Working outdoors during hot weather poses serious risks, including UV radiation, heat stress, and reduced visibility due to sunglare. These risks can be intensified by the wrong choice of PPE. Selecting equipment specifically designed for hot conditions is essential to ensure workers stay protected and comfortable.

Eye Protection in the Sun

The eyes are highly sensitive to sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to serious health problems such as:

• Cataracts and macular degeneration
• Corneal damage
• Eye cancer and abnormal tissue growths

Sunglare can also restrict vision, increasing the risk of accidents—especially around reflective surfaces like water or glass.

✅ Choose eyewear with UV-filtering lenses

• Both clear and tinted lenses can provide UV protection
• Tinted lenses also reduce sunglare and help prevent visual fatigue
• Ensure lenses offer appropriate shade levels and allow colour recognition

⚠️ Important: Mesh visors used in forestry do not offer UV protection. For full coverage, use helmets or browguards with integrated UV-filtering eyeshields.
[Learn more about UV and sunglare protection.]

Head Protection for Hot Weather

Wearing the wrong helmet in high temperatures can lead to discomfort and heat stress. The right helmet can help regulate body temperature and improve safety.

Key features to look for:

• ✅ Ventilation: Vents in the helmet shell release heat and reduce moisture
• ✅ Suspension harnesses: Improve airflow inside mountaineering-style helmets
• ✅ Light colours: White and yellow helmets reflect sunlight, staying cooler than dark colours

(Note: Site rules may require black helmets for specific roles)

Accessories that boost comfort and protection:

• Helmet neck capes: Shield the neck from UV radiation
• Fabrics tested to EN 13758-1
• UPF 50+ rating blocks 98% of UV rays
• Cooling sweatbands: Soaked in water and worn inside the helmet
• Offer up to 10 hours of evaporative cooling
  [Learn more about helmet neck capes.]
  [Find out more about cooling sweatbands.]

Additional Considerations

To work safely in hot weather, environmental controls and proper planning are just as important as PPE:

🧴 Skin protection:

• Use high-factor sunscreen
• Wear long sleeves and avoid exposing skin to direct sun
  [Learn more about sun safety and skin cancer prevention.]

💧 Workplace measures:

• Provide regular shaded breaks
• Ensure free access to cool drinking water
• Encourage workers to remove PPE during breaks to cool off

😷 Respiratory protection:

• In hot conditions, loose-fitting powered respirators (PAPRs) are more comfortable than tight-fitting masks
• The positive pressure airflow helps keep the wearer cool
  [Learn how loose-fitting respirators offer protection.]

Summary – Key Points:

• Choose vented, light-coloured helmets for better cooling
• Use UV-protective eyewear and neck capes for full coverage
• Look for cooling accessories like sweatbands
• Plan for regular rest breaks, shade, and hydration
• Ensure skin and respiratory protection are suited for heat exposure
• Working outside in hot weather requires PPE that balances protection and comfort. Evaluate heat-related risks during your site risk assessment and select gear that meets both safety and environmental needs.

For more information, refer to the HSE guidance on staying safe when working outdoors and sun exposure for outdoor workers.

Need support choosing hot weather PPE?
If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via WhatsApp.