Recommendations

1. Document acceptable temperature ranges for each prison.
2. Implement mechanisms for assessing cell temperatures in every prison, at least during the hottest and coldest months.
3. Develop and implement a state plan for addressing the risk of temperature extremes across the custodial estate.
4. Provide air-conditioning in all prison cells where acceptable temperatures cannot be maintained using cheaper methods.
5. Include heat-related illness as part of the risk assessment when assigning people to cells, ensuring people at high risk of heat-related illness are placed in cells with air-conditioning.
6. Improve shading and install air-conditioning in Roebourne Regional Prison within the next 12 months to mitigate the significant risk of heat-related illness.
7. Cease the practice of using dongas as accommodation for prisoners unless acceptable temperatures can be maintained.
8. Develop guidelines on actions to be undertaken in response to extreme temperatures.
9. Address the inequity in fan provision for prisoners.

Read the Department’s response to recommendations.