SUMMER / HEATWAVE ADVICE SHEET 5

General Guide for Staff

The main risks posed by a heatwave are: - Dehydration, Overheating, Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke.

·  Wear light and loose fitting clothing to form a barrier

·  Stay in the shade where possible OR stay inside, in the coolest rooms, as much as possible

·  Stay out of heat traps such as conservatories

·  If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)

·  Close the curtains/blinds in rooms that get a lot of sun. On south facing windows curtains with pale reflective linings are recommended (dark linings absorb heat making the situation worse)

·  Keep buildings as cool as possible - by shading and if practicable shutting windows during the day. Try to keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, open small windows or those on or above the first floor (For more detailed premises information refer to Advice Sheet 7)

·  Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face, wrists and the back of your neck

·  When sitting for long periods, have a cold flannel next to you and wipe your face wrists and the back of your neck

·  Drink more water or fruit juice to avoid dehydration

·  Don't wait to be thirsty. Keep well hydrated throughout the day

·  Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads, fruit, ices, lollies and jellies, which contain water

Protection when outdoors

People who should take particular care are those who 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.

·  Keep clothing on to form a barrier

·  Wear a hat with a brim or flap to cover ears and the back of the neck

·  Stay in the shade wherever possible

·  Use high factor sunscreen Apply sunblock, or broad-band sunscreens with high sun protection factors (at least SPF 15) to exposed skin. Apply generously and reapply frequently, especially after activities that remove them, such as swimming or towelling.

·  Drink water or fruit juice to avoid dehydration. The Pee-o-Meter and Healthy Hydration resources on the www.lscdg.org/ website are useful resources

·  Check skin regularly for unusual moles – seek advice immediately should you find anything unusual

Advice for those who work outdoors

Working in the sun can be a serious hazard for outdoor employees during a heatwave. For more information and advice from the Health & Safety Executive visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/issuesandrisks/sunprotection.htm