Extra precautions are required to keep outdoor workers safe during hot weather.
It is vital to provide protection against UV, sun and heat exposure. Without careful selection, some equipment may be unsuitable for hot conditions. Selecting PPE that is designed to keep the wearer cool helps to prevent heat stress, allowing staff to work safely and comfortably.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and sunglare protection
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is extremely damaging to the eyes. Exposure to UV rays in sunlight can cause cataracts, macular degeneration and ultimately lead to sight loss.
Clear lenses are available to filter UV light up to 385nm. Shaded ‘UV400’ lenses filter up to the 400nm range for increased protection.
As well as damaging the eyes themselves, excessive sunlight can cause other injuries. Glare can suddenly restrict vision and increase the risk of accidents. This poses a particular hazard when working around reflective surfaces, such as water, especially when driving or operating machinery.
Shaded lenses offer sunglare protection with combined UV filtering. Choosing the right shade and filtering option is important – darker shades may affect colour recognition and cause a hazard when driving or carrying out electrical work.
Find out which type of lenses you need.
UV radiation is also damaging for the skin. Wearing a high factor sun screen helps to prevent burns in the short term and reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
Keep your shirt on to reduce exposure. UV protective accessories like helmet neck capes are available to offer additional coverage.
Learn more about UV skin protection.
Choosing a helmet for hot weather
The type of helmet you choose has an effect on comfort levels and safety in hot weather. Features that allow airflow and help to prevent heat stress allow the wearer to work more comfortably.
Select a vented helmet with an internal suspension harness increases airflow within the shell to keep the wearer cool.
White and yellow helmets reflect light, whereas black helmets absorb sunlight and become hotter to wear as a result. Some sites specify helmet colours for different job roles, so it is important to make sure your helmet choice meets site rules. Learn more about Build UK helmet colours.
Cooling sweatbands help to prevent heat stress. Replacing the standard sweatband, these accessories are designed to be soaked in water, which is slowly released through evaporation to provide heat stress relief for up to 10 hours. Find out how to use cooling sweatbands.
Select comfortable respiratory protective equipment (RPE)
Tight-fitting masks may be uncomfortable in hot weather. Sweat can also cause the facepiece to move around, affecting fit and potentially compromising protection.
Where possible, select a loose-fitting PAPR instead. The loose-fitting headtop is more comfortable and the airflow helps to keep the wearer cool while working.
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Plan regular rest breaks
Regular rest breaks are essential when working outdoors in the sun. It is important to rest in the shade and remove PPE during breaks to cool down.
Employers should provide shaded areas for breaks with free access to cool drinking water.
Make sure staff know how to spot the early signs of heat stress and dehydration. The HSE website offers detailed guidance for employers on keeping outdoor workers safe.
UV, sunglare and heat pose a particular hazard to outdoor workers. PPE needs to provide adequate protection as well as helping to prevent heat stress and allowing wearers to work comfortably. Consider how the equipment performs in hot weather and plan regular breaks when staff are able to remove their PPE and cool down. For more information on selecting and using PPE visit the new AskJSP Support website.
Selecting eye protection for UV and sunglare
Protecting construction workers against skin cancer