Free delivery on orders over £100

Working during heat waves: what does the new PPE standard say and how can you better protect your teams?

Travailler en période de canicule : que dit la nouvelle norme EPI et comment mieux protéger vos équipes ?

Romane B. |

Since May 27, 2025, the law has changed to provide stricter protection for employees working in hot conditions. With summer approaching, this regulation marks a turning point for all employers in the construction, agriculture, logistics, and security sectors.

Heat waves and outdoor work: a public health issue

When temperatures exceed 30°C, the effects on the human body are immediate:

  • Intense fatigue and decreased alertness
  • Risk of workplace accidents
  • Fever, migraines, cramps, dehydration, etc.

Heat waves are no longer the exception: they are becoming the norm. And in the face of this new climate, the obligation to prevent accidents is intensifying.


New PPE heat standard: what the May 27, 2025 decree says

Effective July 1, 2025, this new regulation requires employers to take concrete measures to protect their teams in the event of extreme heat.

The risks targeted:

  • Deterioration of working conditions
  • Accidents related to fatigue or inattention
  • Illnesses: fever, cramps, heatstroke, concentration problems, etc.

Alert thresholds set by Météo-France:

  • Green alert: seasonal monitoring
  • Yellow alert: heat peak (1 to 2 days)
  • Orange alert: prolonged heatwave
  • Red alert: extreme heatwave (exceptional intensity and duration)

From the orange level onwards, enhanced measures must be put in place, particularly in the construction industry, where these periods entitle workers to compensation in the event of work stoppage.


What PPE is now recommended for heat?

The decree requires employers to adapt the equipment made available to workers:

Increased hydration:

  • Provision of 3 liters of drinking water per day per worker in the absence of running water
  • Installation of means to keep water cool near workstations
  • Recommended PPE: insulated water bottle with a minimum capacity of 2 liters

Equipment to limit overheating:

  • Choice of equipment to maintain a stable body temperature
  • Recommended PPE: cooling neck protectors for helmets, cooling neck wraps (PCM or textile), cooling vests, cooling leggings

Protection against UV rays and solar radiation:

  • Provision of UV and radiation protection PPE
  • Recommended PPE: long-sleeved UV-protective T-shirts, technical caps or hats, sunglasses, SPF 50+ sunscreen

Information and training:

  • Clear explanation of the risks associated with heat
  • Training in the correct use of thermoregulatory PPE
  • Awareness of the right actions to take in hot weather


G-Heat: tested cooling equipment designed for professionals

At G-Heat, we didn't wait for the law to change before taking action.

Our mission: to equip professionals exposed to heat with reliable, tested solutions that are easy to integrate into their daily routine.

Cooling T-shirt

Breathable, lightweight, and reusable, it facilitates the evacuation of body heat while remaining comfortable under PPE.

Cooling neck gaiter

Available in a PCM (freezable) or water-activated fabric version, it targets the neck, a key area for regulating body temperature.

Cooling vest

Designed for construction and logistics professionals, it helps maintain a stable body temperature for several hours.

The goal: to prevent heat exhaustion without slowing down productivity.


Why equip your teams before July 1?

  • Because better protection reduces the risk of work stoppages, accidents, and heat stress
  • Because the standard is becoming mandatory, and penalties could follow in case of non-compliance
  • And because a well-equipped employee is a more productive employee

Discover all G-Heat solutions for outdoor work in summer


To find out more: