Page 842 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

That old saying that prevention is better than the cure could never be more truthful, so how do we
prevent it?
✓ Stay in the shade between 11am-3pm if possible.

✓ Make sure you never burn, don’t wait on your mate telling you that your “getting a bit red”.
✓ Always cover up with a long sleeved shirt, hard hat to protect your head, gloves to protect the
hands and wraparound sunglasses / tinted safety glasses. Do not wear T-shirts or shorts!
✓ Always use Factor 15+ sunscreen on all exposed skin. Re-apply every 2 hours or more
frequently if rubbed, washed or sweated off.

✓ Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

The SPF (sun protection factor) of a sunscreen is its ability to filter out dangerous UVB Rays. The
higher the factor the more protection you get from burning, and higher factor sunscreens tend to be
more expensive. The reason experts recommend factor 15 is that it represents the best balance between
protection and price. You will get 90% protection from UVB Rays with factor 15 – remember no
sunscreen no matter how high the factor can offer 100% protection.

Many cases of sunburn happen when people are not deliberately “sunbathing” you may be outdoors
working, sitting in the park or fitting some signs, we often forget how strong the sun can be. The sun
does not need to feel hot to damage your skin, you can burn on even the cloudiest of days. The heat
comes from Infrared Rays, not UV Rays so you can burn on cool, cloudy days. If you burn it is very
likely that the skin will peel, this is the body’s way of getting rid of damaged skin cells that could
develop Skin Cancer.

If you get burned apply lots of moisturising cream and cover the damaged skin, drink plenty of water to
reduce dehydration and keep the area completely covered until the redness has gone.

Remember you don’t need a tan to be healthy or look good.

If you see anyone starting to burn tell them to cover up the exposed skin and ask them to apply
sunscreen if possible, you may just save their life so be sunsmart and be safe.

We are all a product of learning. Every skill we have; everything we know; everything we believe and everything
we do has been learned throughout the course of our lives. Some of us learn best by studying graphs and
charts, some through visual presentations, and some by reading detailed text books. It is important that we
receive information in a format that works for us as individuals! That’s why at Xmo Strata we use a variety of
communication platforms such as bulletins, newsletters, videos etc. However, if you feel there is a better way for
us to share health and safety information, please let us know. Ultimately, your safety is in your hands – but we
will do all we can to keep you well informed!