| WCF Is the aggravating local effect of wind, | | | | might be working outdoors, then ensure that you |
| realised as the temperature we actually feel on | | | | have the right sort of additional clothing that can |
| our exposed skin. This differs from the actual | | | | cope with rapidly changing conditions. |
| ambient surrounding air temperature, as the | | | | Layering your clothes is the recommended way |
| increasing speed and strength of the wind affects | | | | to stay warm, as air is trapped between the |
| how quickly we lose heat from our bodies, and so | | | | layers. It is better to wear 3 thin layers, than 2 |
| affects how cold we feel. In cold weather | | | | thicker layers. Starting off with a good base layer |
| environments, body heat is naturally lost through | | | | is important, and can make a big difference when |
| the combined effects of convection, conduction | | | | it comes to retaining body heat. Stay-dry fabrics |
| and radiation. This heat loss is made worse by the | | | | are ideal as base layers. An insulating mid-layer, |
| effects of stronger local winds. For those people | | | | such as fleece or pile clothing will help to retain |
| who work outdoors, neglecting the effects of the | | | | body heat. Finally, a waterproof and windproof |
| wind chill factor can have serious repercussions. | | | | outer layer made from a breathable fabric will |
| Frostbite and hyperthermia are real dangers, | | | | protect you from the elements. It is also essential |
| combined with wet clothing and wind chill can turn | | | | to protect your bodies' extremities, thermal |
| what would be considered a tame weather | | | | gloves, a hat, and suitable thick socks will prevent |
| situation into a catastrophic situation in a matter | | | | the onset of frostbite. You might even need |
| of minutes. | | | | spare clothing if there is a risk of the weather |
| Where the air temperature is 5ºC and | | | | getting colder, or that you might get wet. Keeping |
| there is no wind, then obviously there is no wind | | | | active will make your body produce more heat, |
| chill factor. What you feel is 5ºC. Where the | | | | but during periods of low activity the sweat you |
| air temperature is 5ºC and there is a 50 KP | | | | have previously produced will have a dramatic |
| H wind, the wind chill factor means that the | | | | cooling effect, this may mean you have to wear |
| temperature feels like -1ºC. Where the air | | | | even more layers to compensate. |
| temperature is colder, such as 0ºC, with a | | | | It is clear to see that the wind chill factor has a |
| 50 KP/H wind, it feels like -15ºC. At lower | | | | significant effect on the temperature you feel. |
| temperatures, the wind chill factor is more | | | | Even though the temperature might be just |
| severe, -5ºC feels like -22ºC with a | | | | above freezing, add a strong wind, and you could |
| 50 KP/H wind. | | | | soon be working in conditions of -10 ºC and |
| Fortunately, with sensible preparation you can | | | | below. Prepare yourself for all types of weather |
| protect yourself for all weather conditions. If you | | | | by making sure that you have the right |
| work outdoors in the cold, or know that you | | | | workwear clothing. |