The next step

On workplace temperatures

[Article]

http www hse gov uk temperature

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http www hse gov uk temperature thermal measuringthermalcomfort pdf

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Thermal comfort issues

Hot topic!

One of the questions that’s put to us regularly is, “What are the legal minimum and maximum temperatures for workplaces?” However, as we’ve stated before, there are no temperatures defined in law (yr.5, iss.6, pg.4, see The next step).

Note. There have recently been rumours that it’s become a legal requirement for all workplaces to maintain a minimum workplace temperature of 16°C. However, this isn’t the case: the HSE hasn’t touched the regulations.

Why the rumours?

Although there hasn’t been a change in the law, the HSE has increased the guidance available on the subject (see The next step). It’s also made the subject a “hot topic”, which means that links to the guidance have been featured in prominent places on the HSE’s home page. Note. Workplace temperature, or “thermal comfort” as the HSE likes to call it, isn’t a top priority for enforcement officers. Instead, it will be covered by websites, e-mails and promotional campaigns etc.

Risk assessment

Previously, the HSE’s line was that businesses should ensure that premises were at least 13°C if manual work was being completed and 16°C if work was sedentary, i.e. office work. However, the updated guidance now suggests that employers may need to go further.

Tip 1. If the temperature is above 16°C and your staff aren’t complaining, then you don’t need to do anything. You can assume that they’re “reasonably comfortable”, which is acceptable according to the HSE’s guidance.

Tip 2. If you receive the odd complaint, you don’t need to respond. The HSE guidance states that you only need to act if at least 10% of your staff make complaints.

Tip 3. If you’re receiving a number of complaints, don’t ignore them - even if the temperature is above 16°C. Your response should be as follows:

Step 1. Complete the HSE’s thermal comfort checklist (see The next step). This covers: (1) air temperature; (2) radiant temperature; (3) humidity; (4) air movement; (5) metabolic rate; (6) personal protective equipment; and (7) what your employees think. If you answer “yes” twice, then you’ll need to address the problem. Otherwise, you should continue to monitor the situation.

Step 2. If you identify that your workplace may be too cold, you should look at ways to rectify the situation. Go for the obvious solutions first, for example, turn the heating up, and make sure staff close doors, windows and blinds properly.

Step 3. As a last resort, you may have to consider alternative working arrangements, i.e. using different parts of your premises, asking staff to work at home etc. However, it should be noted that this is an extreme solution and only one that should be considered if you have no other options available.

For a previous article (HS 10.10.02A), a link to the guidance (HS 10.10.02B) and for a copy of the HSE’s thermal comfort checklist (HS 10.10.02C), visit http://healthandsafety.indicator.co.uk.