What the law says
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 employers must ensure that during working hours the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings is reasonable.
The HSE offers the following advice on how to meet this requirement:
Where the temperature in a workroom would otherwise be uncomfortably high, for example because of hot processes or the design of the building, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature, for example by:
- insulating hot plants or pipes;
- providing air-cooling plant;
- shading windows;
- siting workstations away from places subject to radiant heat.
Where a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved throughout a workroom, local cooling should be provided. In extremely hot weather fans and increased ventilation may be used instead of local cooling.
Where, despite the provision of local cooling, workers are exposed to temperatures which do not give reasonable comfort, suitable protective clothing and rest facilities should be provided. Where practical there should be systems of work (for example, task rotation) to ensure that the length of time for which individual workers are exposed to uncomfortable temperatures is limited.
To help both employers and employees the HSE has created a special “Thermal Comfort” website.
SEE ALSO
HSE advice for employers:
Heat stress in the workplace. What you need to know as an employer
TUC advice for employees:
Q&A sheet on workplace temperatures