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It is the guides responsibility to be on top of:
Pre-Activity: Have reviewed the weather forecast prior to meeting clients
During Activity: Constantly monitor the rain forecast through out the day guiding
Monitoring local weather and conditions, is one of your critical roles as a MAG guide. When guiding, if you need to make a call for an AA to proceed in inclement weather, we always expect you to err on the side of caution.
Information on ultraviolet (UV) radiation is essential for our lives under the Australian sun. We have one of the highest levels of UV exposure and highest rates of skin cancer in the world.
UV levels and sun protection times are included in your local Bureau weather forecast, the BOM Weather app, and via maps and tables in MetEye. You can also use the free SunSmart app to view sun protection times and current UV levels.
Unlike the sun's heat and light, we can't see or feel UV radiation so make sure that you check the resources below regularly.
UV Triggers
UV Triggers
Sun protection is recommended whenever UV levels reach 3 or higher. Below 3, sun protection isn't recommended unless you are outdoors for extended periods or near reflective surfaces, like snow.
Sourcing UV Index Information
Sourcing UV Index Information
Decision Making Responsibility
Decision Making Responsibility
Pre- Activity
In consultation between client guide, lead guide, operations manager and CEO an assessment will be made as to GO/ NO GO.
Ultimate decision making falls to Lead Guide + CEO
During Activity
If the guide has communication, the lead guide and CEO can cancel activities at any point during day due to safety concerns (even if this falls against guide wishes).
Guide has authority to cancel activity if risk is deemed too great.
FLOW CHART??
Guide Response to High UV
Guide Response to High UV
The Hazardous weather trigger events - Forecast minimum temperature is considered when applying this checklist
Identify
Identify
UV forecasts are monitored during period in the field.
Prepare
Prepare
Before heading into the field, ensure guides and participants have:
SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
Hat
Be aware of shade areas
Sunglasses
Immediate actions
Immediate actions
(For the best protection, use all five SunSmart steps):
1. Slip on covering clothing
1. Slip on covering clothing
Choose clothing that covers as much skin as possible, for example, collared shirts with long sleeves. Some clothing may carry an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF), which is a guarantee of how much UV protection a fabric provides.
2. Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
2. Slop on SPF 30 (or higher) broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside. The average-sized adult will need a teaspoon of sunscreen for their head and neck, each limb and the front and back of the body. That's about seven teaspoons (35mL) for a full body application. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
Remember, sunscreen is not a suit of armour and should be used with other sun protection measures.
3. Slap on a hat
3. Slap on a hat
Choose, a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket style hat which shades your face, nose, neck and ears, which are common sites for skin cancers. Caps and visors do not provide enough protection.
4. Seek shade
4. Seek shade
Use trees, built shade structures, or bring your own (such as a sunshade tent)! Shade reduces UV radiation, but it can still reach you via reflection, so make sure you use shade in combination with other sun protection measures.
5. Slide on some sunglasses
5. Slide on some sunglasses
Sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat worn together can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98%. Sunglasses should be worn outside during daylight hours. Choose close-fitting wraparound sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS/NSZ 1067.
Participants are advised of the UV Index forecast including peak UV time frames
Participants are advised of the early signs and symptoms of heat induced injury according to ARC Guideline 9.3.4- Heat Induced Illness (Hyperthermia): First Aid Management
The Guide carries sunscreen for shared use; participants are also encouraged to carry their own personal sunscreen
Participants are advised to take the following precautions during outdoor activities
Stay hydrated
Hats and long sleeves
Sunscreen at regular intervals
Rest in the shade
Hats under helmets are not permitted – increase sunscreen use as required
Evacuate or Recover
Evacuate or Recover
Consider cancelling activities (or finding shelter) if UV index is Extreme.
Report
Report
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