Climate change

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold (cont.) ## Elimination (cont.) - Do not allow driving or travelling during extreme winter events - Have workers perform their work in a heat-controlled environment - Reschedule work performed outdoors when temperatures are milder ## Engineering Controls - Improve heating in work areas* - Provide heated shelters for rest and breaks* - Using tools and equipment that are designed so they can be safely operated while wearing gloves or other winter clothing - Maintain work vehicles and have snow tires and functioning heaters *Do not use unvented portable gas heaters in indoor settings as it can lead to harmful levels of carbon monoxide and other harmful combustion products and is a fire hazard. ## Administrative controls - Use weather surveillance procedures to identify upcoming cold events and to detect the sudden onset of cold events - Have emergency plans and procedures in place to respond to extreme cold events - Train workers on: - how to identify health effects of cold stress in themselves and others, how to respond, and first-aid procedures - what to do in the event of an emergency caused by extreme cold and winter weather - the pace of work to avoid overheating (sweating) and then cooling - appropriate use of winter weather clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) for working in the cold ## Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Provide workers with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and clothing for working in the cold. Take into account the temperature, weather conditions (e.g., snow, ice, wind speed, wind chill), the level and duration of the activity being performed, and the job design. Also, make sure workers are equipped with emergency supplies and equipment, especially if they are offsite or are travelling. Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Cold CCOHS

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CCOHS CCHST Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Centre canadien d'hygiène et de sécurité au travail Climate Change # Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies On this page What are climate related emergencies? Why do workplaces need to plan for climate related emergencies? How can a workplace plan for a climate related emergency? Where can I find more information? ## What are climate related emergencies? Due to climate change, there has been an increase in extreme weather events. Climate related emergencies refer to emergency situations caused by these extreme weather events, such as: - Extreme heat and cold events - Forest Fires / Wildfires - Floods and heavy rain and snow - Severe winds, hurricanes, and tornadoes - Air pollution and smog - Other extreme weather events ## Why do workplaces need to plan for climate related emergencies? The increased frequency of emergency situations due to extreme weather events has highlighted the importance for workplaces to include these situations in their emergency planning. Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies CCOHS

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Heat (cont.) ## Programs and Procedures (cont.) - Develop first aid procedures to assist a person experiencing heat stress. Note that heat stroke is a medical emergency and medical help should be called immediately (911 or local emergency services). Provide first aid until medical helps arrives. - Ask the health and safety committee to address extreme heat events and climate change - Provide access to mental health resources (e.g., EAP) and consult with workers about scheduling, stress, and fatigue to encourage a psychologically safe work environment ## Training Train supervisors and workers on how prevent heat stress, and how to recognize the signs and symptoms. All workers should know how to respond if heat stress is suspected, and what to do in an emergency. Please see the OSH Answers Hot Environments - Health effects and First Aid for more information. ## What can workers do? - Participate in education and training - Understand the signs and symptoms of heat stress and how to recognize in others. Notify your supervisor immediately if you or your coworkers begin experiencing any signs and symptoms - Immediately notify your supervisor if you have any health and safety concerns, such as working outdoors in extreme heat or when there is poor ventilation - Take breaks in cool and shaded areas and drink plenty of water during hot days - Provide feedback and suggestions to your supervisor or the health and safety committee (or representative) about ways to make your work less physically demanding and more efficient - When appropriate, wear light and breathable clothing - Wear sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent sunburns ## Where can I find more information? Please see the following OSH Answers for more information: Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Heat CCOHS

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies (cont.) ## How can a workplace plan for a climate related emergency? (cont.) - Flooding from heavy rain or snow melt - Poor air quality - Reduced visibility outdoors, poor driving conditions and road closures - Building collapse and structural failures - Spills and unintentional release of chemicals - Equipment malfunctions - Loss of power, water supply, communication, and other utilities - Workers being stranded at the office, a worksite or remote location ## Risk Assessment After all the hazards have been identified for each climate emergency, an assessment should be done to evaluate the risks that each of these hazards pose to workers, property, and the environment. To assess risk, consider the likelihood of harm or damage, as well as the severity of that harm or damage. This assessment will help with prioritization and resource allocation during emergency planning, and most importantly the development of proper emergency response procedures. Areas where flammables, explosives, or chemicals are used or stored should be considered as a likely place for many of these hazards to occur during an emergency. The possibility of one event triggering others must be considered. For example, a fire caused by extreme weather (e.g., forest fire, tornado) may lead to an explosion, and cause structural failure and trigger many other possible events. During the hazard identification and risk assessment process, gaps or deficiencies in current hazard control measures may be identified, as well as previously undetected hazardous conditions that could increase risk during emergency situations. These issues should be addressed appropriately. ## Emergency Response Plans Once the possible climate emergencies and potential risks and consequences of those emergencies have been identified, the actions required to protect workers, property and the environment can be determined. When consid…

