So we have now got some new policy/guidelines to work with WRT Heat Illness.
Most notably, we now must get accurate, location specific WBGT readings for any planning Enhanced Activity Level. (EAL)
“Examples may be parading and marching for long periods of time, leadership training, elements of Duke of Edinburgh Award, AT, physically demanding sporting events or any other activity conducted during extreme weather conditions (i.e. heatwave).”
“Risk assessments for such EAL activities must be supported by readings from a WBGT, be it accessed via a host (e.g. RAF Station), parent unit or owned by the RAFAC organisation conducting the activity. In exceptional circumstances, and only where there is no access to a WBGT a MOMIDS readings may be used. If necessary organisers must pursue provision of a WBGT, through RAFAC HQ Logs at their earliest opportunity.”
Well, we’re going to need a hell of a lot of WBGTs.
I mean, I think that is more sensible… But we’ve had it banged into us time and time again we have to follow JSP 375, and everything that comes with it! Which is impossible frankly for us. The Work Rest Tables (WRT) are specifically not for under 18s too. So the whole thing is silly. We’re using a policy aimed at adults as a reference for how we work with children!
Once again the ACF vs RAFAC risk management seems to be completely different, yet supposedly following the same top-level policies!
Also we’re required to report all instances of suspected or actual heat illness, however minor, directly to the DAIB. Do the ACF have this reporting chain too, or is it kept internal?
Note that JSP 375 does not require the use of the WBGT in all circumstances, it is only an absolute requirement for “physically demanding selection events and fitness tests”. For other activities it says “should”, but this was obviously written for wider defence so those who have written the ACF policy have recognised that 99% of CFAVs do not know how to use a WBGT and don’t have one to use.
I think the RAFAC and ACF have taken this definition differently, and thus, we now have differing policy on when it should be used. Ours now says the following:
RAFAC do not conduct physically demanding selection events and fitness tests. As such Policy Statement 3a and b do not apply. However, a WBGT forecast will be used to assist planning. When planning activities where a risk of heat illness may be anticipated whether inside or outside, commanders must include weather forecasting in the planning stage of the risk assessment process. Full instructions are in ACP5, Leaflet 6
Enhanced Activity Level. Although RAFAC does not conduct physically demanding selection events or fitness tests, some RAFAC activities may be considered more challenging than others. Where such an enhanced activity level (EAL) is deemed to exist, a greater level of accuracy is demanded to support the risk assessment process. This definition is not exact and may vary depending on conditions, participants, or locations. It is incumbent upon the activity authoriser in conjunction with the activity commander (where required) to decide whether an EAL exists. Examples may be parading and marching for long periods of time, leadership training, elements of Duke of Edinburgh Award, AT, physically demanding sporting events or any other activity conducted during extreme weather conditions (i.e. heatwave).
Risk assessments for such EAL activities must be supported by readings from a WBGT, be it accessed via a host (e.g. RAF Station), parent unit or owned by the RAFAC organisation conducting the activity. In exceptional circumstances, and only where there is no access to a WBGT a MOMIDS readings may be used. If necessary organisers must pursue provision of a WBGT, through RAFAC HQ Logs at their earliest opportunity.
So for anything that falls under the EAL definition, WBGT is required. And it seems that a lot of stuff is covered under EAL. “parading and marching for long periods of time, leadership training, elements of Duke of Edinburgh Award, AT, physically demanding sporting events or any other activity conducted during extreme weather conditions (i.e. heatwave)”
Currently we have access to the Met Office WBGT forecasting, via logins that can be found here.
Although that is only good enough for non EAL activities, anything that is EAL seems to now require an actual local reading. Apparently we can contact RAFAC HQ Logs1 to get one? I hope they’ve purchased a few hundred devices!
Mentions in the IBN to give them a bell if you need one for an EAL.
The IBN has somewhat caused a problem with how it’s worded and the requirement for WBGT readings for EAL activities and MOMDIS is only suitable for non-EAL.
I’ve noticed a distinct push to make things a bit more realistic over at HQRC over the last few years. Our policy actually says “Army Cadets are not permitted to use Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) thermometer or any other weather observation equipment, including RPoC CTTs when conducting cadet activities, and must only use the weather apps listed in this document.”
I know RC North reads these forums. I hope he sees this. Utterly mad that the RAFAC and the ACF have taken such a different approach here
I get that heat illness is a real risk, but using policy that requires equipment we don’t have access too and references material aimed at over 18s only makes little sense.
