Stay safe in the heatwave - advice and useful information.

An amber weather warning for extreme heat will be in place from 00:00 BST on Mon 18 July and will end on  23:59 BST on Tue 19 July. This means a hot spell is likely to develop from Sunday, likely peaking early next week, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

• Adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
• The wider population are likely to experience some adverse health effects including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat related illnesses.
• Some changes in working practices and daily routines likely to be required.
• An increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, potentially leading to localised power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
• More people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents - Some delays to road, rail and air travel are possible, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays

Always check the weather before travelling. 

Working in extreme heat

There’s no law on maximum working temperatures. However, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be ‘reasonable’.  What is reasonable will depend on your workplace, the type of work you do, whether you have any disabilities, medical conditions and other factors. Employers are also legally obliged to assess risks to the health and safety of their employees, and take action where necessary and where reasonably practicable. This includes workplace temperature.

Employers should consult with health and safety reps and employees to agree sensible means to cope with high temperatures. These measures also apply if you are working from home.

Make sure your employer is taking necessary steps to keep your workplace safe by:

• Providing Sun protection: Prolonged sun exposure is dangerous for outdoor workers, so employers should provide sunscreen.
• Allowing flexible working: Giving staff the chance to come in earlier or stay later will let them avoid the stifling and unpleasant conditions of the rush hour commute. Bosses should also consider enabling staff to work from home while it is hot.
• Keeping workplace buildings cool: Workplaces can be kept cooler and more bearable by taking simple steps such as opening windows, using fans, moving staff away from windows or sources of heat.
• Climate-proofing workplaces: Preparing our buildings for increasingly hot weather, by installing ventilation, air-cooling and energy efficiency measures.
• Temporarily relaxing their workplace dress codes: Encouraging staff to work in more casual clothing than normal – leaving the jackets and ties at home – will help them keep cool. 
• Keeping staff comfortable: Allowing staff to take frequent breaks and providing a supply of cold drinks will all help keep workers cool.
• Talking and listening to staff and their union: Staff will have their own ideas about how best to cope with the excessive heat.

• Allowing sensible hours and shaded areas for outdoor workers: Outside tasks should be scheduled for early morning and late afternoon, not between 11am-3pm when UV radiation levels and temperatures are highest. Bosses should provide canopies/shades where possible.

If you aren't a member of a Trade Union, find out which union is right for you and sign up at www.tuc.org.uk/join-a-union


Staying healthy during extreme hot weather

Prolonged periods of extremely hot weather pose serious health risks. Excessive exposure to high temperatures can kill. Those most at risk include older people, very young children and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Stay out of the heat

• Try to stay indoors, especially between midday and 3pm
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as sport, DIY or gardening. If this is not possible, do it during the cooler parts of the day
• Use sunscreens or sun blocks to help prevent sunburn
• Cover up with a t-shirt or other loose-fitting clothes
• Wear a hat to shade your head and sunglasses to protect your eyes

Cool down

• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Avoid alcohol, tea or coffee as they can make you dehydrated
• Take a cool bath or shower, or splash your face with cold water to cool down

Keep your environment cool

• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat
• Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house - evaporation helps cool the air
• If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
• Electric fans may provide some relief, but only use if necessary
• Remain in the coolest parts of the building as much as possible
• Keep rooms shaded and cool by closing blinds and curtains and opening windows

​Look out for others

• Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
• Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not ledt alone in stationary cars
• Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day if possible
• Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is feeling unwell or further help is needed

If you have a health problem

• Keep medicines below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
• Seek medical advice if you suffer from a chronic health condition/take multiple medications

If you or others feel unwell

• Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache
• Move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
• Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
• Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or stomach, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
• Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
• Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist

Public health Wales has more help and advice available on their website.