Maximum Working Temperature

RhysAC

Hi is there a maximum working temperature in the UK? Where if it reaches that temperature I can stop/refuse to work.

I work in a factory warehouse which makes packaging for Ryvita, Birdseye, Haribo and many more and I'm lifting 15kg-32kg reels pretty much constantly in a 12 hour shift so it is a pretty physical job.

I've found that the minimum temperature is 13c for a physical job and 16c for not so physical but can't find a maximum.

WestonDave

http://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/faqs/temperature.htm Doesn't look like there is one.

notanewuser

There isn't one.

dickydonkin

RhysAC wrote: »

I work in a factory warehouse which makes packaging for Ryvita, Birdseye, Haribo and many more and I'm lifting 15kg-32kg reels pretty much constantly in a 12 hour shift so it is a pretty physical job.

Judging by the above statement, the temperature is the least of your worries.

I suspect the reels will be plastic film and are quite heavy although when you state 'constantly' is this when a machine needs to be reloaded with a new roll?

This temperature issue is a frequent topic on this forum, however, there is never one definitive answer.

The get out clause for the employer is that he needs to determine if it is 'reasonably practicable' to install air conditioning for example (costing many thousands of pounds) to remedy a problem that is unlikely to cause major harm to workers (although I am not trivialising how uncomfortable extremes of temperatures can be).

The employer should however be providing you with access to cool drinks and other methods of mitigating the temperatures you are experiencing.

Just spare a thought for catering workers, bakery staff and foundry workers in this current heatwave.

Alter_ego

dickydonkin wrote: »

Just spare a thought for catering workers, bakery staff and foundry workers in this current heatwave.

I'd be interested to know what effect the current heatwave might have on these workplaces.

RhysAC

dickydonkin wrote: »

Judging by the above statement, the temperature is the least of your worries.

I suspect the reels will be plastic film and are quite heavy although when you state 'constantly' is this when a machine needs to be reloaded with a new roll?

Yes the reels are plastic film, and some foil. When the machine needs reloading, it takes less than a minute and by that time I lifting more off the machine. I mean it is a constant cycle, more than constantly lifting them.

They do have air conditioning in the roof but it makes no difference what so ever. I have a personal fan I paid for myself too but doesn't help so much as it is a big open work area. People I work with have said 32 degrees is the temperature we can stop work at but this has not been confirmed by anyone in management.

PasturesNew

Animals transported have an upper temperature (30.6 degrees I think).... humans are sub-animals according to bosses, who can pick/choose their office/window and whether they have a fan ... and can randomly go home if they want.

Dirk_Gently_2

The key word is "reasonable" - but that's the sort of word that makes fortunes for lawyers.

scooby088

I'm afraid you may have to grin and bear, hope the personal fan has been pat tested too. Don't pay too much attention to the work grapvine most times they don't know what they are talking about.

Takeaway_Addict

PasturesNew wrote: »

Animals transported have an upper temperature (30.6 degrees I think).... humans are sub-animals according to bosses, who can pick/choose their office/window and whether they have a fan ... and can randomly go home if they want.

Quite simply....be your own boss then

paddyrg

Have a look at getting yourself a small garden mister you can spray in your face regularly to help? Evaporative cooling isn't ideal, but it is better than nothing!