order to ensure their optimal health and performance in cold work. The content of the information is dependent
on the conditions in the workplace, and on an individual's cold-related diseases or limitations.
ISO 12894 provides guidance for the medical supervision of individuals exposed to extreme hot or cold
environments and ISO/TS 14415 for the application of International (thermal) Standards for people with
special requirements. Use them, as appropriate, when acting on the results of the health assessment. They
advise health professionals on how to manage those individuals having an identified disease or limitation but
not the majority of subjects having cold-related complaints, symptoms or working limitations without
recognized disease.
During stage 3 of the risk assessment (see 4.1), and possibly already at stage 2, follow the guidelines given in
ISO 9886 for the evaluation of thermal strain by physiological measurements.
4.3 Cold risk management
The cold risk management model (see Figure 3) and practices presented in 5.3 and Annex C should be fully
integrated into the OHS management system and practices of the company/organization carrying out the
assessments, in order to ensure the implementation and continuance of the activities. This kind of system may
be established according to, for example, OHSAS 18001, which is compatible with the ISO 9001 quality
management and ISO 14001 environmental management systems.
The workers, foremen and safety delegates, as well as the occupational health care professionals involved,
should be trained to identify, assess and manage the cold-related risks at work.
4 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
5 Practices for cold risk assessment and management
5.1 Responsibilities
The employer is primarily responsible for the assessment and management of potential cold-related risks to
health and safety in the workplace. A responsible person should be nominated to conduct these activities in
the department or section of the company. This person should be provided with adequate training.
Collaboration and consultation with occupational health professionals is useful.
5.2 Cold risk assessment
5.2.1 Stage 1: Observation
For the assessment of cold-related hazards, an observation method should be used (see Annex A). The
method does not require comprehensive training. Furthermore, for a person at the workplace who is familiar
with the contents of the work, conducting the observation does not take long. Therefore, it is recommended
that, for example, foremen, work safety delegates or workers conduct the observation.
The checklist given in Annex A contains checkpoints related to the type of cold exposure, use of cold
protective clothing, use of personal protective equipments (PPE), as well as environmental factors. Each
factor is categorized into three different classes according to its seriousness: “no problem”, “slight problem”
and “serious problem”. No immediate preventive measures are needed for the first two classes (scoring 0
and 1). However, a slight cold-related problem (scoring 1) indicates that improvements to reduce or eliminate
the source of harm could be made in the long run to improve workers' occupational health and safety.
When conducting the observation at the workplace it is important first to identify the major tasks being carried
out there. The purpose of this planning is to group the tasks or the workers exposed to cold in a similar way.
Each of these groups should be then observed separately. It is important to include all the different problems
that can exist due to cold. The planning may be conducted in a team at the workplace by a manager and/or
foremen, workers and safety experts.
When conducting the actual observation, it is important to remember to observe the “average work situation”.
This means that the observer should consider whether, for example, contact with cold materials is usually a
problem in the work that is observed and not just during a specific observation. Environmental conditions
should be looked at in a similar manner. If some parts of the check remain unresolved or observation is
difficult, it is recommended that the opinion of the worker be sought, for example, in respect of use of
protective clothing.
In outdoor work the observation should be conducted whenever the ambient conditions, work tasks or work
environment markedly change. In cold indoor work it is not necessary to perform the observation so frequently
because the climatic conditions and work tasks are often relatively constant.
5.2.2 Stage 2: Analysis
The main actions at this stage are
⎯ follow-up on the stage 1 checklist,
⎯ focus on identified problems,
⎯ find direct cost-effective solutions, and
⎯ allow decision about possible need for specialist assessment (stage 3).
It is important to note that this level of cold risk assessment ought not to require specific instrumentation or too
complex analysis. The assessments include simple measurements and the use of tables and criteria values
(see Annex B).
ISO 15743:2008(E)
5.2.3 Stage 3: Expertise
Stage 3 aims at quantifying, analysing and estimating cold risks. The assessments should be performed by,
for example, occupational healthcare professionals, occupational hygienists or other expert institutes with
adequate competence. The duration of an individual assessment is one day or more and includes more
complex analysis involving special instrumentation. The assessment is aimed at solving a specific cold-related
problem based on the needs of the lower levels of cold risk assessment.
5.3 Cold risk management
Whenever any of the checkpoints show a serious problem, this should be taken into consideration at the
workplace. For a specific problem there are usually several possible solutions. Each workplace should choose
the preventive measures that are best suited for its own situation. After choosing a preventive action, it is
important to select a person who will be responsible for applying the solution. After a corrective action has
been taken, a re-check should be conducted to evaluate its sufficiency to reduce or eliminate the source of
harm.
Depending on the type of the industry and company/organization, various preventive measures against cold
hazards can be implemented. Annex C provides lists of different possible measures. The occupational safety
delegates, supervisors and workers should carry these out at the workplace. The worker's participation is
strongly recommended. All participants need to be informed about the actions to be made. The
company/organization is advised to name the responsible persons in each of the following sections.
ISO 12894, ISO/TS 14415 and ISO 9886 may be used, as applicable. The questions at the end of each
section can be useful in planning. The selected activities should be indicated in the cold risk management plan.
An example for a form for making such a plan is given in Annex C. The purpose of planning is to
systematically take into account different aspects related to cold, as well as guarantee successful timing for
implementing different management activities.
6 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Figure 3 — Cold risk management model
ISO 15743:2008(E)
Annex A
(informative)
Checklist for identifying cold-related problems at work
A.1 How to use the checklist
A.1.1 Consider the work environment comprehensively. Before using the checklist, screen the different work
activities to be observed. Categorize the prevailing working situation to include all circumstances during the
day and for a foreseeable time period. Use the observation checklist separately for each working activity. If it
is not possible to observe all the tasks in work, conduct the check at a later date. If several employees are
engaged in the same tasks, conduct the observation according to the individual having in your opinion the
most problems in the cold.
A.1.2 Check through each condition/category separately and mark the proposed score that best
corresponds to the situation. The score “0” indicates that no preventive actions are needed, “1” that certain
problems related to cold exist and should be dealt with in the long run, while “2” indicates problems related to
cold that can involve a risk of impaired health and performance. A score of “2” means that corrective action to
reduce or eliminate the problem must be implemented immediately.
A.1.3 Provide remarks or indications of particular observations related to each condition.
EXAMPLE “Worker is poorly protected against wind”, “gloves not used at all”.
Such remarks will enhance the interpretation of the results.
A.1.4 The checklist should be used
⎯ a few times during winter (once a month and/or when environmental conditions have changed),
⎯ when work activity changes considerably, and
⎯ when working environment changes considerably.
It should be repeated to check the adequacy of conducted preventive measures.
8 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
A.2 Checklist for identification of cold-related problems
Name of company: ….……………………….……………………………………. Date: …………….…………………….
Temperature: …………. °C
Observed task: ……………………….…………………………………………….…
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Wind speed: ……………. m/s
Scoring:
0 No need for 1 Corrective actions are 2 Immediate need for
preventive recommended in the long corrective actions

