It cannot be denied that the sun is usually associated with positive associations and that people are happy when it comes out from behind the clouds. But at the latest when the outside temperatures rise above a certain level, many start sweating again - especially when working outdoors. In this article, the protection professionals give further valuable tips on what suitable protective work clothing looks like in hot weather and how stress can be reduced by wearing appropriate protective clothing.
UV index and UV exposure
The UV index and UV exposure are on everyone's lips. Currently, UV exposure is growing year after year and there is no end in sight. It is important to know that especially on and in the water as well as on light surfaces, the UV exposure due to reflection is 90% higher than elsewhere. Even in the shade, you are still exposed to 50% of UV radiation. Good sun protection is therefore important occupational safety in order to minimise health risks, such as non-melanoma skin cancer. A short-term and uncomfortable solution is sunscreens. These only work if they are applied correctly and also have a "sweat-inducing" effect due to chemical UV filters. Of course, there are also sunscreens with mineral UV filters, but these are usually difficult to apply and usually leave a sticky feeling on the skin. Especially when working outdoors, it is a disadvantage that sunscreens attract dust and often have to be reapplied to build up an effective protective barrier.
The protection professionals recommend UV protective workwear
Normal T-shirts, for example made of cotton, only offer a sun protection factor of ten, and only three when wet, and are therefore not a sufficient sun protection alternative. A solution that is both simple and effective is UV protection shirts as well as caps and neck protectors for construction helmets. The protection factor for UV protective workwear is specified as the Ultraviolet Protection Factor – or UPF for short. A fabric is considered an excellent sun protection if it meets a UPF of 40.
Lightweight textiles in hot temperatures
Polyester textiles are suitable for working at high temperatures due to their very good sweat transport and effective sweat evaporation – these textiles cool the wearer due to low sweat absorption and have other positive properties: high robustness, easy washability and durability of the textiles.
"Wearing UV protective workwear is an effective sun protection to minimize health risks, such as sunburn and non-melanoma skin cancer."
In addition to UV protection, light colors are also important in clothing, dark colors and heavy fabrics should be avoided on sunny and hot days. Protective work clothing also includes sunglasses to protect the eyes. Care should be taken to ensure that the sunglasses have a high level of UV protection and a CE mark (filter category 2 or 3).
Special standards and regulations on the part of the legislator
The employer takes care of the health of its employees in the workplace and must comply with this by law. This duty of care also applies to UV protection. Since May last year, the employer has had to cover the costs of UV protective clothing. Care must be taken to ensure that the protective workwear meets the requirements of the European PPE Regulation EC 2016/425. Employers can proactively obtain further information on the websites of the associations and employers' liability insurance associations.
>> Further information from the Berufsgenossenschaft Bau <<
The protection professionals are responsible for comprehensive sun protection
The protection professionals are convinced that proper sun protection is part of occupational safety. Health risks can be minimised by wearing UV protective work clothing and working in the sun can be made easier. Further important information about working outdoors and on construction sites has been provided by the protection professionals in in this post Explains.