Provided the weather forecast does not take a turn for the worse, the Real Estate and Technical Department (SIT) does not, as things stand, anticipate any reduction in air-conditioning output; consequently, all air-conditioning systems will continue to operate as normal in all buildings next week.

Please find below the health recommendations and best practices to follow in the event of a heatwave.

Health recommendations

The Occupational Health and Prevention Department (SPST) recommends that extra care be taken by those working outdoors, as well as by those whose workplace temperature exceeds 30°C, either due to a lack of air conditioning or as a result of a temporary reduction in air conditioning output.

Here are a few basic guidelines:

• Make sure you drink plenty of fluids regularly (a glass every quarter of an hour if possible), even if you don’t feel thirsty,

• Wipe your face and arms with cool water,

• Avoid large, heavy meals and alcoholic drinks,

• If you feel very unwell, go to an air-conditioned area on campus; if you are working outdoors, protect yourself from the sun (particularly the back of your neck).

If you have any specific health conditions (such as diabetes, asthma or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, etc.) or if you are pregnant, please go to the SPST if you experience any difficulties so that your situation can be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, in the event of feeling unwell, the Security Operations Center (27) must be contacted.

Impact on air-conditioning systems

The heatwave always puts air-conditioning systems and chilled water production units under severe strain.

The Real Estate and Technical Department teams are fully mobilised to ensure that any equipment likely to experience malfunctions is repaired as quickly as possible. However, this exceptional situation is placing a heavy demand on staff and resources.

To ensure the continuity of the Institute’s essential activities, priority is being given to critical installations, particularly those in laboratories and animal facilities. Consequently, response times in service areas and offices may be longer than usual.

Minimise heat gain

• Close the blinds on facades exposed to the sun.
• Keep windows closed during the hottest part of the day.
• Keep doors closed to keep air-conditioned rooms cool.
   

Use air conditioning responsibly

• Do not leave windows or doors open whilst the air conditioning is running.
• Report any faults with the equipment (9333@pasteur.fr).
   

Reduce electricity consumption

• Switch off the lights in unoccupied rooms.
• Switch off computers, monitors, printers and other equipment completely at the end of the day (avoid standby mode).
• Unplug chargers and devices that are not in use.
   

Adopt good habits

• Close the doors to offices, meeting rooms and air-conditioned areas after you have left.
• Monitor your freezers and raise the alarm if the temperature rises (9333@pasteur.fr).
   

Let’s take action together
These simple actions help to:

• Improve occupants’ thermal comfort;
• Reduce energy consumption;
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
• Maintain the performance of critical systems and operations during periods of high temperatures.
   

The weather situation will be monitored daily. Should the forecast change and require specific measures to be put in place, you will be informed as soon as possible.
 
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.