The good old British summer is unpredictable at the best of times, but we do get some serious sunshine sometimes and we need to be prepared. Working safely at height in hot weather can be particularly hazardous due to the combined risks of heat-related illnesses and the inherent dangers of elevated work. There are also additional concerns to consider too, such as equipment overheating, or ground conditions being affected by the high temperatures.
Hot weather can cause dehydration and heat exhaustion in workers, leading to poor concentration and physical coordination which greatly increases the risk of slips, trips and falls. Such risks are particularly dangerous when working at height, so there are several important safety measures for working at height that are especially important during hot weather.
In this article we will highlight the specific issues associated with working at height in hot weather and explain how to implement safe work at height for you and your team.
Exposure Levels
When working at heights, operators have no shelter or protection from direct sunlight and so have a much greater exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This means anyone working at height must wear sunscreen along with hats and other protective clothing to minimise direct exposure. Failure to do so can lead to serious sunburn, as well as the aforementioned heat exhaustion and even heat stroke.
Worker Hydration
Operators must have water handy all day and should hydrate regularly to ensure they are working safely at heights. This will help the body cool down naturally and keep performance levels up, preventing dehydration and maintaining mental function. Hydrating regularly also reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses such as exhaustion and heat stroke.
Equipment Temperature
If the equipment hasn’t been stored away from direct sunlight, it might become too hot to use. Your equipment needs to stay at an acceptable temperature, not only to ensure it still operates properly but also that it doesn’t become dangerous to the touch. Metal casings are especially prone to getting very hot when exposed to strong direct sunlight, while other materials can melt or become deformed due to the heat.
Store the equipment under shelter wherever and whenever possible or use thick fabric coverings to minimise the amount of heat build-up.
Environment Awareness
High temperatures will not only affect the operator and the equipment, but also the ground conditions. Always check the weather and ground conditions before performing any kind of work, especially work with mobile scaffold towers, to ensure that the ground is still suitable. Excessive heat can dry some ground up, making it brittle and crumbly, or tarmac could become soft which might be unsuitable for a bearing the load of a scaffold tower.
Knowledge
Anyone performing work at height in hot weather should be equipped with the correct equipment and knowledge to work and stay safe as much as possible in such conditions. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure all employees are aware of the dangers of hot weather and the safety measures for working at height.
To learn more about How to Stay Safe When Working at Height In Hot Weather, get in touch with the team at Ability International today.
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