Level Three Heat Alert Issued for Next Week

THE MET OFFICE has issued a Level Three Heat Health Alert for next week, highlighting the potential health impacts of high temperatures.

Roofers are being warned to take heed of hot weather working advice, as temperatures are expected to reach 30⁰C in some areas.

London, the South East, Central England and Wales are all expected to be part of the heatwave which is expected to last at least a week, peaking on Tuesday before temperatures rise again towards next weekend.

Outdoor workers active in the sun are particularly at risk of heatstroke and for roofers the temperatures on exposed platforms and roofs can reach up to 50⁰C.

Heat Alert

Roofing employers can 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 and the risks of skin cancer entailed, ensuring that advice is available in other languages when required.

Ten Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun

Avoiding sun burn, heat stroke and heat exhaustion whilst working outside means taking a few simple precautions:

1. Stay hydrated
   Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes to stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty, in very hot temperatures you can become dehydrated very quickly and before you feel thirsty.
2. Avoid caffeine
   Caffeine raises your heart rate which in turn raises your body temperature, so avoid it in the heat. Coffee, tea, chocolate and energy drinks all contain a high dose of caffeine so stick to water or soft drinks.
3. Dress appropriately
   Cool, loose-fitting clothing in light-coloured fabrics that breathe will help to maintain a healthy body temperature. If you can wear a hat covering your neck 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 are 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. Take shelter
   Take breaks in the shade and, if possible, move some tasks to covered areas out of the sun.
6. Change your hours
   Change your working hours to avoid the hottest part of the day which is 11am to 3pm. Some sites start as early as 5am, finishing the working day at midday. Other sites work 7am-11am then 3pm-7pm.
7. Eat right
   If you are 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.
8. Cut back at happy hour
   Don’t overdo the alcoholic drinks the night before working. During a heatwave 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.
10. Check out action needed if you spot any signs of heat exhaustion.

>> Read more about working in heat in the news