Usability of isothermal standards for cold risk assessment in the workplace

In this study the usability of ISO thermal standards suitable for cold risk assessment in the workplace was evaluated. Persons who were not earlier familiar with the methods were trained to be able to perform the assessments. The assessments were conducted at two different stages according to method complexity, duration and need for expertise. The methods tested at stage 1 included observation and simple measurements (ISO CD 15265, ISO 8996, ISOTR 11079) and were assumed to be relatively simple to use. The methods tested at stage 2 included measurements and quantitative analyses (ISO 7726, ISO 8996, ISO 10551, ISO 9920, ISO 9886, ISO TR 11079). Training to use the methods was provided to the observers and measur ers. The assessments at stage 1 were performed by 5 observers repeated on three different occasions with 5 different workers. The measurements (stage 2) were conducted by four persons and repeated four times. A questionnaire concerning the usability of the method tested was filled in after each assessment. The results show that the methods of stage 1 were considered easy to adopt, the duration of the assessment was short (average 30 min), the results were easy to analyse and the amount of training was considered to be adequate. The methods of stage 2 were considered more laborious to perform and the total duration of the assessment was on average 4 h 40 min. Furthermore, the training provided was not considered to be entirely sufficient and additional instructions were frequently asked for, especially when analysing the results. Usable elements were recognised from the ISO thermal standards, which could be used at the more advanced stages of cold risk assessment.