Safety Awareness: Cold weather safety

The September Safety Awareness Training topics cover cold weather safety and hazard communications using the Globally Harmonized System (GHS).

Surviving the arctic climate is not something we think about in Yuma but for those at Cold Regions Test Center in Alaska it’s a real concern. In the winter, cold temperatures (average lows of -60 degrees below) and extreme wind chills make it dangerous to venture outdoors without the proper clothing and equipment. Some items to be sure to have on hand are: emergency compact blanket, gloves, tea-light candle, water proof matches/fire starter, whistle, utility knife, first aid kit, hand warmers, compass, crank powered flashlight, etc.

The Hazard Communication Standard is now aligned with the GHS of classification and labeling of chemicals. Core elements of the GHS include universal warning pictograms, standardized testing criteria and consistent safety data sheets and provides users of dangerous/hazardous materials with a lot of important information pertaining to the materials in use.

For more information on cold weather safety and hazard communications log on to Sharepoint under “hot topics.”

After viewing the training material use the drop down menu located below the training link under Acknowledgements, choose the training you have completed and then click on the small square box just below the training title (your name and date will auto populate) then click “submit.” The square box must be clicked in order for the training/ signature to be validated. The Safety Office will then send you a completed certificate for your records.

If you have any questions, please contact Jeni Williams at (928) 3282323/ (928) 581-6920 or via email at jeni.m.williams2.civ@mail.mil