Extreme Heat Warning Issued for UK
The Met Office has issued a rare red warning for extreme heat affecting parts of England and Wales, anticipating temperatures that could reach up to 40C by Wednesday and Thursday. This warning will be active from 09:00 on Wednesday until 21:00 on Thursday, covering central, southern, and south-east England, as well as portions of south Wales.
School Operations During High Temperatures
There is no legal maximum temperature for classrooms in the UK, and the government typically advises against school closures. Instead, the focus is on managing schools safely to ensure children's continued education. Teaching unions suggest maintaining indoor temperatures below 26C. School leaders are expected to monitor temperatures closely, review risk assessments, and observe students for signs of fatigue, particularly vulnerable children. Any decision to close a school would require consultation with the chair of governors and the relevant academy trust or employer.
Measures Schools Can Implement
- Relaxing uniform policies to allow lighter clothing, such as PE kits.
- Adjusting school start and finish times to avoid peak heat.
- Relocating lessons to cooler areas within the school.
- Limiting vigorous physical activity during PE lessons, as advised by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).
- Utilizing CO2 monitors to ensure adequate ventilation.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recommends closing windows later in the day if outside temperatures exceed indoor temperatures and advises against using fans if temperatures surpass 35C. Teaching unions have urged the government to invest in making school buildings more resilient to extreme weather conditions.
Helping Children Stay Cool at School
Parents can help by ensuring children wear loose, light-colored clothing and wide-brimmed sunhats if uniform rules are relaxed. High-factor sunscreen should be applied, with some schools requesting students bring their own for re-application. Schools will also encourage increased water intake, a practice parents should reinforce at home.
Regarding attendance, if a school remains open, the general advice is to send children as usual, as the government emphasizes the importance of school attendance for learning and development.
Workplace Considerations During Heatwaves
The UK does not have a legal maximum working temperature. However, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) mandates that employers adhere to health and safety laws, which include maintaining comfortable temperatures and providing fresh air. Acas, a workplace advisory group, advises that workers generally need to follow their contracts and collaborate with employers to ensure a safe working environment. Closing a workplace or a worker being unable to attend due to heat is typically considered a last resort in extreme situations, requiring clear and timely communication, and employers are encouraged to be flexible.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC) recently advocated for a maximum workplace temperature to protect individuals as heatwaves become more frequent and intense due to climate change. For comparison, the minimum indoor workplace temperature recommended by the HSE is 16C, or 13C for rigorous physical work.
Employer Actions to Mitigate Heat
The HSE suggests employers allow flexible working arrangements where feasible and relocate staff to cooler areas. Relaxing dress codes and providing sufficient breaks for hydration and cooling are also recommended. Employers can supply fans or air conditioning and should open windows to promote air circulation. For those working from home, closing curtains to block sun and opening windows on opposite sides in the mornings and evenings can help, along with using fans.
Outdoor Workers and Heat
Outdoor workers face significant health risks if heat is not properly managed. The HSE advises rescheduling work to cooler parts of the day, increasing rest breaks, providing shaded rest areas, and ensuring access to cool drinking water. Workers should be encouraged to remove personal protective equipment when resting to cool down. Acas also recommends appropriate clothing and sunscreen for outdoor staff.
Travel Disruptions Due to Heat
Heatwaves can disrupt transport services, potentially affecting railway overhead power lines and causing rails to buckle. Acas suggests checking travel timetables in advance and that employers be flexible regarding staff attendance. National Highways advises drivers to carry ample drinking water and consider altering travel times to avoid the hottest days and periods. The RAC recommends that drivers without effective car air conditioning strongly consider postponing non-essential journeys until weather warnings are lifted.
Source: Can you refuse to work or send your kids to school during a heatwave?