Winter Weather – Personal Protective Equipment

We often think of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as hard hats, safety glasses, and gloves for a specific task. In winter, your personal protective equipment is anything that protects you from the cold. It is your first and most important defense against cold stress injuries such as hypothermia and frostbite. The following information will provide helpful guidance for how we should prepare for winter weather.

The Three Layer System – PPE

The best approach to winter clothing isn’t one big jacket, it is the three layer system.

• Inner Layer (Moisture-Wicking): This is the layer that sits against your skin. Its job is to pull sweat and moisture away from your body. Sweat is your biggest enemy in the cold, because as it evaporates, it rapidly cools you down.
  • Right Choice: Polyester, synthetic blends, or wool.
  • Wrong Choice: Cotton. Cotton soaks up moisture and holds it against your skin, making you colder
• Middle Layer (Insulating): This layer’s job is to trap heat to keep you warm.
  • Right Choice: Fleece, wool, or down.
  • Wrong Choice: Tight-fitting clothes that restrict blood flow
• Outer Layer (Wind and Water Protection): This is your shell. Its job is to protect you from wind, snow, and rain while allowing moisture to escape from the layers underneath
  • Right Choice: A windproof and waterproof or water-resistant jacket.
  • Wrong Choice: A jacket that is too heavy and causes you to sweat excessively.

Protecting Your Extremities (Fingers, Toes, Head, and Face) – PPE

Your body naturally prioritizes keeping your core warm, which means it pulls blood from your extremities. This is why your fingers and toes are first to get cold and are at the highest risk of frostbite.

• Head: You lose a significant amount of heat through your head. Wear a hard hat liner or an insulated hat that fits comfortably under your hard hat. A balaclava or face mask can protect your face from wind and cold.
• Hands: Wear insulated, waterproof gloves. For jobs requiring dexterity, consider wearing a thinner
  glove liner underneath a thicker outer glove. Never touch cold metal surfaces with bare hands.
• Feet: Wear waterproof and insulated boots with good traction for snow and ice. The soles should be
  slip-resistant. For socks, choose wool or synthetic material; again, avoid cotton. It’s a good idea to bring an extra pair of dry socks to work in case yours get wet.
• For Steel-Toe Boots: Be aware that steel-toe boots can conduct cold into your feet. Look for composite-toe boots, which are non-conductive and help prevent cold from reaching your toes.

High Visibility Gear – PPE

With shorter days, fog, and snow, it can be hard to see. Make sure your outer layer is high-visibility, and if it has reflective strips, that they are clean and in good condition. Stay safe and stay warm!