Helping organisations to provide safe warm spaces
12/19/2022
The rise in energy costs has been one of the most dramatic features of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
While it is not unprecedented for some people to face a choice between heating and eating, for many this choice will feel starker this winter. Average energy prices have risen by 54% this year, with the typical annual bill set to increase to £3,000 next year when the government’s energy price guarantee is scaled back in April.
Much as food banks have grown significantly in number across the UK since the 2007-2008 financial crisis, we are now beginning to see the emergence of so-called ‘warm banks’ or ‘warm spaces’ in response to concerns that many people will struggle to afford to warm their homes.
In this article, we discuss the emergence of warm spaces and consider the steps community organisations can take to manage the associated risks.
What are warm spaces?
Warm spaces are heated facilities or venues that members of the public can access at no cost. These include churches, libraries, pubs, cafes and community buildings. Many local authorities are keeping online maps or databases detailing local organisations that have offered up their buildings as a warm space.
As their emergence has sprung up organically, there are no specific requirements or definitions as to what constitutes a warm space. In many cases, they may simply be somewhere for people to keep out of the cold, however some warm spaces are also offering additional services and activities, including refreshments, internet access, and advice/support services.
What should organisations do to provide a safe warm space?
While many warm spaces are found in facilities such as libraries, which are used to welcoming members of the public on a regular basis, other venues may be opening their doors for the first time. In either scenario, it is important that organisations are aware of the risks that could be involved in welcoming people in larger numbers, or welcoming those who may not be regular visitors and who therefore may be less familiar with the facilities.
One of the first steps is to create a risk assessment – or, if you already have one, to check that your existing risk assessment is fit for purpose.
While this is by no means an exhaustive list of the risks to consider, as these will vary from venue to venue, the following checklist may help you ensure your risk assessment has covered the key areas.
- Do you know the maximum safe capacity for your building, and do you have measures in place to ensure the number of people in your building does not exceed this capacity?
- Do you have measures in place to ensure those who are unfamiliar with your building are aware of fire safety procedures – e.g. prominent signage?
- Have you checked to ensure that emergency exits are clearly signposted and free of any obstructions?
- Have you ensured that any portable appliances, such as electric heaters, have undergone appropriate inspection and remain safe to use?
- If you will be cooking on site, have you ensured the equipment is safe and suitable for the building?
- Will there be a fire warden and first aider on site at all times?
Some organisations may ultimately decide that their building cannot safely operate as a warm space, or they may have made plans to operate a warm space in someone else’s building.
For those organisations, it is important to check that the building in which you will be operating is insured. If you have been asked to sign an indemnity, or any contracts, you should refer to your own insurer.
If you are a Zurich Municipal customer, we would encourage you to notify us about your plans, so we can ensure you have sufficient insurance in place, and so that we can support you to operate your warm space safely.
Beth Light, Risk Consultant, Zurich, says: “We recognise how important warm spaces are going to be for many people this winter and we understand that organisations will want to get their facilities ready as quickly as possible, but it’s important to take the time to ensure that you have sufficient insurance and an appropriate risk mitigation process in place."
Further information on Warm Spaces
There are a number of useful online resources that can help organisations who are considering operating a warm space.
- CILIP – the UK’s library and information association, has produced a detailed guide to warm spaces, covering issues such as building capacity, accessibility, safeguarding, and how to promote your warm space
- The Warm Welcome Campaign offers useful warm spaces FAQs
- Many local authority websites, such as Leeds City Council, offer advice on how to register a warm space and provide maps showing where other local venues are already operating them
Zurich Resilience Solutions (ZRS) can offer customers a range of risk management services, such as a liability review, facilitated workshops, document reviews and training. For more details on any of our risk services, visit the ZRS website or email: zrs.enquiries@uk.zurich.com.
