Abnormal Temperatures - Appendix 1 to MC10
1. School heating systems are designed to standards which should ensure that room temperatures reach the levels indicated below when the outside air temperature is at freezing point.
|
Type of Accommodation |
Temperatures |
|
Medical inspection room, changing room, bathroom, water closet and shower room |
18.5°C (65°F) |
|
Teaching space, dining room, Nursery room, common room and staff room and school office |
17°C (62°F) |
|
Assembly area, lecture hall, theatre and cinema |
15.5°C (60°F) |
|
Sickroom |
14.5°C (58°F) |
|
Cloakroom and corridors |
13ºC (55°F) |
|
Gymnasia |
13°C (55°F) |
|
Games hall |
10°C (50°F) |
2. On the relatively infrequent occasions when outside temperatures are below freezing point in the morning - and the indoor temperature is correspondingly lower - this should not in itself be regarded as a reason for sending pupils home. Normally temperatures will rise during daylight hours.
3. Where there is a complete breakdown in the heating system or where the temperatures have not risen to those indicated in the above table by one hour after the start of the school day, head teachers should inform the appropriate maintenance officer of the department of architectural and related services of the fault (if the janitor has not already done so) and should then act in accordance with standard circular 10a.
4. From time to time the temperatures in some parts of the school may rise above a maximum tolerable temperature limit. Temperature in itself is not an index of discomfort but other factors such as humidity, radiation, ventilation and length of exposure must be considered.
Where teaching staff have taken in advance of the situation, which can normally be anticipated, all reasonable precautions such as opening windows and doors, drawing curtains or blinds where available, it is recommended that when a temperature of 27°C (80°F), in the shade, has been experienced for a minimum of one hour, pupils and staff should be withdrawn from that room. If the temperature rises considerable in excess of 27°C, evacuation should take place within a shorter period.
Checklist Temperature and Ventilation Action
1. One way of identifying a problem is by talking to your members or doing a survey. This may also build their support for solving the problem. You could ask them:
• do they find it too hot or too cold at work?
• does this happen at a particular time of year?
• do they notice any draughts at work?
• are there any problems with heating/cooling systems?
• do they suffer regularly from colds, catarrh, coughs, sore throats?
2. Make an inspection of temperatures and heating and cooling systems. Most workplaces tend to be too cold for comfortable working, particularly in winter. What is the average temperature in your workplace and is there a thermometer available to measure it?
3. Is the atmosphere hazy, oily, fume or dust-laiden? If so:
• are there sufficient air movements by general ventilation (windows, doors, vents)?
• is any provision made for mechanical ventilation by fans, exhaust ventilation or other cleaning equipment?
• are there maintenance and cleaning programmes for ventilation equipment?
4. Draw up a list of the main problems with heating and ventilation, hot work and cold work.
5. Draw up a leaflet about temperature and ventilation problems to start off discussions with members.
6. Prepare a draft agreement on temperature control and ventilation for your workplace.
7. Prepare a report for management. Set out your aims and a plan of action on temperature and ventilation problems.
