When the temperatures soar in the summer months, you may have to take some extra precautions to protect your staff, and your business.
In this post we’ll outline some of the risks that heatwaves and extreme temperatures may pose to the workplace. We’ll also discuss some ways you can stay cool through managing and mitigating these risks.
If you want to understand and manage the specific risks you face in your business, we have a team of friendly experts on hand to help who can advise on your risk management and insurance needs. Contact us on 020 8290 9080 or email business@anthonyjones.com.
What Are the Risks of High Temperatures in the Workplace?
It’s not quite the case that a heatwave will inevitably spell doom for your staff and your business. But there are a few risks that you should be aware of:
- Lithium-ion batteries. They power e-bikes, e-scooters, smartphones, laptops, tablets, and many other items found in all kinds of workplaces. One thing to bear in mind during a heatwave: If lithium-ion batteries overheat, they can ignite and explode.
- Think of all the flammable substances you may store onsite: Cleaning products, paper and printing supplies, waste and rubbish etc. It’s unlikely that a heatwave will cause any of these things to spontaneously ignite. But when conditions are hot and dry, if a small fire breaks out it could spread quickly.
- Finally, think of your duty of care to your staff. Working in extreme temperatures is not good for your health and wellbeing, particularly if your job involves any form of physical labour.
Next, we’ll cover how you can mitigate each of these risks each of these in more detail.
How to Prevent Battery Fires During a Heatwave
Lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous if they overheat, so in extreme temperatures:
- Do not overcharge any device that uses a lithium-ion battery, and do not leave any devices plugged in.
- Keep any devices that use a lithium-ion battery out of direct sunlight. This includes e-bikes and e-scooters.
- If a device feels like it’s overheating – if the battery compartment is hot to the touch, for instance – stop using it immediately.
- Also look out for signs of battery degradation, such as if a device takes too long to charge, or if its battery discharges too quickly.
- No matter how hot it gets, do not store batteries in the fridge! Some seem to think that this is an obvious way to avoid overheating. But refrigerating batteries can cause a chemical imbalance that can eventually lead to a fire.
Read our full guide to preventing battery fires.
Further Fire Safety Tips During a Heatwave
Fire safety is of particular concern during heatwaves and hot, dry weather, so be sure to:
- Never dispose of any batteries in the main waste stream. Any battery, whether it’s a lithium-ion or a smaller alkaline battery, can cause a fire hazard if it’s exposed to high temperatures and excessive pressure. Use a dedicated battery disposal and recycling service instead. Read our full guide to safe battery disposal in the workplace.
- When it comes to using and storing chemicals – including all cleaning products – follow the manufacturer’s guidelines to the letter. Never store anything in direct sunlight, and make sure that any areas where chemicals are stored or used are well ventilated.
- Review your workplace smoking policy. If you have a dedicated smoking area, make sure it’s far away from any areas where you store waste, or flammable materials such as paper or cardboard. A moment’s thoughtlessness is all it takes to start a blaze.
Keeping Your Staff Cool and Happy During a Heatwave
HSE clarifies that there is no law for the maximum working temperature, and there is no point at which it is legally “too hot to work”. This is because every workplace is different.
However, health and safety at work law does require employers to keep the temperature at a “comfortable level” while providing “clean and fresh air”.
Encourage your staff to let you know if they find it too hot to work. And if a heatwave strikes, you could also take these steps to manage the temperature in the workplace:
- Make sure your staff understand the risks of extreme temperatures. Stress the importance of hydration, and advise on how your workers can best protect themselves from the sun.
- Consider relaxing certain workplace rules. If you’ve got a strict dress code, let staff wear something looser and cooler on the hottest days. Let people work from home if they want to, so they can avoid hot and crowded public transport. Make sure any workers who undertake physically demanding roles take regular breaks, with ample hydration.
- If your workplace isn’t air conditioned, find other ways to keep people cool. Open windows can provide ventilation and through-drafts, and desk fans can help lower the temperature.
Is Your Business Covered For All Risks?
Your business might have an obligation to comply with UK waste batteries regulations. Also, health and safety guidelines may specify that the temperature in your workplace cannot exceed certain levels.
If a fire breaks out during a heatwave, or if members of staff get ill due to the effects of extreme heat, unless you took the time to address the risks, you might be held liable.
If you want to understand and manage the specific risks you face in your business, we have a team of friendly experts on hand to help who can advise on your risk management and insurance needs. Contact us on 020 8290 9080 or email business@anthonyjones.com.
