Unions Set Limit On Work Temperature

As the Met Office continues to promise scorching summer temperatures, unions are getting in early with some cool advice. Train drivers union ASLEF is advising its members to refuse on safety grounds to work in train cabs where the heat levels rise above 27°C.

The executive committee decision came in the wake of reports indicating that there 'were very few agreed arrangements in place to mitigate the risks from heat exhaustion.' The union says work last year in sweltering cabs was linked to an increase in potentially serious safety incidents.

ASLEF general secretary Keith Norman said the union will inform all train operating companies of the decision. 'We will also send out the appropriate legal and health and safety advice to all branches and reps - so that they have irrefutable justification for any action,' he said. Teaching union NUT is calling for a lower temperature ceiling, a new guide advising 'that 26°C should be the absolute maximum temperature in which teachers should be expected to work, other than for very short periods. It is important that all schools have in place contingency plans to help staff and pupils cope with the heat. There is little that can be done to alleviate particular problems if schools do not plan in advance and also take note of the weather forecast for the week ahead.'

The guide adds: 'The NUT expects schools to implement planned measures to reduce temperatures as soon as staff complain that working conditions are beginning to become uncomfortable or as soon as it is known that temperatures are going to become uncomfortable, according to the weather forecast. If in doubt, 26°C should be used as the trigger for these measures.' The union warns 'that, in schools, other steps may need to be considered such as closing classrooms which are unacceptably hot and teaching classes elsewhere, or even sending pupils home, provided reasonable notice has been given to parents.' It says NUT safety reps should raise temperature related concerns 'as a matter of urgency' with school management.

Source: TUC Risks

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