The UK weather is incredibly changeable and while it’ s difficult to know exactly what it will throw at us, it pays to be prepared when it comes to health and safety. Here Sangeeta Aeri, technical manager at Supertouch, highlights some of the common issues and the kit to keep everyone safe on site. Health and safety managers and employees alike must understand the importance of Personal Protective Equipment( PPE) in all situations, and then adapt as required. The last few autumns have actually been quite mild, |
with just a touch of frost in the evenings and early mornings. Layering therefore provides the perfect remedy, enabling individuals |
to add or remove layers when necessary. The concept of layering isn’ t new, but in an environment that has a hi-vis |
requirement, health and safety managers need to consider each and every layer that employees may wear. Another important factor to consider is the breathability of the materials – ensuring comfort no matter what the conditions. Supertouch’ s breathable 4 in 1 parka for example, enables the user to mix and match the layers depending on the environment and the temperature. Users can |
choose between the hi-vis reversible body warmer and an outer jacket, that can either be worn alone or in combination with the body-warmer. Versatility and functionality are crucial to ensure wearability and there is also the option to include hi-vis t-shirts too. This is an important layer when you consider it’ s the closest to your skin – a comfortable base can enhance performance. Along the same theme of comfort is breathability – many materials are now‘ breathable’ and it’ s important that this is considered during specification. When the body is active, we sweat to prevent overheating – if |
materials aren’ t breathable and don’ t allow the skin to breath, evaporation can’ t occur. As a result, the wearer gets hot, uncomfortable and feels unpleasant, potentially risking health and safety when they strip off the layers. Material breathability is as important in winter as it is in the summer, as it allows the air to circulate within the garments, regulating body temperature and helping users feel comfortable for longer.
For more information and to discover the wide-range of PPE and workwear available at Supertouch, please visit www. supertouch. co. uk
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