Non-freezing cold injury NFCI - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:48, 13 January 2022

2022-01-13T07:48:35Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:48, 13 January 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that ~~can~~ occur when a person is ~~subjected~~ to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that are insufficient to cause freezing. Most cases of NFCI involve the feet, injured hands and other exposed areas of skin ~~may also feature in some instances~~.	+	Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that occur when a person is subject to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that are insufficient to cause freezing. Most cases of NFCI involve the feet, injured hands and other exposed areas of skin. NFCIs may coexist with freezing cold injuries, or FCIs. Both incidents can generally be prevented with proper preparation for outdoor activities in a cold environment. On construction sites, key preventive measures focus on suitable protective clothing.
−		+
−	NFCIs may coexist with freezing cold injuries, or FCIs. Both incidents can generally be prevented with proper preparation for outdoor activities in a cold environment. On construction sites, key preventive measures focus on suitable protective clothing.	+

	= Most common NFCIs =		= Most common NFCIs =

−	There are two primary NFCI conditions that can occur: chilblains and trench foot. In both ~~chilblains and trench foot,~~ the affected area experiences restricted blood flow due to exposure to cold temperatures and damp conditions.	+	There are two primary NFCI conditions that can occur: chilblains and trench foot. In both cases the affected area experiences restricted blood flow due to exposure to cold temperatures and damp conditions.

−	Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure to the cold and most ~~often~~ occur on the face, hands or feet. ~~This exposure~~ results in constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. Subsequent re-warming results in leakage from the blood vessels into the tissues, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. Chilblains characteristically develop several hours after exposure to cold temperatures and high levels of humidity.	+	Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure to the cold and most commonly occur on the face, hands or feet. Exposure results in constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. Subsequent re-warming results in leakage from the blood vessels into the tissues, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. Chilblains characteristically develop several hours after exposure to cold temperatures and high levels of humidity.

−	Trench foot (or cold immersion foot or hand) is ~~a term~~ associated with injuries sustained in wet conditions at non-freezing temperatures. It can occur following protracted immersion in cold water, usually at 0°C to +10°C, which can result in prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction.	+	Trench foot (or cold immersion foot or hand) is associated with injuries sustained in wet conditions at non-freezing temperatures. It can occur following protracted immersion in cold water, usually at 0°C to +10°C, which can result in prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction.

	= Four stages of NFCI =		= Four stages of NFCI =

−	~~Four~~ distinct stages of NFCI ~~include~~:	+	The four distinct stages of NFCI are:

	# During cold exposure. At this stage, temperatures may cause the affected tissue to become cold and numb. The area may appear bright red, but could then fade to a paler colour; in some instances the area may appear almost white.		# During cold exposure. At this stage, temperatures may cause the affected tissue to become cold and numb. The area may appear bright red, but could then fade to a paler colour; in some instances the area may appear almost white.
−	# Following cold exposure. This stage occurs during a period of warming. The affected area changes in colour from white to pale blue and remains cold and numb. Swelling may begin to appear.	+	# Following cold exposure. This stage occurs during a period of warming. The affected area changes colour from white to pale blue and remains cold and numb. Swelling may begin to appear.
	# Hyperaemia. This stage can last for an extended period, ranging from two weeks to three months. The affected area becomes swollen with hot, red and dry skin - possibly with the occurrence of blisters - and intense pain may be experienced. In extreme cases, skin may start to become gangrenous.		# Hyperaemia. This stage can last for an extended period, ranging from two weeks to three months. The affected area becomes swollen with hot, red and dry skin - possibly with the occurrence of blisters - and intense pain may be experienced. In extreme cases, skin may start to become gangrenous.
	# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.		# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.
Line 28:		Line 26:
	UK law does not prescribe maximum or minimum temperatures. Temperatures in the workplace are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, but this simply obliges employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature.		UK law does not prescribe maximum or minimum temperatures. Temperatures in the workplace are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, but this simply obliges employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature.

−	NFCI is one risk associated with exposure to low temperatures. Where thermal conditions mean that the natural measures necessary to regulate internal human temperature begin to fail, this can be described as ‘thermal stress’, such as cold stress.	+	NFCI is one risk associated with exposure to low temperatures. Where thermal conditions mean that the natural measures necessary to regulate internal human temperature begin to fail, this can be described as ‘thermal stress’, such as cold stress. If there is a risk of thermal stress, this must be assessed and managed. In the case of cold stress, this might include conditions that are below 12°C.
−		+
−	If there is a risk of thermal stress, this must be assessed and managed. In the case of cold stress, this might include conditions that are below 12°C.	+

−	Additional legal ~~guidance for suitable temperatures for construction site working conditions~~ can be found in:	+	Additional legal requirements can be found in:

	* The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 which cover PPE assessments and requirements for cold working conditions.		* The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 which cover PPE assessments and requirements for cold working conditions.

