Temperatures in the Workplace (Focus - cold)

Applicable regulation:

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

Approved code of practice L24

What does the regulation say?

Regulation 7 Temperature in indoor workplaces:

• During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

• A workplace shall be adequately thermally insulated where it is necessary, having regard to the type of work carried out and the physical activity of the persons carrying out the work; and 

• Excessive effects of sunlight on temperature shall be avoided.

• A method of heating or cooling shall not be used which results in the escape into a workplace of fumes, gas or vapour of such character and to such extent that they are likely to be injurious or offensive to any person. 

• A sufficient number of thermometers shall be provided to enable persons at work to determine the temperature in any workplace inside a building

What do I need to do as an Employer?

How you manage the effects of temperature depends on:

• Whether the workplace is indoors or outdoors

• The normal operating temperature of that environment

As Employers you should provide the following:

Indoor workplaces

• A reasonable working temperature in workrooms – usually at least 16°C, or 13°C for strenuous work. However, these temperatures may not necessarily provide reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement, relative humidity and worker clothing. Temperature readings should be taken close to workstations, at working height and away from windows. These temperature guidelines do not apply where it would be impractical to maintain those temperatures, for example in rooms which have to be open to the outside, or where food or other products have to be kept cold. In such cases, the temperature should be as close to those mentioned as is practical.

• Local heating (using radiators) where a comfortable temperature cannot be maintained throughout each workroom, such as in cold manufacturing processes.

• Rest facilities where necessary, eg for warm clothing in cold stores.

• Heating systems which do not give off dangerous or offensive levels of fumes into the workplace.

Outdoor workplaces (Cold environments)

• Ensure that the PPE you have issued is appropriate.

• Provide mobile facilities for warming up, and soup or hot drinks.

• Introduce more frequent rest breaks.

• Consider delaying the work until warmer times of the year without compromising on safety.

• Make sure workers can recognise the early symptoms of cold stress such as a cough or body aches.

What is cold stress?

The HSE does not currently give guidance on cold stress, however cold stress occurs when the body is unable to keep itself warm, and the internal body temperature drops dangerously low. Types of cold stress may include trench foot, frostbite, hypothermia, and chilblains.

What to do when employees are too cold

You can take these practical steps to keep people as comfortable as possible when working in the cold:

• Provide adequate workplace heating, such as portable heaters, to ensure work areas are warm enough when they are occupied.

• Design processes that minimise exposure to cold areas and cold products.

• Reduce draughts while still keeping adequate ventilation.

• Provide insulating floor coverings or special footwear when workers have to stand for long periods on cold floors.

• Provide appropriate protective clothing for cold environments.

You can also change work systems:

• Limit exposure by introducing systems such as flexible working patterns or job rotation.

• Provide enough breaks to allow workers to get hot drinks or warm up in heated areas.

Very Low workplace temperatures

If your workers are complaining or reporting illnesses that may be caused by temperatures in your workplace, review the situation and, if necessary, put in place controls to manage the risks. You may need to:

• Monitor how workplace temperatures are affecting workers as part of your risk management

If your workers are complaining or reporting illnesses that may be caused by temperatures in your workplace, review the situation and, if necessary, put in place controls to manage the risks. You may need to:

• Monitor how workplace temperatures are affecting workers as part of your risk assessment.

• Put health surveillance or medical screening in place for workers who are pregnant, have illnesses or disabilities, or are taking certain medication

• Review working habits and current practices and (where necessary) change these to control the risks

Summary

• Ensure you have considered cold temperatures as part of your risk assessment.

• Ensure any control measures implemented are maintained.

• Monitor workplace temperatures and review your risk assessment as required.

• Keep an eye out for signs of cold stress in employees.

Further Guidance available:

• BS EN 511: Protective gloves against cold

• BS EN ISO 13732-3: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Methods for the assessment of human responses to contact with surfaces

• BS 7915: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Guide to design and evaluation of working practices in cold indoor environments

• DD ENV ISO 11079: Evaluation of cold environments. Determination of required clothing insulation (IREQ)

• BS EN ISO 15743: Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Cold workplaces. Risk assessment and management

These standards are available from BSI Group.