School Reps' Handbook > Your questions answered

Heating in Schools

Is my classroom too cold?

The Education (School Premises) Regulations 1999 set out the legal requirements for mini- mum temperatures in schools. These are:

18° C (64.4° F) in areas of normal level of physical activity associated with teaching (i.e. ordinary classrooms).
21°C in areas of lower than normal activity (e.g. sick rooms).
15°C in areas of higher than normal activity (e.g. gymnasia, washrooms).

The Regulations require that schools have heating systems capable of maintaining these minimum temperatures and also that school classrooms are actually heated up to at least these temperatures for as long as the rooms are used for their normal purpose. Temperatures in school classrooms should therefore be at least 18ºC (64.4ºF).

How can I check the temperature of my room?

The Workplace Regulations require that a sufficient number of thermometers should be available (although not necessarily in every room) to enable staff to check temperatures in the workplace.

What do I do if my room is below 18°c?

Sudden, temporary faults	Long-standing faults
Where sudden faults or failures arise with heating systems make sure that the Headteacher/Principal is aware of the problem and has taken action to ensure that the system is repaired as quickly as possible and, in the meantime, is taking appropriate measures to ensure that members are not working in These might include: closing the affected part of the school. rearranging the timetable in order to move classes. bringing in portable heaters. The NUT does not regard the use of portable heaters as an appropriate solution other than as a temporary measure while action is being taken to repair the system. The length of time for which the system will be out of order will influence the NUT's view as to whether the use of such heaters as a temporary measure is appropriate. The NUT advises against the use of portable gas heaters unless no other temporary heating system is available. If it becomes clear that the problem is unlikely to be solved within 24 hours notice of closure will need to be given.	Many problems result from longstanding faults or inadequacies in school heating systems which LEAs or governing bodies are unable or unwilling to replace or repair. Where such faults exist, the following steps should be taken: Raise the matter with the Headteacher or Principal and ascertain what action isproposed by the LEA or Governing Body to repair or upgrade the heating system; 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; If the LEA or Governing Body is unwilling to accept that difficulties exist or seek to argue that they are unable to take action on financial or other grounds contact the local association for assistance. Where temperatures are consistently below the levels required by law, the Headteacher or Principal should take appropriate action to ensure that teachers, support staff and pupils are not required to work in inappropriately heated areas. Such action might include bringing in temporary heating sources, rearranging timetabling in order to move classes, or closing all or part of the school.

Sudden, temporary faults

Long-standing faults

Where sudden faults or failures arise with heating systems make sure that the Headteacher/Principal is aware of the problem and has taken action to ensure that the system is repaired as quickly as possible and, in the meantime, is taking appropriate measures to ensure that members are not working in

These might include:

closing the affected part of the school.
rearranging the timetable in order to move classes.
bringing in portable heaters.

The NUT does not regard the use of portable heaters as an appropriate solution other than as a temporary measure while action is being taken to repair the system. The length of time for which the system will be out of order will influence the NUT's view as to whether the use of such heaters as a temporary measure is appropriate. The NUT advises against the use of portable gas heaters unless no other temporary heating system is available.

If it becomes clear that the problem is unlikely to be solved within 24 hours notice of closure will need to be given.

Many problems result from longstanding faults or inadequacies in school heating systems which LEAs or governing bodies are unable or unwilling to replace or repair. Where such faults exist, the following steps should be taken:

Raise the matter with the Headteacher or Principal and ascertain what action isproposed by the LEA or Governing Body to repair or upgrade the heating system;
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;
If the LEA or Governing Body is unwilling to accept that difficulties exist or seek to argue that they are unable to take action on financial or other grounds contact the local association for assistance.
Where temperatures are consistently below the levels required by law, the Headteacher or Principal should take appropriate action to ensure that teachers, support staff and pupils are not required to work in inappropriately heated areas. Such action might include bringing in temporary heating sources, rearranging timetabling in order to move classes, or closing all or part of the school.

What if portable gas heaters have to be used?

Portable gas heaters, in particular, pose their own health and safety risks from fumes, fire hazards etc. and guidance on their safe use and storage should be provided and followed at all times.

Operation
On no account should teachers operate the heaters other than in dealing with emergency situations.
Position
Heaters should be sited in suitable positions out of circulation and evacuation routes, away from draughts, sunlight, heat and combustible material, with safety guards fixed to the floor or wall, and with adequate ventilation. They should not be moved from the positions in which they are installed other than by the contractor.
Fire safety
Fire safety precautions should be reassessed, taking into account the number of temporary heaters being used and any appropriate changes made to procedures for fire detection, fighting and evacuation of the premises
Checking
Heaters should have been regularly and properly checked and maintained and inspected at least annually to ensure their safety.
Storage of gas cylinders
Gas cylinders should be stored securely outside the school building.

Under no circumstances should teachers bring in their own temporary heaters, as such an action is likely itself to breach Health and Safety legislation.