Amber Heat Warning Issued in UK Central and Southern Areas

THE MET OFFICE has issued an amber heat warning for the second half of this week with temperatures expected to reach into the low to mid-30s across large parts of central and southern England.

The peak of the heat is expected on Friday, before a more definitive return to more seasonable temperatures for all regions of England by Sunday.

For roofers, exposed to the sun if working on a roof, temperatures in their working area can reach up to 50⁰C.

Heat Warning

Roofing employers are advised to protect their employees in the heat by:

• Allowing operatives to take frequent breaks and provide a supply of drinking water.
• Reviewing working times so that outside work is done in the morning and afternoon, rather than between 11am-3pm when temperatures are highest.
• Providing canopies or covering over open areas on construction sites to provide shaded areas for working and taking breaks.
• Ensuring that outdoor workers are supplied with sunscreen and are given advice on the need to protect themselves from the heat and sun.
• Providing lightweight brimmed hats for all outdoor workers and making sure that any protective clothing is lightweight, long-sleeved and comfortable, but dense enough to prevent UV rays from getting through.
• Providing information on avoiding exposure to harmful UV radiation, ensuring that advice is available in other languages when required.

Staying Safe in the Sun

In a bid to ensure tradespeople stay safe in the sun, experts from LeaseVan.co.uk have compiled eight tips to help avoid sun burn and heat stroke whilst working outside:

1. Stay hydrated
   The importance of staying hydrated when it’s hot outside cannot be emphasised enough. If you wait until you’re thirsty before you drink water, you may be beyond the point needed to replenish fluids. Make sure you drink water every 15 to 20 minutes.

2. Ditch the caffeine
   In excess, caffeine can prompt dehydration. Don’t forget that energy drinks usually contain a high dose of caffeine as well, so even if you think you need a lift to get through a tough afternoon, try to avoid it during the heat.

3. Dress appropriately
   Be sure to wear cool, loose-fitting clothing in light-coloured fabrics that breathe and help to maintain a healthy body temperature. If you can wear a hat on the job, make sure you do so. Whilst it’s tempting to remove clothing when temperatures are soaring, leaving your skin exposed to the sun can do more harm than good.

4. Sun cream
   Even if you’re properly dressed for the conditions, it’s impossible not have some skin exposed, so make sure you apply a sun cream that has an SPF rating of at least 30.

5. Eat right
   If you’re working in the heat avoid a heavy lunch, especially protein-rich meats. Small snacks and light meals are preferable throughout the day, as your body creates more metabolic heat if it’s breaking down heavy foods.

6. Take shelter
   Even if you’re properly dressed for the conditions and you’ve slathered your body in sun cream, it’s a good idea to get out of the sun as often as possible throughout the day. Take breaks in the shade and, if possible, move some tasks to covered areas.

8. Cut back at happy hour
   There’s nothing wrong with unwinding after a long, hot day on the job with an alcoholic beverage, but you shouldn’t overdo it during a heatwave as you’ll feel alcohol’s dehydrating effects the next day.
9. Pace yourself
   Wherever possible, slow down and work at an even pace. Make sure you know your limits and don’t ignore the warning signs if you’re starting to feel exhausted. Warnings signs of heat exhaustion can include heavy sweating, rapid pulse, dizziness, goose bumps, muscle cramps and head ache.

>> Read more about protecting roofers from extreme heat