A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding the Department of Education and Training's policy on school air conditioning, specifically concerning temperature thresholds, review frequency of the relative strain index, consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology, and the last policy review date. The answer provides information on the air-cooling zone determination, the role of the Bureau of Meteorology, and the policy review timeline.

AnsweredQoN 3696Legislative Assembly
Asked
11 August 2010
Portfolio
Education

QuestionView source ↗

(1) At what temperature does the Department for Education and Training consider uncomfortable for the purpose of school air conditioning?
(2) How often is the relative strain index reviewed by the Department?
(3) Does the Department consult with the Bureau of Meteorology on an ongoing basis to monitor changes in temperature in different areas?
(4) When was the last time the school cooling policy was reviewed?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
14 September 2010
Responded by
Minister for Education
Response time
34 days
(1) The air-cooling zone has been determined from data provided by the Bureau of Meteorology. The data includes a variable referred to as the relative strain index, which is a means for assessing climate with regard to the stress it imposes on the human body.
The Bureau of Meteorology has determined that a relative strain value of 0.3, to be the point at which a person feels uncomfortable. Where there are in excess of 25 days per year when the level of 0.3 is reached, the location is suitable for inclusion in the air-cooling zone.
(2) The relative strain index is determined by the Bureau of Meteorology.
(3) Consultation with the Bureau of Meteorology occurs when the air-cooling guidelines are being reviewed.
(4) 2002 and is currently being re-examined.
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