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# What are unintentional release measures for carbon dioxide? Personal Precautions: Increase ventilation to area or move leaking container to a well- ventilated and secure area. Vapour or gas may accumulate in hazardous amounts in low-lying areas especially inside confined spaces, if ventilation is not sufficient. Methods for Containment and Clean-up: Stop or reduce leak if safe to do so. Ventilate the area to prevent the gas from accumulating, especially in confined spaces. ## What handling and storage practices should be used when working with carbon dioxide? Handling: Prevent unintentional contact with incompatible chemicals. Use the pressure regulator appropriate for cylinder pressure and contents. Secure cylinder in an up-right position. Protect cylinders from damage. Use a suitable hand truck to move cylinders; do not drag, roll, slide, or drop. If used in a confined space, check for oxygen deficiency before worker entry and during work. Storage: Store in an area that is: cool, dry, well-ventilated, out of direct sunlight and away from heat and ignition sources, temperature-controlled, secure and separate from work areas, on the ground floor or preferably, if storing in large volumes, in an isolated, detached building. Always secure (e.g. chain) cylinders in an upright position to a wall, rack or other solid structure. What is the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIHR) recommended exposure limit for carbon dioxide? ACGIH® TLV® - TWA: 5000 ppm ACGIH® TLV® - STEL [C]: [redacted postal code] ppm Exposure Guideline Comments: TLV® = Threshold Limit Value. TWA = Time-Weighted Average. STEL = Short-term Exposure Limit. C = Ceiling limit. Adapted from: 2022 TLVs® and BEIs® - Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances and Physical Agents and Biological Exposure Indices. Cincinnati: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) NOTE: In many (but not all) Canadian jurisdictions, the exposure limits are simil…

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# Climate Change: Extreme Weather - Preparing for Climate Related Emergencies (cont.) ## Emergency Response Plans (cont.) - Detailed lists of emergency response personnel including their cell phone numbers, alternate contact details, and their duties and responsibilities. - Large scale maps showing evacuation routes, service conduits (e.g., gas and water lines), first aid supplies, emergency equipment, and gathering areas or muster points. - Designated safe areas for seeking shelter, and an inventory of emergency food and water. - Process for checking the local weather forecast and air quality, and a communication plan for sending weather alerts to workers. - Emergency procedures for workers, including those who: - Work outside - Travel and visit multiple work locations - Are located in remote areas - Work alone - Are responsible for overseeing critical processes and equipment - Details on how plans will be initiated and communicated with workers in the event of an emergency - Requirements for practicing the execution of the plans by performing drills and exercises. - Process for regularly reviewing the plans and their effectiveness, and making revisions as needed Plans should factor in how long it will take for emergency services to respond. In the event of climate emergencies, there could be a delay in response due to an increase in demand for these services by the community and other workplaces in the area. Alternatively, your organization may be able to offer services to others in an emergency. This further emphasizes the importance of emergency planning from both a workplace and community perspective when possible. Plans also need incorporate procedures on how to safely monitor, shut down or to continually operate critical processes, equipment and other devices that may cause injuries or damage in the event of a power failure or malfunction. Since a sizable document will likely result, the plan should provide workers wit…

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# What are unintentional release measures for carbon dioxide? (cont.) ## What handling and storage practices should be used when working with carbon dioxide? (cont.) A list of which acts and regulations that cover exposure limits to chemical and biological agents is available on our website. Please note that while you can see the list of legislation for free, you will need a subscription to view the actual documentation. ## What are the engineering controls for carbon dioxide? Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, if general ventilation is not adequate to control amount in the air. ## What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is needed when working with carbon dioxide? Eye/Face Protection: Wear chemical safety goggles. (frost bite). Skin Protection: Always wear insulated protective clothing, if contact with refrigerated gas is possible. ## Respiratory Protection: Up to [redacted postal code] ppm: (APF = 10) Any supplied-air respirator. (APF = 50) Any self-contained breathing apparatus with a full facepiece. APF = Assigned Protection Factor Recommendations apply only to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved respirators. Refer to the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards for more information. Fact sheet last revised: 2024-01-16 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Carbon Dioxide CCOHS