We’ve just had an extended period of hot weather, and the chances are we’ll have some more before the summer is over โ so here are some top tips from health and safety experts at Protecting on the right procedures to put in place during hot days โ given that thereโs currently no legal maximum temperature for workplaces in the UK.
Duty of care
Employers have a duty of care to ensure temperatures remain at a comfortable level to prevent workplaces from becoming excessively hot, which can pose serious health risks. This obligation is covered by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations. They require employers to perform risk assessments to identify potential heat hazards and implement control measures to maintain safe temperatures.
Find the optimal temperature
Despite the lack of a specific legal ceiling for heat, employers should consider factors to determine the best temperature, such as:
- The nature of work activities
- If itโs an indoor or outdoor working environment
- Type of workspace
- Available heating and air conditioning systems
- Number of people using the workspace
These assessments are vital in settings that naturally generate heat like bakeries, kitchens, and industrial plants, where the risk of heat-related illnesses increases.
Another factor to consider when setting up the AC temperature in the workplace is that women are comfortable at a 2.5ยฐC higher temperature than men (24ยฐC-25ยฐC). Finding the perfect temperature that works for everyone might be hard, but 23ยฐC will likely strike a good balance, if the gender ratio is almost equal.
Prevent heat stress
To combat heat stress in high-temperature work environments, employers can implement various strategies. These include:
- Installing air conditioning or fans
- Establishing accessible drinking water stations to prevent dehydration
- Limiting exposure to high-heat areas
- Providing personal protective equipment (PPE) with cooling capabilities
- Educating employees on the risks and symptoms of heat stress.
Monitoring the health of workers particularly vulnerable to heat stress is also vital to maintain a safe workplace.
Comfort in cooler conditions
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 do specify minimum workplace temperatures. The Approved Code of Practice sets these minimums at 16ยฐC for general indoor work and 13ยฐC for tasks that involve rigorous physical effort. This ensures that even in cooler weather or less active work environments, employees have a baseline level of warmth to protect their health and safety.
For outdoor work environments, like construction sites, additional protections against cold weather are mandatory. Employers must shield workers from the adverse effects of cold temperatures through appropriate measures, like providing suitable protective clothing.
Regarding hot water in the workplace, systems must manage specific temperatures to reduce health risks, such as the proliferation of legionella bacteria. Hot water should be stored at no less than 60ยฐC and reach at least 50ยฐC within one minute at the outlet, and 55ยฐC in healthcare premises. In contrast, cold water systems should stay below 20ยฐC.
