Heatwave warning – level 2

June 27, 2009

The Met Office has forecast that in at least the next two to three days there is a 60% chance of temperatures in the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, Southeast England, London and Southwest England regions, being high enough on at least two consecutive days to give rise to significant health risks.  The Heatwave Plan defines this as a Level 2 Alert.  The Met Office website’s ‘Health-Heat Watch’ page provides further details.

High temperatures can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.  Advice on how to reduce the risk either for yourself or for somebody you know is available from the DH Heatwave Plan 2009 publications web page,  the NHS Choices website, NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or from your local GP or pharmacist.

KwikCOOL Care Home Emergency Cooling Brochure

For health and social care providers, the purpose of this message is to draw your attention to the requirements set out in the Heatwave Plan and the need for organisations providing health and social care to take steps to prepare for a Level 3 or 4 heatwave.

Specific advice to be followed by health care professionals and the managers and staff of residential and nursing homes in the event of a heatwave is available from the DH Heatwave Plan 2009 publications web page. air con hire graphic

Watkins Hire can handle any temporary cooling / Air conditioning equipment hire, office cooling, process cooling, factory cooling, large scale cooling project need that may arise.

For an air conditioning hir esite survey, quotation or just fast friendly expert air conditioning hire / chiller rental advice please call us now on one of the regional numbers below:

  • London & South East 0208 667 0088 / 07747 722175
  • South West 01594 835834 / 07827 445512
  • West Midlands 01922 634797 / 07795 241910
  • Northern England 01695 724888/ 07500 962 220
  • South Wales 02920 277000 / 07827 445512
  • North Wales 01695 724888 / 07500 962220
  • Scotland 07825 611814
  • Northern Ireland 02890 950077 / 07825 618277
  • Ireland 00353 12480092 / 0044 7825 618277
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Keeping workspace cool in hot weather

June 25, 2009

These tips can all help to keep the workplace cooler and more comfortable in hot weather.

Some can be easily implemented, others may need consultation or management investment.

1. Communicate with building users

Portable Air Conditioner

Portable Air Conditioner

Tell building users what you are trying to do to make them more comfortable, and ask for their help to keep the building cool:

• Circulate a simple note annually outlining how the building will be managed in hot weather. Repeat the process during very warm weather as a reminder.

• Provide the building users with a short, simple action list – for example to keep windows in air-conditioned spaces closed, to open blinds again in the evening before leaving for home or open secure ventilators etc.

Listen to users and treat feedback positively. Building users will feel much happier if they feel complaints are taken seriously, so provide a way for comfort problems to be reported and logged. Always acknowledge them and tell them what you plan to do. Use complaints received the previous year to help identify specific building hot spots or indicate possible improvements.

2. Reduce internal gains

Check that the heating is switched off, especially during hot spells in the spring or autumn. Check that where there are radiators the thermostatic valves are closed. If relying on local control be aware that there can still be considerable heat output from the distribution pipework even when the thermostatic valves (TRVs) are closed.

Audit/review the location and type of heat and/or moisture producing equipment such as printers, copiers, ovens, microwaves etc. Consider if these can be reduced in number or moved away from work stations into central locations, preferably with local ventilation to remove heat at source.

Check that unnecessary lights and equipment are switched off (not left on standby if possible) when not in use, particularly overnight. Inform and remind staff about this. Heat reduction and energy savings may be possible even for equipment in regular use if it is switched off between uses rather than left on standby.

3. Windows, blinds and ventilation

External shading of windows is the most effective way to reduce solar heat gains, but internal shading also helps. Therefore, any blinds, curtains or shutters that are fitted should be closed when it is hot and sunny. If they are opened in the evening to allow cool air to enter unimpeded overnight, they should be closed again early in the morning. Blinds with feathered slats will allow better ventilation when the window behind them is open.

If the workplace is not air conditioned, then having the windows open can reduce the build up of humidity and increase air movement.

• Open the windows early and late when it is cooler outside but during the middle of the day, or when it is hotter outside, have them closed.

• You will get more air movement if windows on both sides of the building are open as this encourages cross-flow ventilation.

• In windy conditions it is better to open all the windows a little rather than open a few wide.

• Smaller opening panes can give more draft-free ventilation.

• Trickle vents can help increase ventilation

• Consider the removal of secondary glazing panels, where fitted, to help improve ventilation. Ensure they are replaced when summer ends.

Portable or desk fans increase air movement and give a local cooling effect where there is no air conditioning.

