Sun Protection Policy

1. The Australian Air League Inc. acknowledges that skin cancer is a major public health problem, and that exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun has been identified as the main cause of skin cancer.
2. The aim of this policy is to reduce members’ exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
3. The Australian Air League Inc. seeks to promote and maintain the health, safety and well-being of members by aiming to:
   • protect the health and safety of all members;
   • prevent accidents and ill health caused by activities;
   • protect members from any health hazard which may arise out of activities or the conditions in which they are carried out;
   • place and maintain members in an environment designed to satisfy their needs for health, safety and well-being whilst participating in outdoor activities.
4. This will be achieved through cooperation with members, and by providing members with necessary information, instruction, training and supervision. Circulars advertising activities in less than ideal conditions will include information for member's protection from the elements.
5. Members equally with the League, have a Duty of Care, to themselves, the League and other members, to ensure they do not place themselves in a position of risk.
6. Participating in activities in hot conditions
7. When the atmospheric temperature rises to extreme conditions the following should apply:
   • Sufficient drinking water will be provided;
   • Sun Screen will be made available for members use
   • Members will be permitted to take breaks in a shaded area;
   • Members should wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible;
   • All Members are aware of their physical well-being and be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
8. Heat Exhaustion
   1. Warning signs of heat exhaustion are:
      • clammy skin;
      • confusion;
      • light-headedness;
      • fainting;
      • slurred speech;
      • nausea and vomiting
      • rapid pulse;
      • short temper;
      • fatigue, weakness or loss of concentration
   2. Symptoms that indicate heat stroke include:
      • staggering walk;
      • mental confusion;
      • hot skin;
      • temperature rise (yet person may feel chilled;
      • convulsions;
      • unconsciousness;
      • incoherence;
      • Deliriousness.
   3. What action should be taken if someone has symptoms of heat illness?
      • Ensure medical assistance is sought immediately.
      • First take the sufferer to a cooler area (for example, an air-conditioned shed or vehicle).
      • Then remove excess clothing (hat, shoes, and shirt).
      • Give water to drink, if conscious.
      • Allow the person to rest if they are suffering from heat exhaustion
      • If the person is suffering from heat stroke they should be cooled with water, cold compresses, and/or rapid fanning. A person suffering from heat stroke should be taken to a medical facility.
9. Sun Protection
   1. Members are informed of the high UV risk between 10am - 2pm during standard time and 11am - 3pm during Daylight Saving time. Wherever possible activities will be scheduled to be conducted in the shade during these times.
   2. At all times, members should endeavour to wear clothing that has a UPF rating of at least 40 which is close weave, breathable, loose fitting and covers as much skin as possible.
   3. Long sleeved shirts
      1. Shirts with long or three quarter length sleeves and collars to protect the arms and neck.
   4. Long trousers, skirts or shorts
      1. Loose fitting trousers or long skirts. If shorts are worn they should come to the knee.
   5. Broad brimmed hats
      1. Sun protective hats should be worn whenever participating in activities in a sun exposed area. The League makes available for purchase a broad brimmed hat.
   6. Sunglasses
      1. Sunglasses should be worn whenever participating in activities in a sun exposed area. Sunglasses if worn must comply with the League's Policy.
      2. That the League's Policy for the wearing of Sunglasses by members is as follows:
      3. Prescription sunglasses may be worn as required by members in uniform.
      4. Non-prescription sunglasses may be worn in all circumstances as required by members in uniform, provided the sunglasses meet
         • the Australian Standard AS1067, offering 99% protection from UV rays,
         • have plain frames of a neutral non-bright colour, or be of the attachable type for those members who wear prescription spectacles, but excluding non prescription sunglasses that are worn over prescription spectacles
         • have grey and not mirror-type lenses
   7. Sunscreen
      1. Water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+ is recommended); it is to be applied generously to all areas of exposed skin at least 20 minutes before becoming exposed to the sun, and reapplied every 2 hours. Use by dates need to be regularly checked to ensure sunscreen in use is not out of date.
      2. Lips should be protected with a lip balm containing SPF30+.