Guidelines from the Occupational Health Department for working in hot temperatures

Hot weather can be unpleasant for those working at the Institut Pasteur, particularly in buildings with no air conditioning or subject to air-conditioning outages, or for those working outside. We have already had several periods of high temperatures since the start of the summer, and special care needs to be taken if the temperature of your surroundings exceeds 30°C.

Here are some basic guidelines:

• make sure you keep up your fluid intake (water, tea, etc.) – drink a glass every 15 minutes if possible, even if you don't feel particularly thirsty,

• splash cold water on your face and arms to cool yourself down,

• avoid heavy, rich meals and alcohol,

• if you feel unwell, make your way to a room on campus with air conditioning. If you work outside, make sure you protect yourself (particularly your neck) from the sun.

Those with particular health problems (diabetes, asthma or breathing difficulties, high blood pressure, etc.) and pregnant women should visit the Occupational Health Department if they experience difficulties; each situation will be examined on an individual basis.

The Occupational Health Department should be informed of anyone who continues to feel unwell even after moving to cooler surroundings (ext. 81 36 or 37 37 in the event of an emergency).

Guide to staying cool in a heatwave