Health and safety regulations require the temperature in
a workplace in North Somerset to be
reasonable.
It also says that thermometers should be provided so the
temperature can be measured.
This is because if a work place is too cold or too warm then staff
can find it difficult to concentrate and accidents can occur.
An acceptable temperature range is between 13°C and 30°C with
cooler temperatures needed if more strenuous work is taking
place.
For example, for secretarial work the office temperature should be
at least 16°C.
Temperature can be controlled in many ways through regulation of
your equipment, improved ventilation or insulation or by protecting
workers from temperature extremes by providing them with suitable
or specialist clothing among other methods.
Adequate ventilation is also a requirement under health and safety
legislation where guidance recommends that an air supply rate for
the workplace should not fall below five to eight litres per
second, per occupant.
Any ventilation system should remove and dilute warm humid air and
provide air movement to create a sense of freshness without causing
a draught.
Humidity and ventilation should be maintained at levels, which
prevent discomfort or problems of sore eyes, especially if display
screen equipment is used.
Window and doors may provide sufficient ventilation, however, where
mechanical ventilation is required it should be regularly
maintained.
For more information contact
our Food and Safety
team.