The freezing temperature of water is that point at which water changess from a liquid state to solid one, normally considered to be 0 degrees C or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Other liquids freeze at different temperatures.

Totally agree. Recall working in Leningrad when temperature got up to -20 degrees at the warmest time of day - did not feel too bad because of low humidity. Still, I did not touch any metal parts!

Definition in relation to what? Health and Safety Legislation or science?

firestar

As bilbo suggests, a common definition for a freezing temperature is any temperature at or below 0 degrees Centigrade, i.e. capable of causing water to freeze. However, as your query appears to relate to people working outside in cold weather conditions, humidity, air pressure and the speed of any wind are also important factors regarding how people can be affected. For example, I find damp/humid air just above freezing point (a fairly common condition in parts of the UK during the winter months) notably more uncomfortable than dry air at down to minus 10C or more which I've often experienced during winter trips in Norway. Also, people will differ in their physical and psychological perceptions of cold weather, partly through what they are accustomed to, the nature and quality of their clothing and whether or not their work involves physical exercise which keeps their body temperature up.

As an example of how people differ in their perception of temperature, I remember being intrigued during a holiday in Southern Africa in June several years ago to see quite a number of local people wearing coats, hats, etc because they felt cold during what was their winter season even though the members of my group found it quite comfortable for wearing light summer clothing. Evidently, the locals were more accustomed to the high temperatures of their summer season which visitors from temperate countries like the UK try to avoid as being too hot.

Also, if some pedantry is allowed, it could be argued that weather with temperatures hovering above and below freezing point is far from 'extreme'. Seekers of extreme cold should try heading for the Arctic or Antarctic! :-)

By about one hundredth of a degree per atmosphere of pressure...

I'm not a weatherman but temperature alone will not suffice.

As one poster has mentioned humidity has an impact on the temperature that can be dealt with.

Perhaps far more importnat is wind chill. A strong wind can lower/reduce the "temperature" experienced by many degrees. Thus a temp that is quite acceptable on a still day can be unacceptable if wind is blowing. Doubt you can come up with a temperature based limit.

Phil

Used to have 5 Degrees and -5 degrees and below for clothing levels when working in cold storage, ie big fridges and freezers in previous role years ago

Last site I worked it it was under 10 degrees with different clothing levels offered the lower the temperature. Not aware of a defined temp other than workplace temp guidelines. Came down to company risk assessments and policies to be followed.