Three sunny days and a thunderstorm? HSE asked to review the dangers of working in high temperatures

In our July edition we reported that the TUC had called on HSE to set a maximum workplace temperature limit to protect workers working in extreme heat.

There is currently a minimum limit but no maximum limit. The Department of Work and Pensions has now asked HSE to review the current standards in respect of workplace temperatures.

Currently standards on working in hot conditions are taken from the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. It states that workplace temperatures in buildings during working hours should be reasonable. What is reasonable will depend on the nature of the workplace and the activity being carried out.

The associated Approved Code of Practice says where a reasonable temperature cannot be achieved due to hot and cold work processes all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable.

HSE suggest that comfortable temperatures can be achieved by:

• Insulating hot plants or pipes;
• Providing air-cooling plant;
• Providing fans, e.g. desk, pedestal or ceiling-mounted fans;
• Shading employees from direct sunlight with blinds or by using reflective film on windows to reduce the heating effects of the sun;
• Siting workstations away from direct sunlight or other situations or objects that radiate heat (e.g. plant, machinery);
• Providing additional facilities, e.g. cold water dispensers (water is preferable to caffeine or carbonated drinks).
• Introducing formal systems of work to limit exposure, eg flexible working patterns, job rotation, workstation rotation.
• Allowing sufficient breaks to enable employees to get cold drinks or cool down;
• Relaxing formal dress code – but you must ensure that personal protective equipment is provided and used if required;
• Providing rest facilities.

For more HSE guidance on working in both high and low temperatures including managers and employees guides please see the HSE website.

We are told that in places such as Dubai and Bahrain all construction work stops when the temperature reaches an amazing 50C! Cynics are reported as saying that when construction was at its fullest pace somehow the official thermometer never quite got beyond 49.5C.

If you have any questions or would like further information regarding workplace temperatures, please do not hesitate to contact Advantage Health and Safety by email tg@advantagehs.co.uk