There are a number of things that we can all do to help stay cool at work while we enjoy the weather: 

• Stay hydrated - it’s important to drink water regularly throughout the day.  Don’t wait until you’re thirsty, this is a sign you’re already dehydrated.  Avoid high amounts of caffeine or drinks high in sugar.
• Help keep your work area cool - make sure all heating is turned off.  Open windows to allow air to circulate.  Open doors where it’s safe.  This will help the air circulate, but remember to close any fire doors before you leave an area empty; open doors will also help fire and smoke circulate.  Putting your blinds down with the blind slats facing upwards will help keep the temperature down.  Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment, even when it’s not being used it will just generate heat.  Don’t rely solely on electric fans, they can generate their own heat too and can circulate warm air.
• Report any faults - faulty equipment can generate more heat than usual. 
• Dress for the weather - wear layers of thinner, loose fitting clothing rather than one thick garment.  Removing and replacing layers will make it easier to adjust to conditions and help you to keep cool.
• Working outdoors? - Make sure you stay hydrated and dress appropriately.   Keep your skin covered wherever possible and use appropriate sunscreen where it’s not possible.  Organise tasks so regular changes of activity and regular rest breaks are possible.  Take breaks in a cool area out of direct sunlight wherever possible.

It's important to keep an eye on colleagues. Some may be more sensitive to the effects of heat than others. 

Look out for the signs of heat exhaustion: 

• intense thirst
• headache
• dizziness and confusion
• loss of appetite and feeling sick
• pale, clammy skin
• cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
• fast breathing or pulse

Heat exhaustion usually gets better when you cool down.  If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion:

• contact a First Aider
• move them to a cool place
• get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly
• get them to drink plenty of water
• cool their skin - spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them

 Stay with them until they are better.  They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes. If the person is not better after 30 minutes look for the following signs of heatstroke and call 999: 

• they are hot and dry
• they are not sweating even though they are too hot
• their breathing is rapid or they have shortness of breath
• they are confused
• they have had a fit (seizure)
• they have lost consciousness
• they are unresponsive

Managers can encourage employees to work from home wherever practical and possible.  

It’s also important to remember that wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during warmer periods can increase the possibility of suffering from heat stress.

Line managers are responsible for considering the risks from overheating in the workplace and any extra control measures that might be needed. If you are a line manager, make sure you know when high temperatures are expected by regularly checking the Met Office weather warnings. 

 You should also make sure arrangement are in place so employees:

• are kept updated of the risks from heat stress when wearing PPE
• can take regular breaks
• can stay hydrated
• know what to do if a colleague is showing signs of heat stress
• have access to adequate supplies of PPE.  More frequent changes might be necessary in warmer conditions