Case Studies
School installation in Warwick
Ever since the government introduced U.V. protection legislation across the U.K. a few years ago, there has been an increased emphasis on taking care of our skin in warm weather. Similarly, we need to protect our children from the sun's harmful rays. At this Warwickshire school they have taken measures to help there students continue to make the most of their outdoor space without risk of harmful UV rays.
Samson have installed these awnings using steel gutter brackets to offer additional height for the awning and ensure the best fixings into suitable brickwork support. Gutter brackets are nearly always used on a single storey building unless special steel work has been incorporated, as the forces from these awnings can be great, so spreading the load down the outside wall is essential, whilst they also help with gaining height and thereby allowing us to give a degree of angle for the main fabric cover.
These Markilux 990 awnings are electrically operated, primarily for convenience of use, but also because with electric operation we can incorporate wind sensors to retract the awning in high winds for safety purposes.
The awnings and brackets are powdercoated in a special RAL blue colour to coordinate with the corporate colours of the building.
Why is this important?
Too much exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) radiation from the sun causes sunburn, skin damage and increases the risk of skin cancer. Sun exposure in the first 15 years of life contributes significantly to the lifetime risk of skin cancer.
There is enormous potential for schools to help prevent skin cancer in future generations. Schools are central to protecting children’s skin this is because:
- Children are at school five out of seven days a week at times when UV rays are high.
- Most damage due to sun exposure occurs during the school years.
- Schools can play a significant role in changing behaviours through role modelling and education.
- Students and teachers are at risk of sunburn within 10-15 minutes of being exposed to strong sunlight.
- Students spend an average of 1.5 hours outside per school day, more if involved in sports and outdoor activities.
- Skin cancer is largely preventable through behaviour modification and sun protection during early years.
How you can help protect your children
Shade:
- The school playground has shade provided either by the school building, outdoor shelter(s), trees and/or we have temporary structures i.e. gazebos, etc for use on sports days and other outdoor events.
- Children will be encouraged to use the shaded areas of the school during playtimes when appropriate.
Clothing:
- The children will be encouraged to wear clothes that provide good sun protection.
- The children will be provided with/supply themselves with legionnaire or bucket style hats to protect their face, ears and back of their neck.
- The hats will remain in school at all times (between March and end of September) and be easily accessible.
Sunscreen:
- Each pupil will be provided with/supply themselves with sunscreen (minimum SPF 30, 4 star UVA) to apply themselves when appropriate and used on or off site for any prolonged outdoor school related activities.
Drinking Water:
- Children are encouraged to increase their water intake in hot weather and are encouraged to drink water during break times and lunch times. Every child should bring a water bottle to school every day
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