Keep your Cool
It has been hot of late. You know that. You may well have been suffering whilst at work. You might be lucky enough to work in a modern air-conditioned office or workplace. Many workers are not so lucky and Swindon has its fair share of old buildings that can get unbearably hot.
The law requires that during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable. The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius.
This is all very well when it is cold, but this is not much use at this time of year. Is there any requirement for a workplace not to exceed a maximum temperature? Strictly speaking, no, but there is a requirement that the temperature in workrooms should be reasonable. Workroom temperatures should allow people to work in reasonable comfort. Where such temperature is impractical because of hot processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable.
Your employer can and possibly should be taking steps to alleviate the hot conditions. Many employers are already required to ventilate enclosed workplaces with a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air. In extremely hot weather increased ventilation may be required.
In addition to this employers are required to provide an adequate supply of ‘wholesome' drinking water for all persons at work in the workplace.
The Health and Safety Executive consider that an acceptable zone of comfort for most people in the UK lies roughly between 13 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. This will not be true for everyone and your employer may need to take account of any special needs you have.
For more information about the way Health & Safety Legislation affects you, contact Philip Collins at Lemon & Co Solicitors on 01793 509 831 or by e-mail Philip.collins@lemon-co.co.uk.
Philip Collins
Solicitor
Lemon & Co Solicitors
This article gives a general view and cannot be relied upon in any particular case. The need for specific legal advice must always be considered. For further information, contact either Timothy Dixon on timothy.dixon@lemon-co.co.uk or Philip Collins on philip.collins@lemon-co.co.uk , or alternatively, please visit our website at www.lemon-co.co.uk for articles on other legal issues or contact us on 01793 527141.
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.lemon-co.co.uk/article_keep-your-cool.php">Keep your Cool</a></strong><br />
It has been hot of late. You know that. You may well have been suffering whilst at work. You might be lucky enough to work in a modern air-conditioned office or workplace. Many workers are not so lucky and Swindon has its fair share of old buildings that can get unbearably hot....</p>