The information in the table below is designed to be used by Health and Safety Representatives facing common issues in the winter months.
In terms of reporting, this should be initially to your headteacher/principal.
If the response to the issue is not satisfactory, then this should be escalated to your Local Association Secretary or National Executive Member for further advice.
Although, depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate for the Representative to push school management to close the school, under no circumstances should Health and Safety Representatives instruct members to leave a workplace.
Where a situation is severe, the relevant National Executive Member will be able to give further advice, or in their absence, the relevant National/Regional Centre.
| Issue | Legal/Guidance Standard | Action/Timeframe | Expected Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| No hot water | Hot water must be available for washing hands and cleaning (Workplace [Health, Safety & Welfare] Regulations 1992). | Immediate report to head/LA. If unresolved within the day, escalate. | School may remain open short-term, but closure likely if prolonged. |
| No running water | Safe drinking water and washing facilities are a legal requirement. | Report immediately. If not resolved the same day, closure expected. | School closure if water supply cannot be restored. |
| Low/no heating (temperature) |
Minimum indoor temp: England: 16°C (13°C for physical work) Must be achieved within one hour of starting work. |
Monitor temperatures. If below standard after one hour then escalate. | If temperatures remain below legal minimum, school should close. |
| No power | Power required for lighting, equipment, heating, safe operation. | Report immediately. Assess impact on safety/welfare. | Short outage may be tolerated, but extended loss likely requires closure. |
| Other essential failures (e.g. toilets unusable, fire alarm faults) | Workplace must be safe, with sanitary and emergency systems in working order. | Report immediately. | If unresolved quickly, closure expected until safe. |
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