• What law applies
• Working in the sun and heat
  • The risks of working in the sun
  • Workers most at risk
• The sun and its health effects
• Sun safety measures
  • Sun exposure in Queensland
  • Controlling sun exposure
  • Personal protection
  • Sunscreen
  • Training
• Heat stress
  • Causes and sources of heat stress
  • Heat related illness
  • Hydration
• Artificial sources of ultra violet radiation

• Personal protective equipment
• Risk management

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Personal protection

Avoiding overexposure to ultra violet radiation (UVR) is the best way to prevent skin cancer. Follow these simple steps:

• minimise time in the sun between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm
• slip on clothing
• slop on SPF 30+ sunscreen
• slap on a hat
• seek shade
• slide on sunglasses.

Slip on clothing (clothing provides constant protection from UVR whereas sunscreen will wear off) that includes:

• dark coloured fabrics such as greens, blues and reds that inhibit UV light penetration
• close weave fabrics provide the best form of sun protection, as they block out most of the UVR
• long sleeves, a collar and long loose trousers will increase the sun protection of clothing.

Clothing UPF rating

Choose fabric with a high ultra violet protection factor (UPF). The UPF rating is outlined in the Australian/New Zealand Standard 4399:1996. A fabric's UPF rating is based on how much UVR is transmitted through the fabric e.g. 45+ is excellent protection.

Slap on a hat

• a hat with a broad brim (10-12 cm) or a flap at the back to shade both the face and back of the neck and a close weave
• a hardhat with a flap and/or brim added
• avoid a hat lined with white fabric as it will reflect UVR.

Slide on sunglasses

A wrap around style is best as it will reduce UVR entering the eye from the side of the face and conforming to AS/NZS 1067:2003