So you want clothing that keeps you safe when working that’s also comfortable to wear in any weather condition. But do you actually know what kind of PPE you need in order to stay safe from UV radiation and heat exposure? We’ll walk you through the essentials.
The effects of the sun and heat exposure on our bodies cannot be underestimated. Summer is often hard for workers. Not only because some kinds of PPE are very heavy and restrictive, but also because the heat can affect the way you function during the day. That’s why you need clothing that is manufactured specifically to keep you cool, protected from UV radiation and comfortable.
This step is essential to keep you safe. Find a waterproof sun cream of at least SPF 30. It will provide an extra layer of protection to your skin, preventing sunburns and skin cancer. Reapply your sun cream around every two hours and try to find some shade whenever you can.
Protect yourself from the heat and sun when you have to work outdoors. Most PPE has options that offer UV-radiation protection or heat protection. Look out for a UVF-rating or, at Van Heurck, for the sun icon indicating its protective quality. These pieces of clothing are designed to block UV radiation and keep you protected while you work. Ensure that these garments have a UPF of at least 30.
The next thing to look out for is simple: ensure that your body is covered properly. That doesn’t mean you have to wear a winter coat, though. You need breathable and comfortable clothing that still offers the proper protection.
An important feature to look out for is cooling and breathability. That means that your clothing is designed to cool your body down and prevent it from heating up too quickly or too much. This feature is vital when your body must be covered at all times.
In addition, your clothing must allow moisture-wicking. When sweat dries down, it can irritate your skin, resulting in great discomfort. Moisture-wicking pieces lift the excess moisture off the skin and allow it to evaporate. This feature can be found in high-quality workwear that uses special moisture-wicking fabrics.
A final feature is flexibility: you’ll be on your knees and in tight spaces, working with all kinds of tools. That’s why your clothing must be versatile and comfortable enough to carry out all kinds of movements. Your clothing can under no circumstances be restrictive or weigh you down.
Another feature that could be important during summer in your line of work, is high visibility. Even when the sun is beaming down on you, you need to be visible. You need high-vis clothing that is up to par to make you stand out at any moment of the day.
Van Heurck specialises in PPE that keeps the wearer safe and comfortable throughout the day, in every weather condition. If you need some help selecting the right kind of clothing, you can always contact us. Or, if you’d like to learn more about what you need for summer, you can read our blogpost on summer must-haves.