Don’t get hot under collar in a heatwave

Heatwaves are striking with increasing regularity in the UK – and we aren’t really equipped to deal with them, are we? Countries in hotter parts of the planet build homes designed to be cool, have outdoor shading from trees and canopies and stagger working hours to avoid the hottest times of the day. Our roads melt, rail tracks buckle and homes become saunas.

So after a week of record temperatures – and dire warnings of a fiery summer – how do you cope when the mercury rises?

Cooling down at home

Things have come on since this British salesman suffered in the heat of New York in 1949 but it's still not fun to wear a suit in summer (Picture: Keystone Features / Getty Images)

As energy prices skyrocket, many people are concerned about using too much electricity at home during a heatwave. So here’s the good news. It costs around 15p to run a pedestal fan for eight hours. You can check your fan’s performance by looking at the sticker or info on the back that usually tells you about its output and energy use.

Many fans have timers on, so if you’re worried about running one in the bedroom only to wake up with a stiff neck, dig out the booklet and set it to run for an hour before you go into the bedroom and switch off an hour after you’ve gone to sleep.

If it’s hot for a protracted period, experts recommend keeping your curtains shut in rooms that face the sun. Check the outside and inside temperatures throughout the day. If it’s cooler outside than in, then make use of the breeze by keeping windows on either side of your home open to encourage the hot air out.

What about air conditioning units?

A few supermarkets faced carnage when they introduced portable air conditioning units into their middle aisle offers the other week. But don’t get trapped in a sweaty riot! You can pick up a portable aircon unit for between £250 and £700. The crafty thing to do is to wait until the weather turns and the demand – and prices – drop. Remember, you’ll only cool one room at a time with this type of unit.

If you want something a bit more permanent, then a “fixed” split system is a mid-range option (up to £3,000 including installation). However, you’ll be looking at £4,000 to £15,000 to have a full integrated aircon system installed in your home.

How do I reduce my body temperature?

If you feel that you’re overheating, use a cold compress – either an ice pack or a cloth covered in cold water or out of the fridge – on your “pulse points”. These are your temples, back of your neck, wrists, inside your elbows and your ankles where your pulse throbs, to bring down your temperature.

The NHS website has loads of great advice about staying hydrated and what to do if you think you have a heat-related medical condition – Visit this link for helpful information.

What are my rights if I have to go to work?

First, the bad news. Sadly, there isn’t a maximum temperature over which you don’t have to work. There are rules about health and safety that employers must follow through, which you can find on the Health and Safety Executive website.

The law says that the employer must ensure that “the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable”. Who decides what is reasonable, though? Well, in theory, if you feel that the temperature at work is excessive – indoor or out – then your employer should conduct a risk assessment if enough people raise concerns.

If you’re working in hot conditions as part of your job description, work outside or have to wear protective clothing, there are a range of obligations that your employer must consider, from letting you work more slowly to rotating staff throughout the day.

There are no definitive rules around the dress code or uniforms, though many of the businesses I’ve spoken to have told me they are relaxing dress codes. Even businesses in the financial sector are considering allowing staff to show a flash of calf.

Sadly, the men’s short shorts and ladies bikini tops are out.

Martyn James is a leading consumer rights campaigner, TV and radio broadcaster and journalist. Read more from Martyn at this link.