Personal protective equipment and heat: risk of heat stress

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have published an urgent public health message which outlines considerations and actions to take for healthcare providers, managers and all health and social care staff, as well as those caring for vulnerable people during hot weather.

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) in warm or hot environments increases the risk of heat stress. Heat stress can cause heat exhaustion and lead to heat stroke if the person is unable to cool down.

Measures should be put in place to control the temperature in clinical and care environments. Staff should also be supported to adapt their behaviour to stay cool and well hydrated. Staff may require more frequent breaks and the frequency of PPE changes are likely to increase, with a resulting increase in demand.

Further information and actions for employers, managers and staff can be found in the urgent public health message.