KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO ...

APPENDIX F
Sunburn is not a condition of heat stress, but may aggravate and add to the potential for heat stress
conditions. The signs and symptoms of sunburn are reddened skin, pain, swelling, and possible blisters,
nausea, vomiting, and chills. First aid includes cold water on burned area and elevation of burned limbs.
Medical help will be sought if pain, chills, and vomiting persist. To reduce the risk of infection, blisters
will not be broken. Sunscreen may be required depending upon the climatic conditions.
The best way to avoid heat stress is prevention. This can be accomplished by taking required rest breaks
as dictated by WBGT readings or when feeling any of the symptoms of heat stress, eating a balanced diet,
regularly drinking plenty of water (not soft drinks or alcohol), and allowing the individual to acclimatize
to potential heat stress conditions by slowly increasing time in the field.
4.4 Cold Stress
Cold stress is a danger at low temperatures and when the wind chill factor is low. Adequate insulated
clothing will be provided when air temperature is below 40°F. In addition, reduced work periods
followed by rest in a warm area may be necessary in extreme conditions. Table 4-2 provides detailed
requirements for cold stress.
Table 4-2.
Requirements for Cold Stress
Temperatures
Equivalent Chill
°C Less Than °F Action
16 60.8 If fine detailed work is required, keep workers’ hands warm
with warm air jets, radiant heaters, or contact warm plates
16 60.8 Sedentary work may require gloves
4 39.2 Light work may require gloves
4 39.2 Don protective clothing appropriate for the level of cold and
physical activity
2 35.6 If worker becomes wet, provide change of clothing and treat
for hypothermia
-1 30.2 Cover metal handles and controls with thermal insulating
material
-7 19.4 Moderate work may require gloves
-7 19.4 Workers will be warned about contact frostbite
-7 19.4 Heated warm up shelters will be provided and workers will be
encouraged to use them
-17.5 0 Hands will be protected by mittens
-32 -25.6 No continuous exposure for skin
The best treatment for cold stress is prevention. If the equivalent chill temperature exceeds levels in
Table 4-2, the work/warm-up schedule in the table will be followed. In general, work will be limited
when outside air temperatures fall below 0°F. Cold stress can result in frostbite and/or hypothermia.
The signs and symptoms of mild hypothermia are shivering, numbness, and drowsiness. First aid for mild
hypothermia includes using heat to raise the individual’s body temperature. Heat may be applied to the
person in the form of heat packs, hot water bottles, and blankets. The signs and symptoms of severe
hypothermia are unconsciousness, slowed respiration or respiratory arrest, slowed pulse or cardiac arrest,
Kirtland AFB
Base-Wide Health and Safety Plan F-22 April 2004