(0022) TOOLBOX TALK – SUN EXPOSURE & HOT WEATHER
Exposure to the sun’s rays damages the skin and causes burning. When you receive a suntan this means that your skin has burnt.
A tan is a sign that the skin has been damaged by ultraviolet (UV) rays in sunlight.
WHO IS AT RISK?
If your work activities keep you outdoors for long periods of time, your skin could be exposed to increased sunlight that is unhealthy for you. ECS personnel and its contractors who undertake outdoor activities should take precautions to protect their skin.
YOU SHOULD TAKE PARTICULAR CARE IF YOU HAVE:
- fair or freckled skin that doesn’t tan, or goes red or burns before it tans;
- red or fair hair and light coloured eyes;
- a large number of moles.
People of all skin colours should take care to avoid damage to the eyes, overheating and dehydration.
WHAT ARE THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF SUN DAMAGE?
In the short term, even mild reddening of the skin from sun exposure is a sign of damage.
Sunburn can blister the skin and make it peel.
Long-term problems can arise. Such as, too much sun will speed up ageing of the skin, making it leathery and wrinkled.
The most serious effect from sun exposure, is an increased chance of developing skin cancer.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
- Keep your top on and sleeves down to protect from the sun.
- Wear your hard hat to protect your head from burning.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunch time.
- Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF50 on any exposed skin.
- Drink plenty of fresh water to avoid dehydration.
- Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. Consult with your doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size, colour, becomes itchy or bleeds.
SKIN DAMAGE
Short term effects:
- Skin exposed to UV radiation can develop freckles and rashes.
- Short-term excessive exposure to UV radiation causes sunburn – reddening, pain and in severe cases, blistering or even second-degree burns
Long term effects:
- Over time UV radiation exposure, whether or not associated with sunburn, accelerates skin ageing, making it look dry, wrinkled, loose and causing pigment changes commonly known as age spots.
- It can also cause changes in the skin cells, which may lead to skin cancer.
MOLES
Moles occur where melanocytes clump together. They are usually oval or round pigmented spots, with a smooth border and regular colour. They may be hard or raised and clump together. 20 – 40 are the average number of moles for an adult. Most appear around puberty, in later life many may disappear.
GENERAL AWARENESS
Site Managers / Supervisors should be aware of health conditions associated with hot weather and what first aid actions to take:
Typical symptoms of heat stress:
- An inability to concentrate
- Muscle cramps
- Heat rash
- Severe thirst
More severe symptom of heat stress;
- Fainting
- Heat exhaustion
- Fatigue
- Giddiness
- Nausea
- Headache
- Moist skin
- Heat stroke
- Hot dry skin
- Confusion
- Convulsions and eventual loss of consciousness.
FIRST AID ACTION:
- Take the operative to a cool shaded area and give a drink of water.
- Take off relevant PPE worn to aid heat loss.
- Seek medical attention immediately.
ALL PLEASE NOTE:
Frequent breaks should be taken, access to cool drinking water should be available at all times, and to drink water frequently (in small amounts) before, during and after working to maintain hydration.
Recognise the early symptoms of heat stress / dehydration and ensure that there are shaded areas or mess rooms available.
