Hazard Knowledge

Allowing the core body temperature to fall below 37°C, even by as little as 2°C, may lead to hypothermia. It may be moderate or severe depending on the degree of cooling. Hypothermia can be a life-threatening condition. 

Hypothermia in personnel can be caused or exacerbated by: 

• Exposure to cold temperatures 
• Immersion in water 
• Physical exhaustion 
• Adverse weather conditions 
• Inappropriate clothing or personal protective equipment (PPE) 
• Dehydration 
• Medical conditions or blood loss  

The symptoms of moderate hypothermia include: 

• The person saying they feel very cold 
• Uncontrolled shivering 
• The person feeling cold to the touch, with cold and pale hands and feet 
• Loss of manual dexterity 
• Mild confusion, disorientation or irritability 
• The person possibly denying having any problem and rejecting assistance 

The symptoms of severe hypothermia include: 

• Slurred speech and an apathetic, confused and irrational state 
• Lips turning blue 
• Reduced consciousness, with a slow, faint or irregular pulse 
• Shivering stopping