Extreme Low Temperature Safety

Due in part to the significant environmental conditions that a vessel and its crew are operating in, particular attention must be paid to the vessel’s personnel so that they remain effective in performing their duties safely and efficiently. Working in freezing weather environments has significant implications on human capabilities and unless proper precautions are made can be hazardous to a person’s health. In recognition of these implications on human health and performance due to working in cold climes, this chapter is offered to provide basic information on human performance and health hazards; information for design or selection of clothing; design of equipment to be operated in frigid conditions; information that can be used to help generate freezing weather operations’ safety and operating procedures; and information that can be used to preserve the health of persons working in cold environments. The information that follows is simply information and carries no weight as Rules or requirements leading to Notations or Certifications.