Page 67 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

2/7/2019 Page 3 of 4

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 or just sitting in the park or having lunch, 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.

Due to the nature of our work we need to be exposed more often than not, so what do we
do?

✓ APPLY FACTOR 15+ TO ALL EXPOSED AREAS OF SKIN AT LEAST
15-30MINS BEFORE GOING OUT IN THE SUN; WEAR A LONG
SLEEVED T SHIRT IF POSSIBLE.
✓ PUT ON ALL PPE-HARD HAT TO PROTECT THE HEAD,GLOVES TO
PROTECT THE HANDS,DARK/TINTED WRAPAROUND GLASSES TO

PROTECT THE EYES.
✓ DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS TO STOP DEHYDRATION.

✓ RE-APPLY SUNSCREEN EVERY 2HRS OR MORE FREQUENTLY IF
WASHED, RUBBED OR SWEATED OFF.

REMEMBER YOU DON’T NEED A TAN TO BE HEALTHY OR LOOK GOOD.

IF YOU SEE YOUR WORK COLLEAGUE OR WORKER ON A SITE YOU ARE
WORKING ON 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.