actions run
1. Cold air
0 Air temperature does not cause any problem
1 Air temperature causes some problems
2 Air temperature clearly causes problems
Remarks:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

2. Wind/air movements
0 No air movements
1 Light cold air movements (e.g. sensation of draught, light wind)
2 Strong cold air movements (e.g. strong wind blowing occasionally or repeatedly)
Remarks:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

3. Contact with cold surfaces while handling tools/materials or when sitting, kneeling or
lying on cold surfaces
0 Not at all
1 Working for short periods with thin gloves, sitting, kneeling or lying on cold surfaces
2 Working with bare or insufficiently protected hands or for longer periods sitting, kneeling, standing or lying on cold
surfaces
Remarks:………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

4. Exposure to water/liquids/wetness
0 No exposure
1 Short periods of exposure (e.g. when handling cold materials, raining, snowfall)
2 Long periods of exposure (e.g. continuously handling cold fluids or wet materials)
Remarks:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
ISO 15743:2008(E)
5. Cold protective clothing (excluding hands, feet and head)
0 Adequate
1 Partly inadequate (e.g. only some winter garments in use)
2 Inadequate (e.g. cold protective clothing is not used although needed, or too warm clothing/garments have to be
used)
Remarks (please specify whether the problem is excessive cooling or heating/continuous or
occasional): ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
........................................................................................................................................................................................

