MONITORING PLACES OF DETENTION : A PRACTICAL GUIDE 145 The CPT recognises that the delivery of decent living conditions in penitentiary establishments can be very costly and improvements are hampered in many countries by lack of funds. However, removing devices blocking the windows of prisoner accommodation (and fitting, in those exceptional cases where this is necessary, alternative security devices of an appropriate design) should not involve considerable investment and, at the same time, would be of great benefit for all concerned.” CPT, GR 11, §30 Comments Visiting mechanisms will need to monitor the extent to which detainees have access to natural light, fresh air, and adequate temperatures, both by their own observations and by questioning prisoners and staff. Visitors should consider ventilation in terms of the size of the inhabited space and the occupancy rate. Windows should not be obstructed and it should be possible to open air vents. Detainees should be able to switch the lights inside the cell on and off themselves. The basic standards that apply to normal accommodation in the place of detention should also apply in punishment cells. Reference points ■ Is the ventilation in the cells adequate? ■ Is the temperature in the cells adequate? ■ What is the size of the window? Can it be opened? ■ Can detainees regulate the lighting, ventilation and heating themselves? ■ How is heat provided and is the heating system safe? ■ Is the lighting good enough for reading? 3