Skip to main content

DS Risk Warning: Weather: Heat

By

 Hello all,


We've been waiting to see if there was yet another update to the Amber warning. At the time of sending this the position is as follows:


Exceptional heat is possible for southern and central areas of the UK late this weekend and early next week, with temperatures likely in excess of 35°C in some places.


An Amber Extreme heat warning, which is an impact-based warning designed to highlight impacts to protect lives, property and infrastructure, has been issued for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.


The first Red warning area does not affect our operational area


Temperatures are likely to peak in excess of 35°C in southern, central and eastern areas of England, and more widely around 32°C within the warning area. Tuesday currently looks to see the peak of this heat, although exceptional warmth is likely throughout the warning period.  


Temperatures are also set to remain high overnight, particularly in urban areas, with a high likelihood of tropical nights – when minimum temperatures don’t drop below 20°C – for some early next week.  

The step up in warning level to red is running parallel to an increase in the current Heat Health Warning to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency.  which is aimed at those specifically in the health and social care sector, has also been issued by the from Saturday to Tuesday, advising people to look out for vulnerable people and those with underlying health conditions. 


https://www.gov.uk/government/news/heat-health-alert-issued-by-the-uk-health-security-agency



Heatwave criteria, when specific temperature thresholds must be exceeded three days running, had already been met in some locations earlier this week, and are expected to be met again by early next week.


Key advice being given is:


* it is important to keep yourself hydrated, (avoiding alcohol) and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.


* if you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather. 


* think carefully about water usage.


* find out more about driving in hot weather with National Highways.  

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/south-east-news/hot-weather/


* stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.


* if going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.  


* never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.


* Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, etc. if you have to go out in the heat.


* avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.


* make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling. 


At present there isn't a higher level of warning during the period relating to air quality.


As previously advised, do dynamically assess those intended activities. We've had questions on sports days, hall based performances and beach trips so far. Remember you aren't likely to win, as your audience will inevitably have those who have opinions at either end of the spectrum as to what's right. We need to be balanced and proportionate. 


The HSE say:


Temperature in the workplace: working safely in hot conditions

thermometer

In offices or similar environments, the temperature in workplaces must be reasonable.

There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work.

 

Employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:

  • keeping the temperature at a comfortable level, sometimes known as thermal comfort

  • providing clean and fresh air

Read about what you can do to feel more comfortable.

 

HSE's temperature website has practical guidance on what you can do to manage the risks, including:

We also have the answers to some frequently asked questions about temperature in the workplace.


****


Do get in touch if we can help?


Bill

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Wind - Storm Darragh

By
  The Met Office have upgraded the warning for tomorrow as follows: Red weather warning issued  Strong and damaging winds across parts of Wales and southwest England  Saturday 0300 – 1100 Our advice changes in such circumstances to, do all you can today, but any checking approach during the day tomorrow should only be considered in extremis in the red zone and very carefully indeed risk assessed. Beware too the boundaries are changing of the zones, as more data comes in. Checks may need to wait until Sunday. NB: Many are postponing anything planned for tomorrow to allow safety at home in the red zone and extreme caution in the amber. This needs to apply to your sites. We aren't aware from our systems, at present, of any education visit/DofE activities, but obviously these need to be reconsidered. Met Office Chief Forecaster, Jason Kelly, said:  “The worst impacts from Storm Darragh will be felt as we go through the early hours of tomorrow morning and throughout Satur...
Post a Comment
Read more

DS Risk Warning: 28 March: Extinction Rebellion Demonstration ‘Sound the Alarms’ 10 - 4 pm

By
Hello all, Avon and Somerset Police have informed us of an ‘organised civil disobedience’ event that may take place today, Thursday 28th March, whereby members of Extinction Rebellion and possibly sympathisers are proposing to set off multiple [fire] alarms.  There is no known information on which buildings/when but the assumption is that they will target schools, institutions and public buildings. The Bristol Director Education and Skills has shared this scant information with Bristol schools and nothing more. We haven't heard that it has been distributed more widely so we do so just in case to our Agreement/SLA customers. Fire doesn't give notice of where and when it will occur so our best advice, unless you have a delay on the system that allows checking the status of the issue before the alarm sounders go live, is to take any activation seriously and evacuate. If it turns out to be a hoax, false activation, etc, why not log it as an alternative to your t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Delegated Services Risk Warning: Weather; Snow and Ice

By
Hello all, I'd set the alarm early, then a picture fell off the wall, even earlier and ..... The forecast suggests there will be some more snow of varying intensity this morning, before it dies out around lunchtime and will become far brighter. It appears the motorways and major trunk roads, (Highways England) and majority of the local council gritted routes are open, albeit that in some locations there are lane restrictions. Elevation impacts on depth of snow and impact on the roads. The position on non cleared routes will vary markedly. Gritting and ploughing is ongoing and extra resources have been deployed. Public transport is running save for Bristol Airport at the moment. It is under review as the position for drivers getting in to the depots is a challenge. First Bus across the patch will issue an update at 6.30 am. However, Metro Bus is running in Bristol and routes along the main gritted routes are running. At present, therefore, I can't be of more...
Post a Comment
Read more