6. Protection against cold: hands, feet, head (estimated based on prevailing conditions,
examples in parenthesis represent mainly protections against very cold weather)
0 Sufficient (e.g. undergloves and mittens, winter boots with thick soles and loose insoles, windproof winter headwear
covering the ears)
1 Adequate (e.g. gloves with lining, winter shoes with thick soles, safety helmet with undercap or a non-windproof
headwear)
2 Insufficient (e.g. gloves without lining, no gloves, shoes with a thin sole, safety helmet without a cap or bareheaded)
Remarks: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

7. Use of personal protective equipment (helmet, hearing protection, etc.)
0 No interference
1 Interferes to some extent (e.g. clumsiness, restricted movements, impaired protection against cold)
2 Considerable interference (e.g. considerable difficulties in combining cold protective clothing
and use of PPE or cold protective clothing/PPE are not used at all)
Remarks:……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

8. Other problems related to cold
0 1 2
Long term cold exposure/working in the cold (e.g. continuously > 2 h)
Light work (e.g. measuring, monitoring)
Highly varying workload (light/heavy)
Varying thermal environments (e.g. frequent moving between in and outdoors)
Slipperiness
Insufficient lighting
Other factors (specify):
…………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………………….
……………………………………………………………………………………………
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ISO 15743:2008(E)
A.3 Evaluation of results and selection of corrective actions
A.3.1 Mark the score (0, 1 or 2) for each condition of the check to Table A.1 in the “Score” column.
A.3.2 In the “Other problems” row, enter the highest observed score. If several of the checkpoints indicate
the highest score, use only one score.
NOTE 1 Each of these checkpoints can be separately evaluated when evaluating the results and choosing the
preventive measures.
NOTE 2 A score of “1” indicates that no preventive measures are needed just now but that improvements in the
company's OHS system can be conducted to improve worker's health and safety with regards to cold.
NOTE 3 A score of “2” indicates that preventive measures to reduce or eliminate adverse effects related to cold are
required immediately. Examples of different methods are indicated in Annex C.
A.3.3 Propose a suitable “Preventive measure” in that column. If the problem can not be solved by simple
management methods, mark a cross in “Need for further analysis”.
NOTE During evaluation of the results and choosing of preventive measures, there is interaction between certain
factors. For example, cold air interacts with wind/air movements, cold protective clothing and with the protection of the
extremities. Furthermore, water/liquids/wetness interacts with touching of cold materials and cold protective clothing, etc.
These interactions can aggravate the cold risk.
A.3.4 Discuss with the management of the company/organization as to which of the management methods
are to be implemented (“Implementation”).
A.3.5 Set a “Date of recheck” for estimating the adequacy of the applied preventive measures.
Table A.1 — Summary of results and selected preventive measures
Score Implementation Need for
Date of
Problem Preventive measure
further
recheck
0,1 or 2
No Yes
analysis
1. Cold air
2. Wind/air movement
3. Touching cold surfaces
4. Water/liquids/moisture
5. Cold protective clothing
6. Protection against cold:
hands, head, feet
7. Use of PPE
8. Other problems
Responsible person: ………………………………………. Date: …………………………………….

