In a press release at the height of this summer's heatwave, the TUC warned that the lack of a clear maximum permitted temperature in the workplace means that many employers are confused about what they must do and when they have to act. The TUC would like to see a maximum working temperature of 30 degrees centigrade, or 27 degrees centigrade for those doing strenuous work. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 provide that the "temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable during working hours". A "reasonable temperature" is defined in the accompanying code of practice as one which provides reasonable comfort without the use of special clothing, although the guidance fails to state a maximum temperature. The law on minimum temperatures is clear and unambiguous - 13 degrees centigrade for strenuous work and 16 degrees centigrade generally. |
