Created on: 16 Jun 2025 | Last modified: 15 Aug 2025
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Building is Too Cold
The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance for workplace temperature issues.
Regarding Cold Temperatures the following advice is given:
Working in cold temperatures
The minimum temperature in an indoor workplace should normally be at least:
- 16°C or
- 13°C if much of the work involves rigorous physical effort
There are practical steps you can take to keep people as comfortable as possible when working in the cold.
Where the temperature of a regular classroom is below 16 degrees, or a space requring physical effort (such as a gym hall) is below 13 degrees members should raise this with their school rep/H&S rep, line manager, and/or business manager and a resolution should be sought.
Further advice can be found in the EIS H&S Handbook.
Building Too Warm
The Health and Safety Executive provides guidance for workplace temperature issues.
Regarding Warm Temperatures the following guidance is given:
Working in hot temperatures
There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different.
No meaningful upper limit can be imposed because in many indoor workplaces high temperatures are not seasonal but created by work activity, for example in bakeries or foundries.
However, employers must stick to health and safety at work law, including:
- keeping the temperature at a comfortable level
- providing clean and fresh air
Where the temperature of a school is felt to be uncomfortable, members should raise this with their school rep/H&S rep, line manager, and/or business manager and a resolution should be sought.
Further advice can be found in the EIS H&S Handbook.
Ventillation was talked about a lot during COVID, however, ensuring good ventilation in classrooms is essential for maintaining healthy learning environments and reducing airborne infection risks. The Scottish Government’s guidance outlines the following:
Natural ventilation (open windows, vents, and external doors) or mechanical ventilation systems should always be the first approach.
Doors used for fire safety must remain closed unless fitted with compliant automatic hold-open devices.
Avoid blocking vents or air inlets.
Every teaching and play space in Scottish schools should now have a CO₂ monitor.
Readings above 1500 ppm mean action is needed - increase ventilation, reduce occupancy, or investigate air quality.
CO₂ monitors should be used actively to check problem areas.
HEPA or other air cleaning devices are only acceptable as a temporary, exceptional measure when no other ventilation solution is possible.
They do not replace the need for fresh air ventilation.
Classrooms should achieve at least 2 air changes per hour (ACH).
Room temperature should be maintained at around 17 °C while ensuring adequate air flow.
Employers have a duty to regularly review ventilation arrangements as part of risk assessments.
Check CO₂ monitor availability and ensure staff know how to read and respond to them.
Raise concerns immediately if readings are consistently high or if ventilation measures are not in place.
Ensure risk assessments include seasonal challenges (e.g., winter temperatures vs. open windows).
Press for permanent ventilation solutions where problems persist.
Remember: Ventilation is not just a COVID issue; it’s a year-round health and safety requirement that impacts staff and pupil wellbeing.
