We don’t know in advance when heatwaves will occur, that’s the problem with this bullcuss policy, we technically all need WBGT machines in case of heatwave, otherwise every heatwave will stop activity.
2 Likes
Having made some enquires already, I have been told that more info will be out this week containing further guidance regarding access to training and the route for obtaining a QT34.
There was alot of extra information included in the email but there was a nice summing up
‘In essence, where you do not have access or own a WBGT, you may still conduct your planned activity, but must secure provision to one at your earliest opportunity. The intent is not to say ‘no WBGT = no activity’.’ So unless the WGBT is going to be eaisly available and that would possibly have to be more than 1 per wing and not have to be purchased by local units. Then i cannot see us using anything other than MOMIS 4G.
1 Like
I’ve got several running before that happens… sigh.
I’m just logging some MOMIDS venues - although they won’t have them in time for tonight.
The biggest risk from my perspective is probably Cold Water Shock. And that policy doesn’t actually address that as a risk factor.
1 Like
No, the policy says it’s incumbent on the activity commander to determine whether one exists with the activity authoriser. That is a very different thing.
A comfortable pootle down your local ditch in a canoe cannot be considered an ‘enhanced activity level’.
But, heatwaves…?
My head hurts from all of this. Am still confused with the use of WGBT. I was under the impression that you can’t use WGBT for under 18s?
Yes, I can’t disagree with this bit.
1 Like
You missed the most important point, who pays for it!
1 Like
A WBGT is just an instrument for measuring temperature. It’s the work-rest tables that are not designed for under 18s. But our policy now says we can use them, but they must be treated as an absolute maximum and we should be operating well under those bounds when working with cadets.
2 Likes
Well… it’s now officially a heatwave in parts of the UK.
I’ve a classroom-based activity this weekend. Do I need an on-site WBGT reading?
1 Like
“any other activity conducted during extreme weather conditions (i.e. heatwave)”
I’ll take that as I yes 
2 Likes
From a US site and heat stress, stroke signs and symptoms. I do wonder how much of the guidance has these factors included, oh right, they are using adult guidelines.
Fahrenheit
5 Likes
Yep, get ordering that WBGT!
2 Likes
OK, 40 degrees C, if you have a child at that temp from heat stroke you have a problem.
Enhanced Activity Level (EAL) - RAFAC activities that may be considered more challenging than others e.g. 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).
When planning activities where there is a risk of HI whether inside, outside, summer or winter, RP’s must include weather forecasting in the planning stage of the RA process. The Met Office’s ‘MOMIDS 4G’ gives access to WBGT forecasts, up to 5 days in advance. The measurements provided by MOMIDS 4G are broader regionally than a location specific WBGT reading would be but will still provide sufficient detail where location specific WBGT readings are unavailable.
Location specific WBGT readings must be obtained for Enhanced Activity Level (EAL) activities these activities are those that have been identified through incident numbers, time of the year or strenuous physical activity is taking place. i.e. RIAT, Road Marches, Nijmegen etc.
Note the use of MAY in the first paragraph which indicates best practice.
Having read it through there is limited change from the MOD policy we had a hoohaa about last summer, other than access to WGBT forecasts and use of the WRT, so a lot of things should be in our RAs already
So thinking about it, they want Weather Forecast as part of the Risk Assessment, but we need to submit activities to Region 6 weeks out, even 3 weeks out for Wing isn’t exactly going to be accurate.
3 Likes
Michael Fish where are you now?
1 Like
Last I hear he was carried away by a tornado.
I can understand your misunderstanding…
Its simple really.
For the JL Gods… it is of course not physicslly demanding. That is all.
