To be worried about work with the temperature tomorrow

[Freakedoutandannoyed]

I work in the NHS, based in a large open plan office. It’s pretty warm in there generally even when it’s cool outside. I’m really concerned about how hot it is going to be tomorrow and if I have any leg to stand on re working from home?

I’m keeping my dc off school tomorrow due to the heat so I would say YANBU to worry about your workplace - it’s going to be extremely hot !

@Freakedoutandannoyed yep. That is true. Medication shouldn’t be stored above 25 though, so it’s a problem. And has been for the 20
years I’ve worked there. Still nothing done.

How dare you say it’s because I “can’t be arsed”. I give my all to this job despite the shitty conditions we find ourselves in. It is NOT weak to want a comfortable environment. Why are so many people in Britain so determined we just need to suffer ?!

We have fans by every bed. Although we had a fire last year when one burst into flames. Fortunately the staff on duty acted promptly and no one was harmed.

Can you take a fan? If you don't have one, try to call at a supermarket on the way- many sell the small hand held ones.

Wear loose, this clothing.

Plenty of water to stay hydrated.

It's can be tricky when it's hot - the school I teach in has lots of glass - literally like a giant greenhouse! No air con, just ventilation systems. I am on the 4th floor too - very top and hot air rises 🥵

I open my classroom windows and keep my classroom door open, temperature on the lowest setting, ventilation on maximum, small fan. I will wear loose clothes and drink lots of water (we have water coolers). The head lets the kids wear their PE shorts and t-shirt on hot days.

I'm not a fan of the heat but managed OK the other week when it was hot.

You are worried about being uncomfortable? Bloody hell, we are ALL going to be uncomfortable! Every single one of us. What would happen if we all rang in?

I’m nearly 8 months pregnant and a primary school teacher in a sweaty classroom with windows that only open a fraction and don’t let any air in. I’ll be taking my mini fan and drinking lots of water, and will probably moan all day, but will crack on!

I got a USB powered fan off Amazon for work, it's really good and no PAT testing required. Too late for tomorrow obviously but might help for the rest of the week.

Why

I’m with you, OP.
It’s like people have forgotten that common chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes etc….can be severely affected by high temperatures despite normally being well regulated.
People who struggle in high temps wouldn’t choose to be kiln workers, farmers, bakers, blast furnace operators 🙄
Whinge away, OP….I’ll join you. Perimenopause has removed my ability to deal with heat and I’ll be clinging on to my inhaler for good measure!

🙄

Everyone suggesting to take a fan. Who us going to PAT test all those fans?

How do you not know that's a requirement?

Mad. I’m flying to southern Spain tomorrow for a holiday with my family who live there. When I get there my Mum will have worked a day going between jobs homecaring for elderly people out there in the 38-42°C heat. Some of them have aircon, some don’t, some of the ones who do can’t afford to run it. Believe me her car will be boiling.

She will take a big water with her. Probably short sleeves? Sun cream for sure. She’s Irish, pasty skin. Will be uncomfortable but fine. I’m glad she taught me to be resilient.

I think people are talking about hand held and neck fans not dragging a tower fan to work

I don't think its fair to say we stop. At least I've never come across anything other than a school sports day be cancelled.

We just moan about it.

They say it's for infection control and for the comfort of the staff.

You want to work 12 hours shift on the wards, do you think the nursing staff would have a leg to stand on ? Even in Winter sweating within 20 minutes into the shift !

USB powered fans don't require PAT testing, I have a really good one for my office. Best £20 I've ever spent. Also hand-held fans are a thing.

I have worked on nhs wards!!! And this office is worse than any ward I’ve been on (other than the full hazmat suit in HDU). It shouldn’t be a misery competition, all workplaces (particularly nhs) should be at a safe temperature for people to work and be cared for.

The single unusual thing which I've found helps in the heat is to have a long strip of fabric worn as a scarf, which is doused in cold water and wrung out as much as you are comfortable with. Renew the dousing, to taste.

A traditional paper fan, or clipboard, or thin file of patient's notes, also works....

We either suffer or it doesn't get done. It's OK to worry about the heat and I don't think anyone should be having a go at you as you said you are going in regardless, so good for you.

Anyone not going in under the same circumstances on the other hand..........

You could be doing a 20 hour shift in Hades wearing a fur coat, fleece lined leggings, a Christmas jumper, and a merino wool base layer... ON THE ACTUAL SUN 🌞

😂

Try being a chef! You'll be fine.

Indeed.
And what about staff in wards and departments with no ac?
There are plenty of those.
Allow staff working outside and in kitchens etc
We need to adapt accordingly and take responsibility for ourselves

I’m dreading it. Boiling hot Yr6 classroom. They are at that age where lots of them need deodorant but don’t wear it yet. It’s going to be horrible.