Coping with the hot weather
Wednesday, 01 July 2015
During this hot weather, please follow these practical and common sense solutions.
- Use desk or pedestal fans if you have them.
- Open windows where possible to allow ventilation and shade them with blinds to reduce the heating effect of the sun.
- Drink water regularly (two to four cups of water an hour; water is preferable to caffeine or carbonated drinks).
- Take sufficient breaks to get cold drinks or to cool down.
- Ensure your PC's power settings (in the Control Panel) are set to put your computer to sleep after no more than 15 minutes of inactivity as PCs can add significant heat to a room over the day. Switch machines off when not in use for prolonged periods.
- Turn off other electronic devices, if not in use.
- Switch off your lights when not required as they can give off a lot of heat.
- Prop open fire doors to offices to help with ventilation but use a wedge that can be removed easily if the fire alarm sounds. Do not leave the door wedged open if the office is unoccupied.
Working in laboratories
All lab workers must wear their laboratory coat and sensible shoes (no flip flops/ sandals or open toed shoes) whilst working in the lab. As drinking is prohibited in the lab, workers should take regular breaks in order to cool down and refresh themselves.
Please note that fans cannot be used near fume cupboards or microbiological safety cabinets as the turbulence in the air can prevent the cabinets from working properly to protect you.
Wedging or propping open lab doors is not allowed.
Working outside
For people working outside in hot weather, managers may wish to think about flexible hours or earlier starts for employees to avoid working in the mid-day sun. Colleagues should wear a hat, sunglasses, suntan lotion (SPF 15 or higher) and a top at all times and take regular breaks in the shade.
Further information