• Where free-standing fans are provided to improve general air circulation, and the temperature outside the building is lower than that inside, where possible site the fans in front of open windows to draw cooler air in from outside and blow it across the office.

• Local desk fans should be switched off when users are away from their desks, as heat from the fan motor warms the space.

Night-time ventilation to provide cooling can be beneficial as long as security is not compromised.

• Discuss and agree with management the security strategy needed to provide adequate night-time ventilation.

• Leaving windows on upper floors open securely can help cool the building fabric, particularly if they can be open on opposite sides of the building to give cross-flow ventilation. Consider changing window opening mechanisms so that the windows can be locked securely in an open position. (Note

that intruder sensors need to be heat rather than movement sensitive so that if it is breezy at night and the windows are open the alarms will not be activated.)

• Use fans to draw cool air in at night if the outdoor temperature is below the indoor temperature. If there are existing mechanical ventilation systems it can be beneficial for these to run overnight to cool down the building fabric before occupation.

• Leave secure trickle ventilators open at night.

4. Efficient air conditioning

If the workplace is air conditioned, inform staff of the need to close doors and windows so the air conditioning can work efficiently.

In very hot conditions, consider setting up a cool room(s) with one or two air conditioning units for staff use during breaks.

5. Staff comfort

Ensure everyone has access to cool drinking water / warm drinks.

Request or review specific assessments for those who may be vulnerable during periods of hot weather.

Workplace Temperature The Law

Portable Air Conditioners are a quick, easy, cost effective and hassle free option when you need a rapid air conditioning supplier call Watkins Hire.
If you wish to discuss prices on hiring portable air conditioning or you require any further details please call our area Air Conditioning Experts who will provide a rapid response to your needs.
We have the biggest range of air conditioning for hire in the UK.
  • We hold a huge quantity of air conditioners, enabling ‘Quick’ deliveries – typically within hours
  • KwikCOOL Portable Air conditioners are simple to hire and use and provide rapid cooling.
  • We can deliver to you fast from our nationwide depots.
  • We’ll help you decide which Portable Air Conditioning unit is best for you to help create comfortable working and studying environments for as little as £8.00 a day

Unlike the vast majority of commercial web sites who seemingly make it very difficult to contact them by phone, we WANT to talk to you and help you in every possible way call us free on 0500 526696

air con hire graphic

For a rapid response air conditioning hire site survey, quotation or just fast friendly expert portable air conditioner hire / chiller rental advice please call us now on one of the regional numbers below:

air-con-hire-bullets-350

  • London & South East 0208 667 0088 / 07747 722175
  • South West 01594 835834 / 07965 233991
  • West Midlands 01922 634797 / 07795 241910
  • Northern England 01695 724888/ 07500 962 220
  • South Wales 02920 277000 / 07827 445512
  • North Wales 01695 724888 / 07500 962220
  • Scotland 07825 611814
  • Northern Ireland 02890 950077 / 07825 618277
  • Ireland 00353 12480092 / 0044 7825 618277
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Filed under: Heatwave AdviceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Watkins Hire @ 9:33 PM

How to Sleep Comfortably on a Hot Night

May 26, 2009

When it’s very hot out and you do not have air conditioning, it’s difficult to fall asleep. You can toss and turn to no avail. All this movement will make you even hotter than you already are, but there are ways to get cool and remain cool long enough for you to fall asleep.

 

Try the “Laurence” method. In the event in which you would like to cool yourself off, you may wish to take your blanket off as this will cool you down or make you “Laurence”. If you require some form of cover for protection, maybe you should consider getting a very thin sheet as opposed to a heavy blanket, quilt or doona.

Plug in your fan and turn it towards you. Purchase a commercial bag of ice cubes. Empty the entire bag into a wide, shallow container (to contain the water as the ice melts) such as a roasting pan. Place the container of ice right in front of the fan (between the fan and you), at the level of the top of the bed. The ice-cooled air will be noticeably cooler than the room air for the amount of time it takes for the ice to melt — which is as long as it should take for you to fall asleep!

Try the window method. Open your window at night time to let cool air breeze through your house.

