- a Walling can be carried out in any season, but is best done when it is not too cold or wet. If possible, avoid working in frosty weather, as foundations are hard to dig, stones stick to the ground and split in unexpected ways. Walling in cold weather is very hard on the hands, and serious back problems are most likely to develop when you are cold and stiff.
- Avoid working when the stones are wet, since they are slippery and dangerous to handle. If you work in heavy rain you get soaked directly, and if you work in waterproofs, you get almost as wet with sweat. Either way, you quickly become tired and careless.
- Gapping is best done as soon as possible after finding a break, although a temporary repair may have to suffice until there is time to do the work. On farms, late spring is usually a good time for routine repairs.
- The summer is the best time for major walling jobs because the days are longest and the weather most likely to be settled.
Sunburn
Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun, which is categorised as either UVA or UVB. Outdoor workers are at considerable risk from skin cancer.
UV levels depend on various factors:
- Time of day. UV levels highest around noon.
- Time of year. UV levels highest during the summer, but still significant in early spring.
- Height above sea level. UV levels increase with altitude.
- Weather conditions. UV levels are highest when skies are clear, even if temperatures are low. Do not be misled by the cooling effect of the wind, as it does not reduce UV. Even on an overcast day, around 80% of the UV radiation can still reach exposed skin.
Skin colour is a major factor in the risk of skin cancer, with three levels of risk identified:
High risk – pale freckled skin, blue eyes, fair or red hair.
Medium risk – medium colour skin and hair.
Low risk – black or brown skin.
Precautions
- Wear clothing of tightly woven material, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. It is possible to burn through a T-shirt or other thin clothing, and various types of UV protective clothing are becoming available.
Don’t remove your shirt! - Avoid working around noon during the summer.
- Always use a sunscreen on exposed skin.
- Moles and freckles are not unusual, but if they become inflamed or itchy, weep or bleed, or change shape or colour, consult your doctor.
Sunscreens
Sunscreens are categorised by their Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which is the factor of protection offered. For example, if you normally burn in ten minutes of exposure at midday, then an SPF of 2 would double this to twenty minutes. Weather bulletins now include sunburn forecasts when the risk is significant, and this information can be used as a guide to the precautions you should take. Always err on the side of caution, bearing in mind your skin type. The Health Education Authority recommend SPF of 15, and even then advise against prolonged exposure.
As a general guide apply sunscreen before you start work, and at each subsequent meal break. Put enough on, and note that putting on double the amount of SPF 8 is not equivalent to SPF 16, but is still SPF 8. Sunblocks with high SPF ratings generally also block perspiration, so they should not be used as an alternative to protective clothing, but reserved for sensitive exposed areas such as the nose.
Dehydration and hyperthermia
Other problems with summer working, particularly on sunny days with little breeze, are dehydration and hyperthermia (heat exhaustion).
Dehydration can be a serious problem when working all day in direct sunlight and high temperatures. Sufferers may not realise, because feeling thirsty is not one of the early symptoms. You may not realise that you are sweating, and thus losing body liquid, in conditions where sweat is evaporating quickly. It may be convenient not to have to pass urine during a working day, but it can also be an indication that you are becoming dehydrated! Common symptoms are headache, tiredness and malaise, with muscle cramps, normally in the lower limbs and abdomen, possibly indicating more severe dehydration.
Prevent dehydration by taking rest periods in the shade, wearing appropriate clothing, and having plenty of suitable drinks. Fruit drinks are best for replenishing body fluid. Plain water, carbonated drinks, and tea and coffee which have a diuretic effect, are less effective. It can also be important to replenish body salt with tablets or electrolyte solutions, or just to increase the level of salt in your general diet during hot weather. Bottled mineral water can help maintain the intake of salts.
Hyperthermia can be caused by over strenuous activity in hot and humid weather, and is exacerbated by wearing unsuitable clothing, overeating and drinking alcohol. It has similar symptoms to dehydration, together with nausea, dizziness, fast and shallow breathing, and possible fainting. Mild cases can be treated by moving into the shade, splashing with cold water, fanning, and taking plenty of fluids. More severe cases should be treated as follows.
- Lay the victim down in a cool shady place, with the feet raised about a foot (300mm).
- Give continual sips of a weak salt solution, made up of quarter level teaspoon of salt to half a litre of cold water.
- If the victim is unconscious, they should be placed in the recovery position and medical assistance sought.
Exposure and hypothermia
Exposure is severe chilling of the body surface, which if left unchecked, can lead to hypothermia. This occurs when the body temperature falls below 35˚ C. While the risks of exposure and hypothermia are much lower than the risk of sunburn and heat exhaustion for most outdoor workers in the UK, anyone who works in cold and/or wet weather may be at risk.
Exposure and hypothermia are caused by exposure to the cold, which can be exacerbated by rain, wind chill and fatigue.
Prevention
If possible, avoid working when weather conditions are very bad.
Wear suitable clothing. Take a thermos flask with hot drinks or soup, and include some high energy foods to eat during the day.
If weather conditions suddenly worsen, you will have to decide between taking shelter or calling it a day. Stoically taking shelter may not be the better option, as inactivity can accentuate heat loss.
Symptoms and treatment
There are a number of physical symptoms, any two of which can normally be regarded as indicative:
- feeling very cold
- becoming irritable and unreasonable
- resisting help
- poor balance
- sluggish physical and mental responses
- slurred speech and impaired vision
- unconsciousness
If a person appears to be suffering from hypothermia, they should be moved to the nearest sheltered position, and wet clothing removed if it can be replaced with dry clothing. Insulate them from the ground with any available material such as sacking or clothing, and keep the body, head and neck covered. A warm companion lying beside the patient is warming and comforting. Warm, sweet drinks can be given, but do not give alcohol. Do not rub the patient, or allow them to exert themselves as this will use up their already depleted energy levels.
