INCLEMENT WEATHER
Policy
Rationale:
Employers have a duty of care under the Victorian Occupational Health and Safety Act (2004) to provide and
maintain for employees, as far as practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. The
employer has the duty to monitor the health and safety conditions at the workplace - this includes extreme
temperatures (in particular heat). Work related injuries and illnesses due to exposure to extreme heat must be
prevented primarily through modification and then through elimination of risk from the workplace. Where these
measures do not adequately control the risk, it may be necessary to introduce administrative controls such as the
introduction of a work-rest regime, reduction of outdoor activity (including reduction of outdoor breaks), reduction
of all activity and early dismissal for students. Workplace temperatures that are too high or too low can contribute to
fatigue, heat illness and cold-related medical conditions.
Aims:
To ensure the wellbeing of students and staff during times of inclement weather and extreme temperatures by
implementing a management strategy that will cater for most circumstances. This includes protection against
inclement weather and extreme temperatures during times when students would normally be outside.
Implementation:
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Inclement weather is generally defined as extreme heat, heavy rain, lightning or any other condition that is
considered by the principal to be unsuitable.
The college will endeavour to maintain a comfortable environment by using the following to regulate
temperature: open windows, direct sunlight control, fans, air-conditioning and gas heaters.
All heating and cooling facilities will be serviced regularly and maintained.
In addition to the usual yard duty timetable, an inclement weather timetable will be activated when outside
conditions are considered to be unsuitable for students and staff. In particular once the temperature reaches
greater than 35º Celsius.
Where inclement weather is obvious prior to children being dismissed for a recess or lunch break, an
announcement will be made advising classrooms that will be open for students to access during the break.
In preparation for inclement weather the students’ uniform policy includes uniform that will keep them warmer
in winter and allow them to be cooler but still give protection during extreme hot temperatures.
All staff and students are encouraged to wear broad-brimmed hats, 30+ sunscreen and sunglasses while outside
during terms 1 and 4. This is consistent with the school’s Sunsmart policy. On days of high temperature (excess
of 25°) all are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids and re-hydrate before, during and after physical activity.
Once temperatures reach 30º+ Celsius staff will consider alternative programs for scheduled sport, physical
education or other outside activities.
Once temperatures reach 35º+ Celsius scheduled sport, physical education or other outside activities will be
stopped.
Once temperatures exceed 35° Celsius, and if it is impossible to provide a comfortable air temperature,
temporary or permanent solutions will be put in place to reduce staff and student exposure to the heat, e.g.
frequent rest breaks in a cool area, provision of cold drinks, moving between a work rest/regime until the
conclusion of the day.
If temperatures are forecasted to be in excess of 40º Celsius students are encouraged to stay home and parents
are advised as soon as possible. Except Year 12 students where classes can continue in air conditioned rooms.
Those students who need to attend school for supervision will be accommodated wherever possible in air
conditioned rooms.
Evaluation:
This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s four-year review cycle.
This policy was last ratified by School Council in....
May 2013