Approval: ……………………………………………………

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Annex B
(informative)
Analysis of cold-related problems
B.1 General
Stage 2 (analysis) of the cold risk assessment (see 4.1) is intended to be used by persons with knowledge of
the subject and who are familiar with the relevant standards (e.g. safety engineers, industrial hygienists).
The aims of assessment at this stage are to
⎯ follow-up the stage 1 checklist (Annex A),
⎯ focus on identified problems,
⎯ perform a simple workplace evaluation by professionals in co-operation with company staff,
⎯ carry out a limited number of measurements,
⎯ find direct cost-effective solutions, and
⎯ allow decisions to be made on the possible need for further specialist assessment (stage 3).
For preventive measures and problem solutions, see Annex C. Relevant information for this level can also be
found in Reference [30].
B.2 Cold air
Evaluate cold stress using IREQ (required insulation and clothing effects — see ISO 11079):
a) measure or estimate air temperature (see ISO 7726);
b) measure or estimate air velocity (see ISO 7726);
c) determine exposure times;
d) estimate activity level for the calculation of metabolic heat production (see ISO 8996);
e) estimate thermal insulation of clothing (see ISO 9920);
f) calculate IREQ and IREQ using
neutral min
⎯ a computer program (see ISO 11079:2007, Annex F), or
⎯ graphs (see Figure B.1);
g) compare IREQ with the actual clothing insulation;
h) if clothing insulation is lower than IREQ , calculate the DLE (duration limited exposure) time.
min
NOTE 1 This first evaluation is for calm wind conditions only (e.g. indoor environments).
12 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
NOTE 2 ISO 11079 contains graphs illustrating IREQ as a function of different climatic and activity values, of which
Figure B.1 is an example. IREQ (minimal requirements of insulation) are presented as a function of ambient operative
min
temperature at eight levels of metabolic heat production. The operative temperature is the integrated value of the air
temperature and mean radiant temperature weighted according to values of the convective and radiation heat transfer
coefficients, respectively.
Key
X operative temperature, t , °C
o
Y IREQ, clo
−1
Air velocity: 0,4 m⋅s
−2 −1
Air permeability of outer layer: 8 l ⋅ m ⋅ s
a −2
70 W ⋅ m
b −2
90 W ⋅ m
c −2
115 W ⋅ m
d −2
145 W ⋅ m
e −2
175 W ⋅ m
f −2
200 W ⋅ m
g −2
230 W ⋅ m
h −2
260 W ⋅ m
Figure B.1 — Example graph — IREQ as a function of operative temperature
min
at eight levels of metabolic rate
ISO 15743:2008(E)
B.3 Determination of wind cooling (taken from ISO 11079:2007, Annex D)
The wind causes a cooling effect on the skin. This effect may be expressed as a wind chill temperature. The
−1
wind chill temperature (t ) defines the ambient temperature, which at a wind speed of 4,2 km ⋅ h produces
WC
the same cooling power (sensation) as the actual environmental conditions. The wind chill temperature (in
degrees Celsius) is determined by the following formula:
0,16 0,16
tt=+13,12 0,6215⋅−11,37⋅v+ 0,396 5⋅tv (B.1)
WC a a
10 10
Wind velocity (v ) is defined as the standard meteorological value measured 10 m above ground level. This
value is obtained from weather stations and weather forecasts. If the local wind velocity (v ) at ground level is
a
measured, it must be multiplied by 1,5 before it is inserted in Equation (B.1).
Calculated values for t and criteria associated with the evaluation of the risk of cold injury based on the
WC
index are given in Tables B.1 and B.2.
Table B.1 — Cooling power of wind on exposed flesh expressed as a comparative wind chill
−1
temperature (t ) at a defined wind speed of 4,2 km ⋅ h
WC
t
a
v
°C
−1 −1
km⋅h m⋅s 0 −5 −10 −15 −20 −25 −30 −35 −40 −45 −50
5 1,4 −2 −7 −13 −19 −24 −30 −36 −41 −47 −53 −58
10 2,8 −3 −9 −15 −21 −27 −33 −39 −45 −51 −57 −63
15 4,2 −4 −11 −17 −23 −29 −35 −41 −48 −54 −60 −66
20 5,6 −5 −12 −18 −24 −31 −37 −43 −49 −56 −62 −68
25 6,9 −6 −12 −19 −25 −32 −38 −45 −51 −57 −64 −70
30 8,3 −7 −13 −20 −26 −33 −39 −46 −52 −59 −65 −72
35 9,7 −7 −14 −20 −27 −33 −40 −47 −53 −60 −66 −73
40 11,1 −7 −14 −21 −27 −34 −41 −48 −54 −61 −68 −74
45 12,5 −8 −15 −21 −28 −35 −42 −48 −55 −62 −69 −75
50 13,9 −8 −15 −22 −29 −35 −42 −49 −56 −63 −70 −76
55 15,3 −9 −15 −22 −29 −36 −43 −50 −57 −63 −70 −77
60 16,7 −9 −16 −23 −30 −37 −43 −50 −57 −64 −71 −78
65 18,1 −9 −16 −23 −30 −37 −44 −51 −58 −65 −72 −79
70 19,4 −9 −16 −23 −30 −37 −44 −51 −59 −66 −73 −80
75 20,8 −10 −17 −24 −31 −38 −45 −52 −59 −66 −73 −80
80 22,2 −10 −17 −24 −31 −38 −45 −52 −60 −67 −74 −81
The shaded areas refer to the different classes of risk according to Table B.2.

