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NSC Home Page > EUAS Contents > Weather
LOGISTICS
Health and Safety
Weather
The microclimate in and around quarries may vary significantly from the surrounding countryside. They may be hotter and exceptionally bright in summer, or develop frost pockets in winter, due to the physical properties of stone in contrast with the moderating influence of vegetation. Landscape cleared of vegetation may be susceptible to stronger wind speeds or wind may be deflected by rock faces. Many of the effects of weather extremes are of course more keenly felt by children than adults. Some of the implications are obvious; some are less so:
Heat - heartburn, sunstroke, dehydration as well as general heat fatigue (especially for pupils not used to physical exercise); temptation to swim in pools with potential hazards; high glare e.g. from chalk or light coloured limestone, can produce mild 'snow blindness' and hence disorientation
Wind - heat loss/wind chill, hypothermia; disorientation, inability to hear instructions; high winds often greatly excite particularly primary children (especially from urban areas) and can decrease levels of control significantly.
Rain/snow/hail - heat loss/hypothermia, slippery surface conditions; reduced visibility; disorientation.