15 Jul 2022 01:31 pm

Keeping safe in next weeks heatwave

With temperatures set to soar over the weekend and peaking, possibly with record-breaking high temperatures during the early part of next week, please ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

Although there are no upper temperature limits within the Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations, we would like to encourage all colleagues to follow the advice below to avoid dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This advice is especially important for those colleagues who work in roles that require them to spend more time outdoors, such as premise officers and security staff.

Colleagues based in Luton are very welcome to use the hot desks in F000 in Park Square if they get too hot. For those based at other campuses, we would also encourage you to seek out hot-desks, or other working areas that may be cooler than your office, if appropriate/possible.

Advice for those working in the office during the heatwave:

• Departments should arrange for the first members of staff arriving in the office to open any windows and doors to create airflow when the outside temperature is at its coolest. Newer campus buildings, such as the STEM building and Gateway, do not have this option as the temperature in these buildings are self-regulating
• Place fans near open windows if practically possible, as this will pull fresh air into rooms
• It is vital that everyone maintains hydration, drinking water regularly throughout the day
• Have plenty of rest breaks during the day. Make sure you move to an area with more fresh air
• Peak temperature occurs in the afternoon so ensure that you limit your time outside in the sun. Remain indoors if your role allows
• Wear appropriate clothing, loose fitting, light in colour. Speak to your line manager if you have any queries around specific dress code
• Utilise the kitchen fridges and cool drinks in advance of the peak hot times
• Avoid extreme exercise and alcohol consumption
• Ensure you use sun cream if you are going to be outside
• Watch out for cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke
• Talk to each other regularly to ensure that everyone feels well and do not feel ill

If you would like any further advice, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Pamela Du-Bisette in the Health and Safety team.

Best wishes,

James Corbett

Head of Health and Safety