14 © ISO 2008 – All rights reserved

ISO 15743:2008(E)
Table B.2 — Wind chill temperature (t ) and freezing time of exposed skin
WC
t
WC
Classification of risk Effect
°C
1 −10 to −24 Uncomfortably cold
Very cold,
2 −25 to −34
risk of skin freezing
Bitterly cold,
3 −35 to −59
exposed skin may freeze in 10 min
Extremely cold,
4 −60 and colder
exposed skin may freeze within 2 min

B.4 Contact with cold surfaces through handling of tools, equipment and machinery,
sitting or lying
Evaluate contact cooling (see ISO 13732-3):
a) determine the surface temperature of contacted material;
b) determine the type of contacted material;
c) determine the type of contact (touching or gripping).
Relations between material temperature and contact duration are also given in ISO 13732-3 for different types
of materials and different effect criteria — pain, numbness or frostnip (very superficial freezing of small skin
area):
d) determine the surface temperature of the material;
e) select the appropriate material and effect criteria;
f) determine the corresponding allowed time for contact.
B.5 Contact with water, liquids or moist materials
Liquids have a cooling power much higher than that of air. Wet skin will cool by evaporation and continuous
handling of liquids (e.g. water). Wet and moist conditions at temperatures between 0 °C and 15 °C can cause
considerable cooling of hands and fingers.
Special attention needs to be given to liquids with a freezing point below zero (e.g. gasoline, ethanol). These
cool, first, by convection due to their low temperature and high cooling power, and, second, by evaporation of
the liquid.
Frostbite can develop in a few seconds if gasoline is spilled on the bare hands at −10 °C.
B.6 Protective clothing against cold (not hands, feet and head)
Determine the cooling effect on the body in a cold environment by
⎯ thermal insulation of used cold protective clothing ensemble (clo value), and
⎯ body heat available from muscular and metabolic energy production.
ISO 15743:2008(E)
Determine the thermal insulation of clothing by estimation from the tables of similar ensembles given in
ISO 9920 or by using the measurements given in EN 342.
2 −1
The insulation value is presented as a clo value or in SI units (1 clo = 0,155 m ⋅ °C ⋅ W ).
With knowledge about the insulation value for used or available cold protective clothing, the conditions for
heat balance during the prevailing climate and activity can be evaluated.
Evaluate the heat balance using IREQ:
a) measure or estimate the air temperature;
b) measure or estimate the air velocity;
c) determine exposure times;
d) estimate the activity level (see ISO 8996);
e) estimate or determine the clo value for selected cold protective clothing;
f) calculate the heat balance using either a computer program or graphs.
B.7 P
...