Working outdoors in hot weather can be dangerous without the right precautions. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and glare from the sun along with high temperatures put workers at risk. Additionally, wearing PPE may become uncomfortable if it is not carefully chosen to suit the conditions.
Select PPE that is designed to protect against the effects of sun exposure and keep the wearer cool to make sure outdoor work can be carried out safely.
Eye protection for the sun
The eyes are extremely susceptible to sun damage. Exposure to UV radiation can damage the cornea, cause cataracts and macular degeneration, and ultimately decrease vision. UV damage can also cause eye cancer and growths on or near the eye.
In addition to damaging the eyes, sun exposure can also cause injuries. Bright conditions and sunglare restrict workers’ vision, which can increase the risk of accidents in an already dangerous environment. Reflective surfaces such as water pose a particular hazard for operatives driving or operating heavy machinery, as well as damaging the eyes themselves.
Eye protection is available with lenses that offer UV filtering to protect the eyes against the sun. Both clear and tinted lenses can provide UV protection. Tinted lenses also offer additional sunglare protection. Selecting the appropriate shade and filtering performance is key to make sure wearers are able to see and distinguish colour clearly whilst being protected against UV and sunglare risks. Learn more about selecting UV and sunglare eye protection.
It is important to remember UV protection when wearing a mesh forestry visor. Mesh protectors do not provide optical radiation filtering and additional eye protection is required to protect against UV damage. Forestry helmet and browguard systems are available with built-in eyeshields to offer additional UV filtering. Find out more.
Hot weather head protection
Wearing the wrong kind of helmet in high temperatures can be uncomfortable, but choosing the right one helps to keep workers cool. Selecting features and accessories designed to improve airflow, offer sun protection and protect against heat stress makes working in hot weather safer and more comfortable.
Choose a helmet with ventilation when working in hot conditions. Vents allow hot air to escape from the helmet shell and reduce moisture build-up for better hygiene. When selecting a mountaineering helmet with an internal liner, a suspension harness can increase airflow by providing clearance between the wearer’s head and internal surface of the liner, allowing air to circulate more easily.
If allowed by site rules, selecting a light-coloured helmet can also help to keep the wearer cool. A white or yellow helmet reflects sunlight whereas a black helmet absorbs it, causing the helmet temperature to increase. Some job roles, such as supervisors, can be required to wear black helmets so this may not be possible in all cases.
Helmet neck capes provide UV protection. These accessories attach to the rear of the helmet, providing coverage to the neck area. UV protective clothing and accessories tested to EN 13758-1 are assigned an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) according to performance. UPF 50+ is the maximum rating for fabrics. A UPF 50+ fabric blocks 98% of the sun's rays, allowing only 2% to penetrate. Learn more about helmet neck capes.
Other accessories provide relief from heat stress. Cooling sweatbands replace the standard helmet sweatband. After being soaked in water, the material slowly releases moisture through evaporation, protecting the wearer against heat stress for up to 10 hours. Find out more about cooling sweatbands.
Other considerations
Regular rest breaks are essential when working outside in hot weather. Shaded areas should be provided to allow rest out of the sun, along with free access to cool drinking water. Workers should be encouraged to remove PPE during breaks.
Sun protection for the skin is also vital. Ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight can cause burns in the short term and increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Workers should use a high factor sun screen and keep shirts on to minimise UV exposure. Learn more about skin cancer protection.
For those who require RPE, a loose-fitting powered respirator can be cooler to wear than a tight-fitting mask. Tight-fitting RPE may cause discomfort in hot weather. With a loose-fitting PAPR device, not only is the positive pressure headtop more comfortable than a tight-fitting alternative, the flow of air delivered to the headtop also helps to keep the wearer cool. Find out how loose-fitting respirators offer protection.
When working outside in hot weather, PPE must protect wearers against the effects of sun exposure and be comfortable in high temperatures. Think about the additional challenges and risks posed by working in hot weather and select PPE accordingly to provide effective protection in the conditions. Plan work to include regular breaks, ensuring workers have access to shade and drinking water, as well as a chance to remove PPE and cool down.
The HSE provide more information about staying safe when working outdoors and sun exposure for outdoor workers.
Learn more about UV and sunglare eye protection.
Find more information on skin cancer and construction.