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The Met Office has issued a rare red heat warning for parts of England and Wales, signaling an upcoming period of extreme temperatures expected later this week. Forecasts predict significant temperature increases, with some areas potentially reaching as high as 40°C on Wednesday and Thursday. This warning will be in effect from 9:00 AM on Wednesday until 9:00 PM on Thursday, covering central, southern, and southeastern parts of England, as well as portions of south Wales.
When it comes to schools, there is no legal limit on classroom temperatures, and the government typically does not recommend school closures due to heat. The priority remains to keep children in school while managing safety concerns. Teaching unions advise that indoor temperatures should ideally not exceed 26°C. School leaders are expected to monitor temperature closely and refer to their risk assessments to ensure vulnerable pupils are supported, especially if signs of heat-related fatigue appear. Should a headteacher consider closing a school, consultation with the chair of governors and the relevant academy trust or employer is required first.
Schools are preparing various strategies to help alleviate the impact of the heat. Some have already relaxed uniform regulations, allowing students to wear PE kits for comfort. Adjustments to school hours may be made to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and lessons might be relocated to cooler parts of the building. The Department of Health and Social Care recommends limiting vigorous physical activity during extreme heat, which may result in less strenuous PE classes. Additionally, CO2 monitors can be used to assess ventilation, and the UK Health Security Agency advises closing windows later in the day if outdoor temperatures exceed indoor temperatures. It also cautions against using fans when temperatures go above 35°C.
Parents can support their children by encouraging light, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing and the use of wide-brimmed sun hats when uniform rules allow. Sunscreen with a high protection factor is also recommended, and some schools may ask students to bring their own to reapply throughout the day. Staying hydrated is critical, with schools promoting frequent water intake and suggesting parents reinforce this habit at home. Even during extreme heat, the government advises that children attend school if it remains open, as consistent attendance is key to their education.
There is no legal occupational temperature limit for working in the UK. Workplace guidance from Acas advises that, except under extreme circumstances, employees are generally expected to continue working in coordination with their employers to find safe solutions. The chief executive of Acas, Niall Mackenzie, explains that workplace closures or workers’ inability to attend due to heat are usually last-resort measures and should only happen when no viable alternatives exist. Employers should be flexible and willing to relax rules when possible. For indoor work environments, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends maintaining a minimum temperature of 16°C, or 13°C if the work is physically demanding.
To help keep employees comfortable during hot weather, employers are encouraged to allow flexible working arrangements, move staff to cooler areas, relax dress codes, and permit more frequent breaks to access cold drinks or cool down. Provision of fans or air conditioning can aid temperature control, and proper ventilation by opening windows is advised when feasible. For those working from home, keeping curtains closed during the day to block sunlight and opening windows at cooler times can enhance airflow, aided by fans if available.
Outdoor workers face particular challenges in extreme heat. The HSE suggests that work schedules be adjusted to cooler times of day, with more frequent breaks in shaded areas and free access to cool drinking water. Workers are encouraged to remove personal protective equipment during rest periods to aid cooling. Acas also stresses the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and using sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Regarding travel, Acas notes that public transport disruptions due to heat can affect employees’ punctuality and attendance. It recommends checking transport timetables in advance, while employers should remain flexible in accommodating such challenges. National Highways advises drivers to carry ample drinking water for themselves and passengers during journeys and, where possible, to alter travel times to avoid peak heat periods. The RAC has advised drivers without effective air conditioning in their vehicles to reconsider non-essential trips until weather warnings are lifted
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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