Editor at 10:26, 12 January 2022

2022-01-12T10:26:56Z

Editor at 19:31, 11 January 2022

2022-01-11T19:31:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:31, 11 January 2022
Line 24:		Line 24:
	# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.		# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.

−	= Legal considerations associated with ~~NCFIs~~ =	+	= Legal considerations associated with NFCIs =

	UK law does not prescribe maximum or minimum temperatures. Temperatures in the workplace are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, but this simply obliges employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature.		UK law does not prescribe maximum or minimum temperatures. Temperatures in the workplace are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, but this simply obliges employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature.

Editor at 19:31, 11 January 2022

2022-01-11T19:31:04Z

Editor at 19:22, 11 January 2022

2022-01-11T19:22:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:22, 11 January 2022
Line 48:		Line 48:
	= External resources =		= External resources =

−	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/34/made Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: Temperature and weather protection (S34)].
	* Ministry of Defence, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/384487/cold_injury.pdf Synopsis of Causation: Cold Injury] by Dr Adrian Roberts.		* Ministry of Defence, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/384487/cold_injury.pdf Synopsis of Causation: Cold Injury] by Dr Adrian Roberts.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

Editor at 19:17, 11 January 2022

2022-01-11T19:17:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:17, 11 January 2022
Line 1:		Line 1:
−	[[File:Snow.jpg]]	+	[[File:Snow.jpg\|link=File:Snow.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
Line 50:		Line 50:
	* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/34/made Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: Temperature and weather protection (S34)].		* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/34/made Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: Temperature and weather protection (S34)].
	* Ministry of Defence, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/384487/cold_injury.pdf Synopsis of Causation: Cold Injury] by Dr Adrian Roberts.		* Ministry of Defence, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/384487/cold_injury.pdf Synopsis of Causation: Cold Injury] by Dr Adrian Roberts.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Health_and_safety_/_CDM]]

Editor: Created page with "File:Snow.jpg = Introduction = Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that can occur when a person is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that ..."

2022-01-11T19:14:51Z

Created page with "File:Snow.jpg = Introduction = Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that can occur when a person is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that ..."

New page

[[File:Snow.jpg]]

= Introduction =

Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that can occur when a person is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that are insufficient to cause freezing. Although almost all cases of NFCI involve the feet, injured hands may also feature in some cases.

NFCIs may coexist with freezing injuries, or FCIs, in a single individual or limb. Both injuries can generally be prevented with proper preparation for outdoor activities in a cold environment. Key preventive measures focus on hydration, nutrition, shelter and suitable protective clothing.

= Most common NFCIs =

There are two primary NFCIs conditions that can occur: chilblains and trench foot.

Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure to the cold, and most often occur on the face, hands or feet. This exposure results in constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. Subsequent re-warming results in leakage from the blood vessels into the tissues, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. Chilblains characteristically develop several hours after exposure to cold temperatures combined with the presence of high levels of humidity.

Trench foot (or cold immersion foot or hand) is a term associated with injuries sustained in wet conditions at non-freezing temperatures. It can occur following protracted immersion in cold water, usually at 0°C to +10°C, which gives rise to prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction.

In both instances, the affected area experiences restricted blood flow due to exposure to cold temperatures and damp conditions.

Four distinct stages of NFCI are recognised:

# During cold exposure. At this stage, temperatures may cause the affected tissue to become cold and numb. The area may appear bright red, but could then fade to a paler colour; in some instances the area may appear almost white.
# Following cold exposure. This stage occurs during a period of warming. The affected area changes in colour from white to pale blue and remains cold and numb. Swelling may begin to appear.
# Hyperaemia. This stage can last for a prolonged period, ranging from two weeks to three months. The area becomes swollen with hot, red and dry skin - possibly with the occurrence of blisters - and intense pain may be experienced. In extreme cases, skin may start to become gangrenous.
# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures and amputation may be necessary.

= Legal considerations associated with NCFIs =

UK law does not prescribe maximum or minimum temperatures. Temperatures in the workplace are governed by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, but this simply obliges employers to provide a ‘reasonable’ temperature. The approved code of practice ‘Workplace health, safety and welfare’ provides some guidance, suggesting a minimum temperature of 16°C or 13°C if work involves severe physical effort.

NFCIs is one particular risk associated with exposure to low temperatures. Where thermal conditions mean the measures people’s bodies use to regulate internal temperature begin to fail, this can be described as ‘thermal stress’, such as cold stress. If there is a risk of thermal stress, this must be assessed and managed. In the case of cold stress, this might include conditions that are below 12°C.