Try the towel method. Hang a wet towel from two chairs to hold the ice. The melting ice will wet and chill the towel and the fan will blow that cold air on you. Place a container under the towel to catch the melting ice water. You can use a thread to connect the bottom of the towel with the container to avoid the annoying dripping sound

Take a cool shower, bath, or wipe your body down with a cool wash cloth. Without fully drying yourself, hop into bed, and let the air slowly dry you. This will keep you cool for a long time, allowing you to fall asleep. If a shower or bath is not an option, splash cool water on your head, and soak your hands and feet in cool water if possible. Your head, hands and feet are your “radiators” and you’ll feel cooler faster by focusing on those areas. Note that this method is temporary, and more psychologically sound than physiologically accurate, as a cold shower will close your body’s pores, which in the long run will heat your body. Lots of people develop rashes due to heat. Apply talcum powder all over the body after shower to keep body cool and to avoid rashes. There are some special talcum powders available such as shower to shower or a prickly heat powder.

Consider using the “Egyptian Method”: wet a sheet or bath towel that is large enough to cover you with cool or cold water, and wring it or run it through the spin cycle on a washing machine until the sheet is quite damp but not dripping wet. Place the dry towel or sheet on your bed underneath your body and use the wet sheet as your blanket. The damp blanket will keep you cool. Or, during an extreme heat wave, take a light t-shirt, wet it, wring it out and wear it. Evaporation from the shirt will help to keep you cool enough to sleep for a few hours. This is a very simple and environment friendly method of staying cool.

Take a pair of cotton socks, rinse them in cold water, wring them until they are damp and put them on. Cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body.

Sleep in a ‘spread eagle’ position, so heat doesn’t gather around you and think cool thoughts.

Try buckwheat pillows or futons. These don’t retain body heat and feel cool all night long.

Get a few blocks of “blue ice,” normally sold in supermarkets. This is a rectangular plastic block containing a non-toxic chemical that freezes at lower temperatures than ice, and stays cold longer. If possible, get the larger blocks. Freeze them in the freezer during the day and take them to bed with you at night. They don’t get damp when they melt — the chemical stays inside. Put each block inside a sock or something, so it won’t feel so cold, and it will melt more slowly. If you feel warm, put a hand or foot on a block, or curl up next to a few. You’ll soon feel cooler.

On extremely hot nights, lie in a bathtub of cool water until you actually feel rather chilly. You’ll feel cooler for an hour or more after you get out.

Get out of bed and splash cold water on your face (and body if you want). Then wait for a few minutes for the water to evaporate on its own. When you go back to bed you will find your bed seems much cooler and more comfortable because the body heat trapped in the mattress and/or pillow will have dissipated by the time you return to bed.

Dampen a hand towel and lie in bed with it on your forehead. Turn it over and dampen again when needed.

Wet your face Use a damp cloth or towel to wet your face or arms. Stand in front of a fan, or blowing air(while you are still damp). This methods works quickly and easily! It acts like your natural sweat but on a quicker and larger scale.

Get Naked There is always the option of just hopping into bed naked. Use it in combination with any of the other methods listed above. This method is not ideal if you have a roommate, or are living in a dorm. Contrary to popular belief, however, some suggest that it is better to not sleep naked. Rather, wear something light, such as an a-shirt and boxers to wick your sweat. Sleeping naked will keep you cooler but it will also make you sweatier, which will warm you up in the long run.

Sleep downstairs. Warm air rises, so it is cooler downstairs.

Chill your pillowcase Put your sheets,blanket,and pillowcases into freezer bags and put in the freezer all day. This may also help you fall asleep faster, further reducing your exposure to the uncomfortable heat.

Run Your Wrists Under the Cold Tap, your wrists and the inside of your arm are areas where your blood stream flows closest to the surface of your body, running then under cold water for a minute or so will cool your blood down, making your whole body cooler.

Place your hand in a warm glass of water. This will reduce your blood pressure, making you feel more calm and relaxed by slowing the heart rate.

Bring a soft ice pack to bed You can buy “sinus packs” or “thermal sleeves” in most grocery stores. These are much softer than the blue ice compresses and don’t get quite as cold (the blue gel ones can give you ice-burn). Slip a cold sinus pack under your neck or a cold thermal sleeve over your arm. Cooling down the back of your neck helps cool the rest of your body down as well.

For an air conditioning hire site survey, quotation or just fast friendly expert air conditioning hire / chiller rental advice please call us now on one of the regional numbers below:

  • London & South East 0208 667 0088 / 07747 722175
  • South West 01594 835834 / 07965 233991
  • West Midlands 01922 634797 / 07795 241910
  • Northern England 01695 724888/ 07500 962 220
  • South Wales 02920 277000 / 07827 445512
  • North Wales 01695 724888 / 07500 962220
  • Scotland 07825 611814
  • Northern Ireland 02890 950077 / 07825 618277
  • Ireland 00353 12480092 / 0044 7825 618277
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Tips to Stay Cool During a Heat Wave

May 24, 2009

What to Do During a Heatwave / Extreme Heat

“Most of us enjoy sunny weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health. During a heat wave, when temperatures stay really high day after day, it can sometimes be fatal.”

  • Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural “cooling system” to work. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. Many heat emergencies are experienced by people exercising or working during the hottest part of the day.
  • Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself. The sun will also heat the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high sun protection factor (SPF) rating.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities. Extreme heat can threaten the health of athletes, staff, and spectators of outdoor games and activities.
  • Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia, particularly for elderly and very young people.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Even in the warmest weather, staying indoors, out of sunshine, is safer than long periods of exposure to the sun.
  • Keep heat outside and cool air inside. Close any windows that may allow heat inside. Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminium foil covered cardboard, in windows and skylights to reflect heat back outside.
  • Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for temporary air conditioning. Conserve electricity not used to keep you cool so power can remain available and reduce the chance of a community wide power outage.
  • Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use. Air conditioner filters can become clogged or filled with dirt, making them less efficient. Keeping them clean will allow your air conditioner to provide more cool air.
  • If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Air conditioned locations are the safest places during extreme heat because electric fans do not cool the air. Fans do help sweat evaporate, which gives a cooling effect.
  • Dress appropriately:
    • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.
    • Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. A hat will keep direct sunlight off your head and face. Sunlight can burn and warm the inner core of your body.
  • Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Injury and death can occur from dehydration, which can happen quickly and unnoticed. Symptoms of dehydration are often confused with other causes. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; who are on fluid-restrictive diets; or who have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
  • Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Frequent breaks, especially in a cool area or to drink fluids, can help people tolerate heat better.
  • Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat. Partners can keep an eye on each other and can assist each other when needed. Sometimes exposure to heat can cloud judgment. Chances are if you work alone, you may not notice this.
  • Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies.
  • Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which actually dehydrates the body.
  • Eat small meals and eat more often. Large, heavy meals are more difficult to digest and cause your body to increase internal heat to aid digestion, worsening overall conditions. Avoid foods that are high in protein, such as meats and nuts, which increase metabolic heat.
  • Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Salt causes the body to retain fluids, resulting in swelling. Salt affects areas of your body that help you sweat, which would keep you cool. Persons on salt-restrictive diets should check with a physician before increasing salt intake.

NEVER leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 60 degrees Celsius within minutes. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill in minutes.

Portable Air Conditioners are a quick, easy, cost effective and hassle free option when you need a rapid air conditioning supplier call Watkins Hire.

If you wish to discuss prices on hiring portable air conditioning or you require any further details please call our area Air Conditioning Experts who will provide a rapid response to your needs.

London – West Midlands – Gloucestershire – Yorkshire – Manchester – Grangemouth – Hampshire

  • We have the biggest range of air conditioning for hire in the UK.
  • We hold a huge quantity of air conditioners, enabling ‘Quick’ deliveries – typically within hours
  • KwikCOOL Portable Air conditioners are simple to hire and use and provide rapid cooling.
  • We can deliver to you fast from our nationwide depots.
  • We’ll help you decide which Portable Air Conditioning unit is best for you to help create comfortable working and studying environments for as little as £4.00 a day

Unlike the vast majority of commercial web sites who seemingly make it very difficult to contact them by phone, we WANT to talk to you and help you in every possible way call us free on 0500 526696.

For a rapid air conditioning hire site survey, quotation or just fast friendly expert air conditioning hire / chiller rental advice please call us now on one of the regional numbers below:

  • London & South East 0208 667 0088 / 07747 722175
  • South West 01594 835834 / 07965 233991
  • West Midlands 01922 634797 / 07795 241910
  • Northern England 01695 724888/ 07500 962 220
  • South Wales 02920 277000 / 07827 445512
  • North Wales 01695 724888 / 07500 962220
  • Scotland 07825 611814
  • Northern Ireland 02890 950077 / 07825 618277
  • Ireland 00353 12480092 / 0044 7825 618277
Share
Filed under: Heatwave AdviceTags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Watkins Hire @ 10:36 PM

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For over 150 years WatkinsHIRE have understood that it takes more than innovative, high performance temperature control rental products and superior technical service to help our customers, end users & facility managers compete and win in today's global marketplace. It takes a total commitment to understanding your cooling, heating and drying needs and the ability to provide the right temperature control rental solutions every time.