Tips for staying safe while working in the heat + the PPE you need

August 06, 2024 6 min read

Man moving concrete wearing Chrome SLT Oasis 4073 safety gloves.

Working outside in the summertime can be rough. The sun is beating down on you, it’s hot outside, and the conditions are prime for dehydration and heat-related hazards. Staying safe and protected as you complete your projects this summer should be at the top of the list. But don’t sweat it, you can stay safe and productive this summer with some quick-and-easy heat safety refresher tips plus PPE suggestions that will keep you cool and collected in the heat.

Here are three tips to help stay safe while working in hot weather:

1. Hydrate

Forever true – hydration is key. Lots of water is the difference between an emergency room visit and admiring the backyard you worked on all day. Without water, your body will have no way to sweat, which will inhibit its ability to cool itself off naturally, and eventually, your body will shut down. Taking frequent water breaks is vital – studies show you need to be drinking one cup of water every 15-20 minutes that you are working in the sun to stay adequately hydrated. You can even take smaller sips more often to play it safe.  

2. Rest

We know you want to get your roofing set, the 50 yards of mulch laid, and the engine-rebuild complete all in one day, and we’re not doubting that you can do it – we just want you to take some breaks. Being the go-getter that you are can be exhausting, especially when it’s 85° degrees and sunny outside. Just get your work done safely by taking a 15-30 minute break, preferably in the shade. Doing so will reduce your risk of taking on a heat-related illness.

3. Shade

While we’re on the subject…enjoy the sun as much as you want, but make sure to take some moments in the shade – especially when you're feeling drained, crampy, lightheaded, or overheated. If you’re out on a job for the day, consider bringing a tent with you or locating the nearest accessible air-conditioned building or vehicle for some respite from the sun.

Here's some PPE that will get you through those hot days:  

Jump To: [ Gloves ] | [ Eyewear ]

MEET OUR ONE-OF-A-KIND SAFETY HELMET AIRFLOW SYSTEM

We get it, helmets get HOT. That's why we've designed cutting-edge technology that's a game-changer for keeping cool. Our revolutionary Ceros® vented hard hats feature HexVent® Airflow system, designed to move air in a continuous front-to-back flow – a first in the North American safety industry.

As you move, the airflow follows, constantly circulating and keeping you up to 15% cooler than traditional hard hats. The vents are fully adjustable, so you can control the airflow and prevent dust, debris, rain, or moisture from entering the helmet.  

 

HexVent airflow system circulates warm air out of the safety helmet to keep your head cool and protected.

We have four different helmet styles that feature HexVent® technology: 

 

Go to Ceros XP300 vented full brim hard hat product page.

Ceros® XP300 - Class C vented hard hat with full brim

  • Eliminates "wobbly" feeling with pre-assembled four-point AirBridge® suspension system
  • Easily adjust the size of your helmet with the SwiftLock® one-hand-turn wheel ratchet
  • Compatible with our easy-to-integrate TruSpan® face shield

 

Go to Ceros XA250 premium suspension vented, short brim hard hat product page.

Ceros XA250 - Advanced Class C climbing-style hard hat

  • Comfortable, firmly riveted four-point chin strap
  • Padded Kinetix® power bars increase top-of-head comfort
  • Strategically placed impact foam and superior back-of-head coverage

 

Go to Ceros XP250 vented, short brim hard hat product page.

Ceros XP250 - Class C vented hard hat with short brim

  • Provides all-day comfort with pre-assembled six-point AirBridge® suspension system that provides wearers with a low-profile, balanced center of gravity fit
  • Easily adjust the size of your helmet with the SwiftLock® one-hand-turn wheel ratchet

  • Adjustable HexVent® airflow system with three vents for maximum ventilation

 

Go to Ceros XP450A vented, short brim hard hat product page.

Ceros XP450A - Class C vented hard hat with short brim and chin strap

  • Provides all-day comfort with pre-assembled six-point AirBridge® suspension system that provides wearers with a low-profile, balanced center of gravity fit
  • Easy-to-integrate protection accessories

  • Can accommodate a versatile lineup of both Click-and-Go™ magnetic accessories and mechanical accessories

 

BONUS: All our helmets include a removable sweatband that can be taken out and is fully launderable!

NO MORE SWEATY HANDS, THANKS TO BACK-OF-HAND BREATHABILITY

The Ceros® safety helmet isn't the only way to beat the heat. We also offer a range of summer work glove options that prioritize breathability and cooling technology for your hands.

The HexVent® technology built into the back of select safety gloves gives you the breathability you need to avoid sweaty hands while still offering the cut, impact, and puncture resistance you expect from a HexArmor® glove.

Plus, most of our gloves are launderable to keep them clean and fresh day after day. 

 

HexVent technology provides airflow and breathability, allowing hands to stay cool in warm temperatures.


MOST POPULAR WARM WEATHER SAFETY GLOVES

Go to Chrome Oasis 4030 product page.

Chrome Oasis® 4030 - Durable and robust safety work glove with added back-of-hand HexVent® technology for use in tough applications where multiple hazards are present. 