Additional legal guidance for suitable temperatures for construction site working conditions can be found in:

* The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 which cover PPE assessments and requirements for cold working conditions.
* Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 which cover risk assessments for cold working conditions.
* Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015:Temperature and weather protection (S34) provides suggested parameters - including the provision of protective clothing - for reasonable construction site weather-related working conditions both indoors and out.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

* CDM 2015.
* Cold stress.
* How to work safely on a construction site in winter.
* Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
* ‎Maximum and minimum workplace temperatures.
* The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992.
* Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.

= External resources =

* Legislation.gov.uk, [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2015/51/regulation/34/made Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015: Temperature and weather protection (S34)].
* Ministry of Defence, [https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/384487/cold_injury.pdf Synopsis of Causation: Cold Injury] by Dr Adrian Roberts.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:26, 12 January 2022
Line 3:		Line 3:
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that can occur when a person is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that are insufficient to cause freezing. ~~Although almost all~~ cases of NFCI involve the feet, injured hands and other exposed areas of skin may also feature in some ~~cases~~.	+	Non-freezing cold injuries, or NFCIs, are injuries that can occur when a person is subjected to prolonged exposure to cold temperatures that are insufficient to cause freezing. Most cases of NFCI involve the feet, injured hands and other exposed areas of skin may also feature in some instances.

−	NFCIs may coexist with freezing cold injuries, or FCIs~~, in a single individual or limb~~. Both ~~injuries~~ can generally be prevented with proper preparation for outdoor activities in a cold environment. On construction sites, key preventive measures focus on suitable protective clothing.	+	NFCIs may coexist with freezing cold injuries, or FCIs. Both incidents can generally be prevented with proper preparation for outdoor activities in a cold environment. On construction sites, key preventive measures focus on suitable protective clothing.

	= Most common NFCIs =		= Most common NFCIs =

−	There are two primary ~~NFCIs~~ conditions that can occur: chilblains and trench foot. In both chilblains and trench foot, the affected area experiences restricted blood flow due to exposure to cold temperatures and damp conditions.	+	There are two primary NFCI conditions that can occur: chilblains and trench foot. In both chilblains and trench foot, the affected area experiences restricted blood flow due to exposure to cold temperatures and damp conditions.

−	Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure to the cold, and most often occur on the face, hands or feet. This exposure results in constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. Subsequent re-warming results in leakage from the blood vessels into the tissues, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. Chilblains characteristically develop several hours after exposure to cold temperatures and high levels of humidity.	+	Chilblains are caused by repeated exposure to the cold and most often occur on the face, hands or feet. This exposure results in constriction of the small arteries and veins in the skin. Subsequent re-warming results in leakage from the blood vessels into the tissues, which in turn causes inflammation and swelling of the skin. Chilblains characteristically develop several hours after exposure to cold temperatures and high levels of humidity.

−	Trench foot (or cold immersion foot or hand) is a term associated with injuries sustained in wet conditions at non-freezing temperatures. It can occur following protracted immersion in cold water, usually at 0°C to +10°C, which ~~gives rise to~~ prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction.	+	Trench foot (or cold immersion foot or hand) is a term associated with injuries sustained in wet conditions at non-freezing temperatures. It can occur following protracted immersion in cold water, usually at 0°C to +10°C, which can result in prolonged peripheral vasoconstriction.

	= Four stages of NFCI =		= Four stages of NFCI =

−	Four distinct stages of NFCI ~~are recognised~~:	+	Four distinct stages of NFCI include:

	# During cold exposure. At this stage, temperatures may cause the affected tissue to become cold and numb. The area may appear bright red, but could then fade to a paler colour; in some instances the area may appear almost white.		# During cold exposure. At this stage, temperatures may cause the affected tissue to become cold and numb. The area may appear bright red, but could then fade to a paler colour; in some instances the area may appear almost white.
	# Following cold exposure. This stage occurs during a period of warming. The affected area changes in colour from white to pale blue and remains cold and numb. Swelling may begin to appear.		# Following cold exposure. This stage occurs during a period of warming. The affected area changes in colour from white to pale blue and remains cold and numb. Swelling may begin to appear.
−	# Hyperaemia. This stage can last for ~~a prolonged~~ period, ranging from two weeks to three months. The area becomes swollen with hot, red and dry skin - possibly with the occurrence of blisters - and intense pain may be experienced. In extreme cases, skin may start to become gangrenous.	+	# Hyperaemia. This stage can last for an extended period, ranging from two weeks to three months. The affected area becomes swollen with hot, red and dry skin - possibly with the occurrence of blisters - and intense pain may be experienced. In extreme cases, skin may start to become gangrenous.
	# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.		# Following hyperaemia. Lasting for weeks or possibly years, the final stage of NFCI may persist throughout the person’s life. Physical signs may no longer be apparent, but damaged areas may be permanently sensitive to cold temperatures; in extreme cases, amputation may be necessary.