Heat alleviation in
premises
Guidance note
Version 1.0
Resources Directorate
Heat alleviation in premises
Guidance note
Purpose
3
Legislation
3
Measures that can be taken
3
General principles
Measures
Management measures
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Purpose
1.
To propose some simple housekeeping measures to help reduce the
build up of heat in premises without the need to resort to climate
change unfriendly measures such as air conditioning units, which have a
negative impact on the environment.
Legislation
2.
There is no legislation that states a maximum temperature that cannot
be exceeded in the workplace. However, as a rule of thumb, if
temperatures in a workplace exceed 28oC (82oF) even on relatively cool
days and with the measures outlined below in force, this could justify
the installation of cooling equipment.
Measures that can be taken
General principles
• Keep the fabric of the building as cool as possible
• Reduce artificial heat loads (such as computers, printers,
photocopiers, water boilers, lighting etc)
• Aid circulation of air
3.
These are all factors in improving comfort, along with more obvious
ones such as wearing clothing suited to summer conditions (i.e.
lightweight and loose fitting)!
Measures
• Ask the cleaners to open windows wide while they are cleaning in
the evenings to release warm, stale air
• Open windows and doors first thing in the morning (particularly
where cross ventilation can be achieved)
• Close windows later in the day where heat rises from cars, car
parking, roads, traffic and general hard surfaces that absorb heat
• Be very conscious of the usual energy saving tips (as energy =
heat):
– Switch off lights (or better still, don’t turn them on in the first
place)
– Use stand by facilities on computer equipment and
photocopiers (or better still, turn them off)
– Close doors on rooms where heat is generated (photocopiers,
computer servers, boilers in kitchens etc)
• Actively use blinds as the sun moves around the building
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• Ensure hatches to roof spaces are closed to prevent additional
heat entering from these voids
• Liaise with facilities management about the provision of desk top
or wall mounted fans to assist air circulation
• As far as possible ensure that desk layouts allow access to open
windows safely
• Liaise with construction services over the provision of additional
physical measures to reduce heat gain in the premise:
– Safe and effective means of opening windows/ensuring all
windows that can be opened are
– Improvements to natural ventilation (passive ventilation)
– Additional shading or application of solar film
– As a last resort, the provision of mechanical comfort cooling
(extract fans or air conditioning)
Management measures
• Consider an early start and early finish regime if service
requirements can be met
• Encourage more home working; it’s generally easier to take your
own cooling measures at home and it reduces mileage and travel
time
• Encourage staff to drink water at regular intervals and take
regular breaks
Prepared by:
Chris Jackson
Policy and Training Manager
Property Services
31 July 2017
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If you would like this information
in another format please contact:
Cornwall Council
County Hall
Treyew Road
Truro TR1 3AY
Telephone: 0300 1234 100
Email: [email protected]
www.cornwall.gov.uk
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