The municipal heatwave emergency is activated based on dangerous weather warnings (SMP) issued by the Catalan Weather Service (SMC) for heat, extreme heat or very high temperatures at night. It contemplates a progressive intensification of measures according to the level of risk. The goal is to preserve people’s health and safety, particularly workers outside, adapting the organisation of services to the weather conditions.

In the alert stage when warnings reach levels 4 and 5 for heat, intense heat or heat at night for three or more days running, preventive measures are stepped up to reduce the exposure of workers to the heat:

• Adapted working times to avoid the hottest times of the day.
• Rescheduling of the most demanding physical tasks.
• Increase in rest times in the shade, ventilated or air-conditioned spaces.
• Rotation of teams.
• More working in pairs in the open air.
• Frequent hydration and use of light clothing, caps and sunscreen.

The emergency stage is activated when the SMC issue a level 6 dangerous weather warning for heat, intense heat or heat at night in Barcelona for three or more days running. On top of the measures for the alert stage, stricter measures such as the following are added:

• Withdrawal of vehicles without air-conditioning where possible.
• Increase in rest times.
• Reduction or suspension of the most demanding physical tasks during the hottest hours of the day.
• More intense reorganisation of teams and priority for the most essential tasks.

Similarly, authorisation has been given for works to adapt in cases of alerts or emergencies, offering more flexibility for working times to make the most of the coolest hours.

As a whole, the main aim of the measures is to protect people’s health in extreme temperatures, minimising the risks resulting from heat stress. Most services continue to operate normally but there are some occasional reductions in output and some partial suspensions, particularly with activities that require intense physical work or prolonged exposure outdoors.