Protecting residents during periods of extreme heat
Buildings undergoing active remediation can present heightened challenges during periods of extreme heat, particularly where scaffolding, protective sheeting, window-opening restrictions, balcony access restrictions or other temporary measures affect ventilation, natural light, or residents’ ability to keep their homes cool. We therefore recommend you review your current arrangements across affected buildings and ensure that project teams are especially vigilant during this period.
This should include:
- reviewing whether scaffolding, protective sheeting, window-opening restrictions, balcony access restrictions or other site arrangements are affecting ventilation or residents’ ability to keep their homes cool, and considering mitigations;
- considering temporary adjustments to works or protective measures, where appropriate, to reduce the impact on residents during periods of extreme heat;
- proactively communicating with residents, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to the effects of extreme heat, including older people, disabled people, those with underlying health conditions, and families with babies or young children;
- ensuring residents know who to contact if they have concerns about conditions within their homes during remediation works, and that concerns are considered promptly; and
- reminding site teams, managing agents, building owners and contractors of their re-sponsibilities under the Code of Practice and the importance of placing residents’ wellbeing at the forefront of decision-making.