Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do employers have a legal duty to provide sun cream for outdoor construction workers?
A: Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, if a risk assessment identifies UV radiation as a known occupational hazard for outdoor workers, providing SPF sunscreen can be considered a necessary mitigation measure and part of an employer's legal requirements. The British Safety Council states that providing UV protection cream as PPE is an employer responsibility for outdoor workers. Whilst there is no single regulation that mandates suncream specifically, the general duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to protect workers from foreseeable risks applies, and UV exposure from extended outdoor working is a documented and foreseeable risk.
Q: What is the difference between SPF30 and SPF50 and which should I choose for site operatives?
A: SPF30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays and is suitable for most skin types working outdoors in typical UK conditions. SPF50 blocks approximately 98% of UVB rays and is the appropriate choice for operatives with fair, freckled, or sun-sensitive skin, those who burn easily, or anyone working in strong direct sunlight for a full shift. The difference between SPF30 and SPF50 is smaller than many assume, correct and generous application of SPF30 outperforms a thin application of SPF50. For site welfare supply where application consistency across a workforce cannot be controlled, SPF50 is the lower-risk choice.
Q: What does water resistant mean on a sun cream for outdoor workers?
A: Water resistance on sun cream means the formula maintains its SPF protection level after water exposure, in the context of outdoor workers, this means through perspiration during physical work rather than just swimming. It does not mean the protection is permanent. Reapplication is still required after heavy perspiration, after towelling, or after prolonged physical exertion on hot days. Water-resistant formulas are significantly more appropriate for construction and outdoor site work than standard non-resistant formulas, which can degrade rapidly through sweat within the first hour of physical activity.
Q: What does UVA and UVB protection mean and why do both matter?
A: UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and surface skin damage. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing longer-term damage, accelerated skin ageing, and contributing to skin cancer risk. Both are present in UK daylight throughout the year, including on overcast days. UV radiation causes skin damage regardless of whether the sky is overcast, and outdoor workers can be exposed to UV levels harmful to their health during a normal working day. A broad-spectrum formula covering both UVA and UVB is the only appropriate choice for outdoor worker sun protection.
Q: Is this sun cream suitable for use with PPE and gloves?
A: The non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula is designed to absorb fully into the skin without leaving a surface residue that would interfere with glove grip, PPE fitment, or tool handling. Apply and allow to absorb for the recommended 20 to 30 minutes before putting on gloves or beginning work with tools. Do not apply immediately before donning latex or nitrile gloves if a tight fit is required, allow full absorption first.
Q: How much sun cream does one 200ml unit provide for a site operative?
A: Correct full-body application requires approximately 35ml per application. A 200ml unit therefore provides approximately five to six full-body applications per operative. For a single operative applying once per day, one unit covers roughly one working week. For site welfare station stocking, calculate on the basis of one unit per operative per week during summer months, adjusted for frequency of reapplication on hot days.
Q: Can I order sun cream in bulk for a large site or multiple sites?
A: Bulk orders are straightforward through CMT Group's EDGE procurement portal, which allows procurement teams to assign orders to specific projects, manage per-site budgets, and track deliveries in real time. Volume pricing is available.
