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Flooding Worker Safety

Essential equipment for outdoor workers in adverse weather conditions and flooding clean-up

It's important to ensure you're protected for all weather conditions when working outdoors, especially during heavy rain which can result in flooding. To help you prepare for any eventuality, we've highlighted some essential products that will help to keep you safe before, during and after a flood.

Take precautions when moving around and cleaning up after the event of a flood, especially if waters have not had chance to clear. Flood water can easily be contaminated by sewage, household chemicals, animal waste, petroleum products or even hazardous chemicals, therefore it is important that you wear the correct gear and personal protective equipment (PPE) for your safety. Remember to thoroughly wash hands and all safety equipment and clothing after each clean-up session to help stop bacteria from breeding.


Waterproof Outer Layers

Wearing waterproof garments as a protective outer layer will shield wearers from torrential rain and help to keep clothes dry when walking through flood water. Look for waterproofs made with more breathable fabric to ensure workers can complete their activity without overheating.


  • Waterproof Hi-vis

    If multiple hazards have been identified - for example, the prospect of getting wet and impaired visibility or darkness from heavy rainfall – it should be decided which is the primary risk is and choose garments to best satisfy this requirement.

    Choosing garments that have the dual benefit of being high visibility and waterproof could allow multiple protection needs to be met without adding additional clothing bulk to the wearer.


  • Outdoor Clothing

    Ensure workers remain in control of their thermal comfort in wet weather by ensuring a comprehensive layering system is in place underneath waterproof clothing. A good layering system is made up of base, mid and outer layers.

    It's important to ensure that extremities are protected against heat loss too. Much of the body's heat is lost through the head, wearing a hat will allow the body to retain heat and keep warm. Arco also provide a wide range of gloves that provide necessary protection for hands that will help hands stay warm in even the coldest conditions.


  • Waterproof Footwear

    Comfort is key when working on your feet all day, especially if you work outdoor and prone to adverse weather conditions, it's important to keep dry. Whether you're caught during a downpour of torrential rain or working in an area where there's been flooding, waterproof footwear is essential to keep you on your feet.


  • Safety Wellingtons and Waders

    Our range of hard-wearing safety wellingtons and waders offer waterproof protection to keep you dry. If you're working in a flooded area or cleaning up after an unexpected flood, ensure you've the right gear to protect you against underwater hazards. We offer suitable products that incorporate steel toecaps and penetration-resistant midsoles to keep you safe from unknown dangers that might be under the waterline.


  • Face Masks

    Hidden dangers after flooding aren't necessarily from beneath the water. Mold spores are present throughout flood clean-up and can be detrimental to your heath if large quantities are inhaled. Exposure to airborne mould spores can be reduced by wearing appropriate disposable or reusable respiratory protection equipment (RPE) that can also protect against contaminated water splashing your face.


  • Safety Eyewear

    Flooding can result in a whole host of risks. To prevent coming into contact with contaminated water, workers should be provided with appropriate PPE to protect against these hazards. Safety goggles can help to shield workers eyes from splash during any works that takes place after a flood and polarised safety glasses are suitable for those working with glare.


  • Hand Sanitisers

    Where possible people should avoid direct contact with flood water and associated debris as they can be contaminated with sewage, animal waste or other waste from drains or the surrounding area that may contain harmful bacteria, viruses or chemicals. If there's no access to soap and clean running water, hand sanitisers should be used regularly.


  • Body and Hand Protection

    With the risk of flood waters containing unsanitary and dangerous substances including sewage, household chemicals, petroleum products and hazardous chemicals; extra protection for the body and hands could be required.

    Arco has a range of coveralls that protect wearers and their clothing against hazardous substances. Our hand protection range includes gloves that provide better grip in wet conditions, are tear resistant and protect against bacteria.


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