Working Temperatures

For most of the time and for the majority of workers, we are comfortable with our work environmental conditions. This ‘envelope of comfort’ is small but flexible. If environmental parameters (temperature, humidity, etc) move outside this envelope, even in an ordinary work situation, we may get too hot or cold.

In many environments, such as foundries, fire-fighting, laundries, kitchens and bakeries, the main stressor is heat, leading to high body temperatures. The management of such environments can often be a matter of common sense but sometimes a great deal of technical expertise is required to provide optimal comfort and protection.

The effects of heat and cold are not just physiological. There are safety and psychological issues that need consideration.

Legal Requirements

In Britain the legal position on the thermal environment is generalised. Specific temperatures and situations are not specified except as a guide. The Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 and the Approved Code of Practice says, ‘all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a comfortable environment’ and that the ‘temperature in all workplaces, inside buildings shall be reasonable during working hours’. It must be remembered that health and safety law only requires a minimum standard.

Some guidance and codes discuss the need to determine and control other factors such as protective clothing, physical activity, radiant heat, humidity, air movement, and the length of time a person is exposed to that environment.

Barbour Resources

We offer a range of resources to help you create policy and communicate with the workforce, including regularly reviewed documents which provide technical guidance, and policy and risk assessment assistance.

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