Heating and hot water at work?

Markb06

We have 3 central heating units and at best only one unit is pushing out hot air. Yesterday we had a engineer who came out and before he even looked said its broke. He knew this because Maplin send him out to check it over every year and he reports it back as broke but Maplin never fix it.


He said yesterday that two of the units might now need to be replaced as its been left so long.

Yesterday in store the temperature at one point dropped to 12.7 degrees. Its quite uncomfortable. We also had a small flood in store a few days ago so this has also not helped the situation. The only way we could get warm after that was to sit in the office with a heater. We could actually see our breath on the shop floor.



We also have no hot water in any of the men's or ladies toilets so when we wash out hands its also quite uncomfortable as the toilets are also very cold. We have reported this many times but nothing ever gets done.

Is this right as I am sure I read hot water must be supplied and the the temperature must be higher then 16?

scheming_gypsy

There is no law on it but they say it should normally be a minimum of 16c - http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm and should provide hot and cold water www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg293.pdf

Markb06

Hot water is only provided in the canteen not the toilets

amandada

I can't remember the legalities re hot water, but the workplace must be 16C after the first hour of work

torbrex

The minimum temp is only in effect if the work being done is in the seated position by the majority of the workforce.

For hot water as far as I remember, suitable washing facilities must be provided to enable workforce to wash after using toilet and before food breaks etc.

The_Pedant

I certainly wouldn't stay long in a typical retail store that was not a comfortable temperature.
Unfortunately, the correct point that torbrex made means that you probably don't have a minimum temperature that applies due to being on your feet most of the time.

You might instead prefer to point out to management that the temperature may affect how long people stay in the store & how much they buy. They might pay a bit more attention when it starts affecting the bottom line ... especially around the holidays.

ohreally

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGS 1992

Regulation 7 Temperature
Regulation 21 Washing facilities


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents/made

HappyMJ

ohreally wrote: »

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGS 1992

Regulation 7 Temperature
Regulation 21 Washing facilities


http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1992/3004/contents/made

It just says reasonable. What defines reasonable? The guidelines as earlier say 16 for an office and 13 for a work room. Most people consider that quite cold. Whilst it might be a criminal offence to keep the temperature of the office low I'd like to know exactly how many prosecutions there have been under regulation 7. It would really only be used if the temperature of the room was so hot (over 40 degrees) or so cold (under zero) to cause injury to an employee.

brutus1983

does this mean i can go to my employer and tell him hes breaking the law making me work in temperatures just above freezing

ohreally

HappyMJ wrote: »

It just says reasonable. What defines reasonable?

I suggest you read the acop, there you will find some detail relating to thermal comfort risk assessment, in addition to clarifying reasonable temps for differing activities and workplaces.

dandelionclock30

You can tell them that they are breaking the law but they wont like it.Have you got a union rep who can help you out with this issue so the onus is taken off you? They need to sort it out as its not fair on the staff to be frozen all day.
Where I worked last year it got down to 3 in the really cold snap and they were very reluctant to tell people they could go home.Instead they said we could either work downstairs or take the laptop home.Both of these options were unfeasable as there were too many people. Instead people literally froze and wrapped themselves in blankets at their desks.I kid you not.
Could you take a thick fleece to work and wear that?
About hot water in the toilets I dont know if they have to provide this.I know they have to provide hot water for washing up where food is being prepared and served. Ring Environmental Health, they will be able to tell you.