Heat battle on the roof: Roofers fight against temperatures over 30 degrees

Heat battle on the roof: Roofers fight against temperatures over 30 degrees

An oppressive heat wave has the world of work in Kaiserslautern firmly in its grip. At temperatures above 30 degrees, construction workers and craftsmen in particular have to deal with special challenges. This was also the case for roofers Rolf Heiss and Evald Lengvinas, who work in the Kaiserslautern industrial area. They set off with reporter Johannes Zinßmeister to carry out their work under these extreme conditions. At 10 a.m. the thermometer in the car was already showing 28 degrees - and the trend was clear: it would get even hotter.

Bright sun and a large flat roof that reflects the sun's heat made the conditions particularly unpleasant for the two roofers. They had to work hard to complete the sealing work with a hot air gun that reached temperatures of up to 470 degrees. In addition to the physical work, it was also important to drink enough fluids. Rolf Heiss strongly advised his colleagues: “Drinking a lot is the be-all and end-all!” In order to cool down, the tradesmen had access to a container shower at the construction site, which they used two to three times a day.

Heat-free as a necessity

But it wasn't just the roofers who felt the oppressive heat. The question also arises in many companies as to whether and how employees can legally be guaranteed heat protection under such conditions. According to the information from Craft sheet Employers must act in extreme temperatures. Above 30 degrees they are obliged to take action, and above 35 degrees a workplace is often considered unsuitable. However, employers do not have to jump straight into installing air conditioning systems; other protective measures such as fans or flexible working hours may also be effective.

The boss has given the roofers in Kaiserslautern a break from heat for this day from 12 p.m. Rolf and Evald plan to return to work the next morning, although they don't expect any significant cooling. “Changing jobs to lifeguards?” one of the two joked, showing the necessary amount of humor in the oppressive heat. To better prepare for such hot days, employers can take other measures, such as providing drinks or closing the blinds.

Legal aspects and tips for the heat

However, employees have no legal right to be heat-free, but they can point out that they are self-employed or express a wish to finish work earlier when it is over 30 degrees. As reported, otherwise legal problems could arise, such as warnings for refusing to work. However, the employer's duty of care remains undisputed, especially when it comes to working conditions in extreme temperatures.

• Arbeiten in der Hitze erfordert besondere Vorsichtsmaßnahmen.
• Trinken, Pausen im Schatten und leichte Kleidung sind essenziell.
• Arbeitnehmer sind jedoch selbst für ihren Hitzeschutz im Homeoffice verantwortlich.

The legal requirements stipulate that room temperatures of up to 26 degrees are considered tolerable. From 30 degrees onwards, employers should take action and take protective measures. Special regulations apply to construction workers working outdoors: at temperatures above 35 degrees, they must be protected from heat and sun, with jackets and drinking breaks essential to ensure the health of the workers. Whether roofers or construction workers, everyone agrees: the heat requires both physical and creative effort - perhaps even a change to a shady workplace by the water.