Heating Standards in Schools

Although many powers are transferred from the Education and Library Boards to the Board of Governors under LMS, ELBs still retain the primary statutory responsibility for the health and safety of staff and pupils. Whilst certain tasks and functions may be delegated via the Board of Governors – Principals overall responsibility for the safe functioning of the heating system and the maintenance of minimum temperature standards remains that of the ELB. Every year in the winter months many enquiries are received from members as to the minimum temperatures in schools. The Education (School Premises) Regulations DES Design Note 17 "Guidance for Environmental Design and Fuel Conservation in Educational Buildings" – recommend that the heating system should maintain a temperature of 18 degrees centigrade in areas where there is an average level of clothing and activity (e.g. classrooms). Temperature levels are also given for other activities. The INTO view is that the minimum temperature for the working environment (ie classrooms) should be 18 degrees centigrade (64.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and under no circumstances should fall below the comparable standard required by the Offices, Shops and Railway Premises Act of 16 degrees centigrade.