* but when these are used for exams they would fall into the category of areas where there is an average level of clothing and activity (ie classrooms and therefore 18o C).
The temperature in circulation spaces shall be no more than 3o C below those areas that they serve.
Standards for schools derive from Design note 17 of 1975 and School Building Regulations 1981. These lay down a temperature of 18oC in classrooms. Based on this piece of legislation the Unions concluded a code of practice with their employer (LEA)agreeing temperatures which should prevail from the start of directed time to its conclusion. The agreement covers classrooms, staffrooms and all the places teachers normally work.
Should classrooms fail to reach the required temperatures there is a variety of courses of action. The Union will support members in refusing to work in classrooms that are not adequately heated. We strongly advise members and representatives to consult the union office should a heating problem persist and not be resolved satisfactorily and speedily.
Temperatures should be monitored in any classroom or other area with heating problems on a twice daily basis at the same time each day in order to provide evidence of the problem. Record the temperature on the chart available at the link below which can be printed off. The Workplace Regulations require that a sufficient number of thermometers should be available, at a convenient distance from any part of the workplace, to enable temperatures to be measured in any part of the workplace.
HEATING and VENTILATION
The union has recently called on the Government to legislate on maximum temperatures.
The NUT's policy on maximum temperatures is that they should not exceed 26oC for anything other than very short periods.
The World Health Organisation's recommended limit on working temperatures is 24oC.
There is a requirement in The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 for all employers to take all reasonable steps in order to achieve a reasonably comfortable work environment. Cost cannot be used as an excuse for inaction.
Steps such as closing classrooms which are unacceptably hot and teaching classes elsewhere, or even sending them home, may need to be considered.
The Union will support members in refusing to work in classrooms that are not adequately ventilated. We strongly advise members and representatives to consult the union office should a ventilation problem persist and not be resolved satisfactorily and speedily.
Temperatures should be monitored in any classroom or other area with ventilation problems on a twice daily basis at the same time each day in order to provide evidence of the problem. Record the temperature on the chart available at the link above which can be printed off. The Workplace Regulations require that a sufficient number of thermometers should be available, at a convenient distance from any part of the workplace, to enable temperatures to be measured in any part of the workplace.