"When the maximum temperature in Uralla is five degrees as it is today, how does the NSW Education Department expect students to learn when the expectation is that they will need to open widows in the room to allow for the operation of these unflued heaters," NSW Teachers Federation senior vice president Amber Flohm said.

Unflued gas heaters are continuously replaced said the NSW Department of Education, spokesperson, either when they reach the end of their serviceable life, or as part of the $500 million five-year Cooler Classrooms Program.

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An Environmental Health Risk Assessment was undertaken by independent consultants in 2011 and found that low-nox unflued heating of the type in NSW public schools is safe," they said.

"More than 2,000 unflued gas heaters have been removed from NSW public schools since July last year, as part of the Cooler Classrooms Program.

"In total, the program has removed almost 2,400 unflued gas heaters and it is anticipated that an additional 2,000 heaters will be removed over the next two years."

Ms Flohm said the continuing health hazard for students and teachers was unacceptable.

"The winter climate in Uralla is famously harsh and instead of pushing this school down the list for replacement heaters, it should be a priority."

The Department of Education said it inspects the performance of all gas heaters annually to ensure they operate to the required performance and safety standards.

"The department also conducts repairs if any concerns are raised by schools," the spokesperson said.

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