Whether you’re reading this in the baking summer heat, or passing the time on a cold winter afternoon, there is no way to deny that being a tradesperson is often hot, sweaty, and tiring work.
Fear not – we’re going to go through the top ten items that YOU need to make sure you stay comfortable and cool during the summer.
Fans
This was always going to be at the top of the list. What you may not know is that there are numerous cordless fans that are compatible with the same battery as your power tools. For example, if you own a Makita 18V LXT Combi Drill, there’s a cordless fan available that will work with the same battery. The same goes for Milwaukee, Dewalt, and many other brands.
Chances are, you probably have a spare battery somewhere, either charging or ready to use. So why not keep yourself cool by getting a refreshing flow of air while you work? Many of these fans not only allow you to adjust the angle for your comfort but can also be hung from scaffolding and tilted up or down to suit your needs.
If you don’t have a spare battery, don’t worry, we also offer a good selection of fans that run on mains power. So, whether you need to stay cool, help with drying out a room after painting or plastering, or require a large fan for a film set, we’ve got you covered.
T-Shirts
It’s important to dress appropriately when working on-site. We all know that one person who wears a hoodie or fleece on the hottest day of the year, but if that’s not you, we have a wide range of work t-shirts and work polo shirts to help you stay comfortable throughout the day.
So, what makes ‘work’ t-shirts different from the ones you might buy from a regular store? Well, there are a few reasons. Many of the shirts have moisture-wicking properties, which help keep you dry if you sweat. This type of fabric quickly moves sweat to the outer surface and dries rapidly, keeping you comfortable and dry. Additionally, our shirts are designed for manoeuvrability, allowing you to move around freely while working. They also promote airflow to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the day.
The last thing you want on-site is to feel like you’re hot and sticky. Our work shirts are designed to help you avoid that.
Shorts
It’s not just your upper body that can suffer in the heat – your lower half is also affected.
Working in sweltering heat with trousers on can be uncomfortable. Sweat builds up on the trouser leg and can affect your work.
So, why do you need “work” shorts instead of the ones you wear on vacation?
The simple answer is convenience. Work trousers have lots of pockets for carrying essential items on the job site – like tape measures, pencils, screws, and nails. Work shorts are designed to keep you cool and allow you to work comfortably while still offering pockets for your tools.
Above all, comfortable shorts won’t hinder your work. You won’t have to tug at the fabric or deal with sweaty legs. They come in a wide range of fabrics, styles, and sizes, making them versatile, durable, and comfortable. Many people even wear these shorts off-site for leisure because of their versatility and comfort.
Caps
I am bald. I’m sure a few of you reading this are also follically challenged. And let me tell you, there is nothing worse than having a sunburnt head.
Aside from that obvious benefit, there are several more reasons why you should wear a cap on-site.
Many work baseball-style caps have a strip around the internal brim to collect sweat. Despite their efforts to keep you cool, the head is one of the first places to produce perspiration, thus it’s important to prevent it from getting into your eyes.
This kind of irritation is… well… irritating. It can also be potentially dangerous if you’re in the middle of cutting, drilling, or using any kind of tool.
The brim on all baseball caps is there to keep the bright sun out of your eyes when you’re working during the day, which again helps when using any kind of tool or machinery.
Coolboxes
Nothing, and I mean nothing, is as refreshing as a cool drink (or maybe some ice cream) on a hot day. The same goes for keeping your food cool.
If you work in an office, you can simply put your lunch in the fridge. But what do you do when you’re working on-site? Well, I’m glad you asked.
In recent years, tool brands have started making powered and non-powered cool bags and cool boxes that you can take on-site.
In some cases (pun definitely intended), these storage options can be connected to brand-specific storage ranges, such as Milwaukee’s PACKOUT, Makita’s MAKPAC, and Dewalt’s TOUGHSYSTEM.
The powered versions can use the same batteries as your power tools, offering increased versatility, and they last an impressive amount of time.
Whether you need to keep your drinks cool, your food fresh on-site, or you’re planning a trip to the beach or a picnic, then you definitely need one of these incredible cool boxes.
Air Conditioning
If you work in a small enclosed space such as a single room or office, you may find that a simple fan is not enough to keep you cool.
This is when you should consider using an air conditioning unit. I’m not referring to a permanent installation, but rather to one of our portable air conditioning units.
Having an air conditioner will help you stay fresh and increase productivity. There is nothing worse than being in a room with no cool air circulating – it can make you feel sluggish and uncomfortable.
This can lead to a decrease in productivity for you and your team. Adding an air conditioner will keep the room cool, refreshed, and bright.
Gazebos
If you’re working at a private residence, you may need to keep your tools outside to maintain a clear work area. However, at some point, you’ll require shade, either to escape the sunlight or to use your tools more efficiently.
Our extensive selection of Vaunt Gazebos is designed to fit your budget, space, and needs, ranging from compact 2m x 2m to 9m x 3m. These gazebos not only provide comfortable working conditions, but also offer protection in case of sudden downpours (which is quite common in Britain).
Having a gazebo will protect you, your tools, and your materials, making outdoor work much more comfortable, especially when precise work is needed. Additionally, it’s important to consider the need for protection once the summer is over.
The gazebos will shield you from rain, and with a wide range of side panels and internal lighting options available, this should be an essential part of your setup.
Trainers
While wearing safety boots is essential for working on sites, did you know that you can get the same level of protection in a pair of safety trainers?
Lightweight, comfortable, and breathable, these trainers provide the same safety ratings as boots while offering greater comfort. This makes it easier to work, move around the site, and even walk home.
Until safety flip-flops or croc-style footwear are invented, safety trainers are the best option for balancing comfort, coolness, and foot protection
Tinted Safety Glasses
Whether they’re tinted, polarized, or have ‘smoked’ lenses, these safety glasses are designed for those who are working outside for extended periods.
We’ve all worn sunglasses at some point, so it stands to reason that we would wear something similar while working on-site. They come with comfort-based features so that you can wear them for extended periods, often including non-slip temple grips and soft-fit rubber nose pieces, all while offering UVA protection.
Lightweight and stylish, they will let you continue to work on those really bright days.
Water Flasks
Staying hydrated is crucial for your overall well-being. When working on-site, you’re bound to sweat due to the physical exertion. It’s essential to replenish the fluids lost through perspiration by staying hydrated throughout the day.
We offer a variety of branded, stylish, and durable water flasks to help you stay hydrated and keep cool. Many of our flasks are insulated, ensuring that your beverage stays cool for extended periods, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink whenever you need it.
So here’s our choice selection to make sure you stay cool and comfortable during the summer. Other than sun cream, have we covered everything? Perhaps you’ve already got one of our suggestions?
Tell us what you think in the comments below.