Our ref: HSR
Head Office Circular NP/10/25
16th January 2025
To: The Secretary
ALL BRANCHES
REGIONAL COUNCILS
Dear Colleague
AIR CONDITIONING
The following resolution was passed at RMT National Industrial Organising Conference of Hotel, Catering & Ancillary Grades Conference and subsequently at RMT’s 2024 AGM.
This Conference is concerned by the high risks of potential respiratory and other critical conditions while working in concealed workplaces, where air conditioning systems are not serviced, maintained or repaired when our members are raising concerns.
As an example, on IET Trains where there are no open windows and doors are open for a few minutes TOCs have determined that this is sufficient for our members not to be at risk.
Some TOCs have under-taken some air conditioning investigations where our members feel there should be a national approach by RMT to have collective data so we can learn and facilitate the best safe practices to support our members.
This conference calls for a national approach to fully investigate the concerns and the risks to members’ health when air conditioning systems are inadequate and in need of service, maintenance and repair to ensure members are safe from the effects of air conditioning system that has failed in many cases.
Your National Executive Committee, at its meeting on 14th January 2025, noted and adopted the following report from its Health and Safety sub-committee
We instruct the General Secretary to write to RSSB and IET operators on this matter.
- We also instruct the General Secretary to remind safety reps, branch secretaries and regional councils:
- that there is a dedicated page on RMT web site page on Air Quality https://www.rmt.org.uk/about/health-and-safety/health/air-quality/#:~:text=All%20employers%20where%20RMT%20has,health%20impact%20of%20air%20pollution
- that Qingping Air Monitor Lite devices are available on loan from Regional Offices, for reps to use the readings to challenge their employer to put in measures addressing air quality issues
- that the TUCAN (Trade Union Clean Air Network) guide is very useful: “Workers Guide to action on indoor workplace air pollution” https://greenerjobsalliance.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Workers-Guide-to-action-on-indoor-workplace-air-pollution-WEBSITE.pdf
I am acting in line with these instructions.
Please bring this circular to the attention of relevant members.
Yours sincerely
Michael Lynch
General Secretary