  • Breathable back-of-hand vented technology helps release heat from your hand
  • Protect against smash and pinch injuries with back-of-hand impact protection
  • Superior A8-level cut protection with SuperFabric® brand material in inner palm layer>
  • Extra protection in high-wear areas with the reinforced thumb saddle and index finger

 

Chrome SLT® line  4072, 4073, 4074 - All lightweight breathable gloves with slightly different features and levels of protection so you can choose the perfect glove for you!

Customers love the Chrome SLT® line for it's: 

  • Lightweight, comfort, and breathability
  • Unsurpassed dexterity and abrasion resistance with 360-degree cut protection
  • Hi-vis color scheme

Main differences: 

4072: Cut and puncture resistant (middle ground - the perfect balance)

4073: Puncture, impact, abrasion, and cut resistant (most protective)

4074: Cut resistant (most breathable and lightweight)

 

Go to Rig Lizard Thin Lizzie 2090X product page.

Rig Lizard® Thin Lizzie™ 2090X - Designed to give you extreme dexterity in the toughest environments while remaining flexible and protective with the back-of-hand impact guards. 

  • Keep hands cool with the 13-gauge breathable glass shell blend that provides 360-degree cut resistance
  • Superior grip and abrasion resistance with sandy nitrile palm coating
  • Protect hands against smash and pinch injuries with back-of-hand impact protection
  • Extra protection in high-wear areas with the reinforced thumb saddle

 

Go to Helix 3055 Bamboo Twinflex product page.

Helix® 3055 Bamboo Twinflex® - Your best friend for precision work and strong grip. The design features moisture-absorbing material to keep your hands sweat-free.

  • Keep your hands cool and dry with fast-absorbing, moisture-retentive 18-gauge bamboo knit shell. 
  • Get superior grip and abrasion resistance with flexible, water-based palm coating. 
  • Ultimate dexterity, flexibility, and comfort with German-engineered 3D ergo fit manufacturing (this means it's fancy!)
  • Seamless device use with touchscreen capabilities 

 

Go to Helix 2076 product page.

Helix® 2076 - A seamless, flexible glove option that protects against scrapes, cuts, and punctures without sacrificing dexterity.

  • Stay cool and protected with a lightweight knit design that provides 360-degree cut resistance
  • Superior grip in wet or dry situations with flexible polyurethane palm coating
  • Sensitive skin-friendly with silicone-free materials
  • Enhanced breathability and comfort with seamless knit construction

 

NO MATTER THE TASK, WE HAVE THE RIGHT EYEWEAR TINT FOR YOU

Don't forget about eye protection! Our eyewear provides 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun's harmful rays, no matter the tint.

A standout option is our Variomatic lenses in our safety glasses that transition from light to dark in under 10 seconds, adapting twice as fast to environments compared to competitor safety glasses.

We have two different options of Variomatic lenses - Variomatic and Variomatic Dark:

 

Go to Variomatic safety glasses page.

 

Variomatic lenses work best in situations where you're primarily outdoors but go inside from time to time (or you're working before sunrise into daytime).

 

Go to Variomatic dark safety glasses page.

 

Variomatic Dark lenses allow in less light and work best if you're primarily outside on the job and working in intense sunlight most of the day, where the intensity of the light gets higher at various times. 

In addition to Variomatic lens technology, we also offer various lens tints designed to help filter light. 

Go to grey 14% tinted lenses safety glasses page. Go to grey 23% tinted lenses safety glasses page.
Go to silver mirror 12% lenses safety glasses page. Go to silver mirror 53% tinted lenses safety glasses page.

Our entire eyewear line-up also has options for permanent anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings that are four-times thicker than our competitors. No matter your application, find the perfect amount of anti-fog and scratch-resistant coverage you need— exactly where you need it— with one of our four fundamentally different, permanent coatings. Learn more about our coating options here.

WE'RE HERE TO HELP

When temperatures are high, it's crucial to have the right PPE to keep you safe and comfortable in the heat. With innovative products like the Ceros®  hard hat, breathable back-of-hand gloves, and 100% UV-protective eyewear, you can stay cool and look cool no matter what project you decide to tackle.  

SHOP NOW

Browse our best warm-weather PPE here! Need help? We're happy to work with you to find the right gear that meets your specific needs. Contact us today!

 

 

 

Man operating an excavator wearing a helmet, ear protection and safety gloves.

How to protect your head from rotational impacts: Introducing Mips® safety system

February 17, 2025

Introducing the Mips® Safety System: a groundbreaking innovation that enhances head safety by addressing the dangers of rotational impacts. This system highlights the key differences between rotational and linear impacts, effectively mitigating the risks associated with sudden twists and turns. Discover how the Mips® Safety System can significantly improve your protection during falls and collisions.
Construction worker standing in front of a snow pile wearing a pair of Helix cold weather 2073 safety gloves.

Top-rated cold weather safety gloves for winter protection

December 04, 2024

Working through the colder seasons can be challenging, but having the right winter work gloves makes all the difference. Instead of dealing with frozen fingers or risking injury while working outside, let us help you find the perfect winter glove for any condition you may face. 
Helix 3013 vs. Helix 3014 displayed side by side for comparison.

How to use our compare tool

November 12, 2024

Use our new compare tool to easily find the perfect safety gear for your next project or job. No matter what kind of safety gear you're looking for, the compare tool simplifies your decision-making process, making it easier than ever to choose the right PPE.