GUILD HOT WEATHER POLICY
Date: March 2020
To be reviewed: As soon as possible after March 2022
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the way Guild property is used and different Guild activities are managed during very hot weather.
Preamble
The Guild currently operates from an old building. Although ceiling fans have been installed to help make the premises more comfortable during hot weather, the high ceilings and large, uninsulated spaces make it impractical and costly for the Guild to provide air conditioning.
The Guild acknowledges that some members may have concerns about hot weather, particularly those who are frail or have health issues. The Guild aims to balance the need to promote the health and safety of its members with the importance of encouraging people to make maximum use of the premises and enjoy their crafts.
Responsibilities of Members
Guild members have a responsibility to assess their own tolerance of summer heat in the context of the Guild’s environment. When they are in the building, members must ensure they are well hydrated and, if appropriate, choose not to attend specific events in extreme conditions. Members are advised to avoid being in the building if the temperature is forecast to be over 40 degrees.
Guild Meetings
To inform members of any changes from the usual arrangements, a week before the Guild meeting, sources such as the BOM website or ABC TV News should be consulted to see if the predicted temperature may be 35 degrees C or more. If this is the case, the meeting will still go ahead but in a reduced form. Fleece sellers and guest speakers will be invited to reschedule, and the agenda of the business meeting will be compacted as much as possible.
- The secretary or another appropriate person will contact the fleece seller(s) and guest speaker and invite them to choose whether they turn up.
- The decisions should be announced on the Guild’s website, emailed to committee members, and emailed via any group email currently available (such as the Guild News email list).
- Information can also be included in the eBulletin if it is available in time.
Little Glory Gallery
The Little Glory Gallery will be closed if the forecast temperature is 35 degrees C or over a day or so before from any source, including newspapers, TV & radio, or the BOM website. Gallery closure due to hot weather is advertised in the Guild News, on the Guild’s website, and on signs at the Guild.
Guild Groups
Guild groups use the premises regularly, and each group has its own traditions. Some groups meet throughout the summer, while others take a break during January. Anyone requiring information should contact the leader of the group. Members are reminded to avoid being in the building when the temperature is forecast to be over 40 degrees.
Workshops
Workshops will continue regardless of temperature because of the complications of contacting participants and tutors who may be coming from some distance