As winter sets in, it is important to keep everyone safe and warm, including pupils, staff, volunteers, and visitors. Please review the following compliance essentials and ensure all actions are completed and recorded as required.
Minimum temperature in classrooms
- Classrooms must be heated to at least 16°C (Workplace Regulations 1992).
- Aim to maintain a comfortable range between 19-25°C for sedentary activities.
Heating systems
- Ensure a competent contractor routinely services boilers and heating controls.
- Premises Managers should conduct regular visual checks and log all findings.
Smoke detector annual service
Smoke detectors must be tested annually and logged by a competent contractor (Fire Safety Order 2005).
Fire drills
Notify staff in advance of planned fire drills to ensure smooth operation. After the drill, share a written summary of outcomes with all staff, highlighting any issues or concerns. Complete the termly Fire Drill Inspection on Civica and also on the F10 fire form, then store all relevant information in the fire folder.
Risk assessment
Review the school’s risk assessments on EEC against the Programme for Risk Assessment and ensure they are current and fit for purpose. Winter topics recommended within the Programme for Risk Assessment include:
- Snow and ice (Caretaking and Site Management)
- Temperature (General – Office Safety)
Business Continuity planning
Ensure your plan covers loss of utilities such as gas and electricity. Prepare a trial run, including alternative teaching arrangements, to ensure readiness for emergencies. A template for a School’s Business Contingency Plan document is in the Burgundy Pack.
Legionella flushing
After periods of limited use (for example half-term breaks), flush little-used outlets (LUO) such as outdoor taps and toilets to control legionella build-up. The Legionella information sheet in Schools Guidance contains useful flushing templates. Review the school’s latest Legionella Risk Assessment and check that hot and cold-water systems are within recommended thresholds and results logged in the Legionella folder.
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