With temperatures soaring these last few weeks, it can be difficult to undertake any work on a roof without extreme discomfort and risk to health. Excess sun exposure can lead to heat stroke and severe skin damage.
We have been asking experienced roofers their advice for staying safe and keeping cool under extreme heat when working. Here is just some of their top tips:
Always have sun lotion - We often only associate sun lotion with holidays, but sun lotion should be used whenever you are exposed to the sun, even at work. Try to keep a high factor lotion on, applying 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every 2 hours.
Regular breaks in a shaded area – When working on a roof, it may be tempting to work until the job is done, however in direct sunlight this could be damaging to you and your skin without taking regular breaks in a shaded area throughout the day. Try and stay aware of how long you have been working, setting regular alarms if necessary, to remind you to take a break from the sun to rest and hydrate.
Keep a bucket of water nearby – Provided the bucket is safe with no risk of falling and damaging property or people below, a good tip is keeping a bucket of water nearby for regularly splashing your face when you need to cool down. Make sure to reapply sun lotion once you have dried your face.
Wear loose fitted clothes – Wearing loose fitted clothes can help improve airflow and avoid the risk of overheating, particularly when moving around a lot of the job, however always ensure the clothes you are wearing are safe for the job and in line with PPE regulations.
Take ice packs – Keeping ice packs nearby is a great way to cool down while working, placing them on your neck or face regularly throughout the day.
Take plenty of cold water in a cool box – Staying hydrated while working in the heat is key. Keep plenty of bottles of cold water in a cool box and try to avoid alternatives such as fizzy pop drinks and energy drinks which could dehydrate you even more.
Work out of the direction of the sun – If possible, try work in the opposite direction of the sun, working in the shaded areas of the roof as the sun moves across the sky to avoid constant sun exposure.
Wear a hat – A hard hat not only protects you from potential falling objects but can also protect you from the sun. try to avoid the temptation to remove this as it is serving a vital purpose.
Avoid neglecting your PPE - It can be tempting to ditch the PPE for less layers, however PPE has a vital role in protecting yourself as well as others, and neglecting it can cause serious issues and even get you into trouble.
Make sure you have all the materials for the job
Avoid waiting around in the heat for materials you’ve forgotten for the job.
Here at Kidderminster Roofing Supplies ltd, we can provide a free no obligation quotation for roofing materials and tools you need to get the job done, no matter the weather. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
Tel: 01562 748270
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