Hot Weather Advice

 

Currently there is no statutory upper limit specified in UK Health and Safety Law for a maximum

permissible temperature in the workplace, however, a general duty of care is owed to pupils and so

similar standards will apply to those for employees.

 

Protection from exposure to the sun is also an issue the school must consider for both pupils and

staff. As an employer the school has an obligation to protect staff from exposure and this is

extended to pupils in our care.

 

Heat wave Plan

 

• Encourage staff and children to wear clothes that provide good sun protection, including sun hats.
• Children should be kept indoors
• Encourage parents to apply sunscreen before children come to school.
• Encourage children to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently. Strenuous activity will be limited. Football games have been suspended until end of term.
• Relaxation of the school dress code- non-uniform sun hats are allowed  / children may choose to wear PE kits for last week of term if they prefer.
• Check the temperature of metal and plastic playground equipment / before children play

 

Classrooms

Windows should be opened at start of day as soon as possible to allow stored heat to escape and support ventilation.

Keep electric lights off where possible as this generates heat.

Fans can be used but at temperatures above 35 degrees, fans may worsen dehydration.

 

Beware of signs of heat related medical conditions in children:

 

The signs of heat stress are:

 

• Children may seem out of character and show signs of discomfort and irritability. These signs can include those listed below for heat exhaustion and will worsen if left untreated leading to heat exhaustion and/or heatstroke

 

The signs of heat exhaustion include:

 

• tiredness
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting
• hot, red, and dry skin
• confusion

 

 

 

Signs of heatstroke include:

 

• high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F) is a major sign of heatstroke
• red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops
• fast heartbeat
• fast shallow breathing
• confusion/lack of co-ordination
• fits
• loss of consciousness

 

If a person is suffering from heat related illness these are the steps you should take:

• Move the person to as cool a room (air-conditioned room) as possible and encourage them to drink cool water (such as water from a cold tap)-
• Cool the person as rapidly as possible, using whatever methods you can. For example, sponge or spray the child with cool water (not cold)– if available, place cold packs around the neck and armpits, or wrap the child in a cool, wet sheet and assist cooling with a fan.
• Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn’t respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes.
• Contact parents if concerned about a child.

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