Contrary to popular belief, the law does not provide for a minimum or maximum temperature in the workplace. However, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 provide that 'during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable'.
A 'reasonable' temperature will depend on work activity and the physical environment of the workplace – for example, whether it is an office, a warehouse, a production line or a cold store. In order to assess whether the temperature is reasonable, employers should undertake a thermal risk assessment.
The Code of Practice accompanying the Regulations provides further guidance and assistance. The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16°C, unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13°C. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity.
Where the temperature in a workplace would otherwise be uncomfortably high, maybe because the physical design of a building, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature. This might include:
- insulating hot water pipes
- increasing ventilation
- shading windows
- placing workstations away from direct heat sources, such as radiators, heating pipes etc.
Where such a temperature cannot be achieved due to the actual nature of the work undertaken, an employer may need to consider the provision of protective clothing.
