HSE issues workplace temperature guidance reminder
Health & Safety update 13/12/2011
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reminded companies
that they are obliged to provide suitable working temperatures for
staff members.
How the temperature of a workplace is managed comes down to
whether it is based mostly indoors – such as an office - or
outdoors - such as a construction site.
Those employers providing an indoor working environment must
provide ‘a reasonable working temperature in workrooms usually at
least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work,’ says the HSE.
The body confirmed that this regulation could be subject to
change if other factors requiring lower temperatures, such as
working within a cold-storage facility, are taken into account.
Employers must also provide local heating or cooling systems in
circumstances where a ‘comfortable working temperature’ is not
being maintained in every room.
Thermal clothing, a place to rest and sufficient space in work
rooms must also be provided for certain jobs such as cold stores.
Heating systems which are regularly maintained and do not give off
dangerous fume levels must also be provided.
Those employees working in outdoor work places will be extremely
affected by the weather if employers have not considered and
managed potential risks.
Exposure to the sun should be avoided by wearing loose,
long-sleeved clothing, hats and sun-cream. Employers should provide
frequent rest breaks to staff, especially those carrying out manual
labour, and should also offer shaded areas and consider scheduling
work at cooler times of the day.
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