Maximum Working Temperature

ohreally

From HSE/ welfare regs ACoP...

Where the temperature in a workroom would otherwise be uncomfortably high, for example because of hot processes or the design of the building, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature, for example by:
insulating hot plants or pipes;
providing air-cooling plant;
shading windows;
siting workstations away from places subject to radiant heat.

Where a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved throughout a workroom, local cooling should be provided. In extremely hot weather fans and increased ventilation may be used instead of local cooling.

Where, despite the provision of local cooling, workers are exposed to temperatures which do not give reasonable comfort, suitable protective clothing and rest facilities should be provided. Typical examples of suitable protective clothing would be ice vests, or air/water fed suits. The effectiveness of these PPE systems may be limited if used for extended periods of time with inadequate rest breaks. Where practical there should be systems of work (for example, task rotation) to ensure that the length of time for which individual workers are exposed to uncomfortable temperatures is limited.

HSE previously defined thermal comfort in the workplace, as: 'An acceptable zone of thermal comfort for most people in the UK lies roughly between 13°C (56°F) and 30°C (86°F), with acceptable temperatures for more strenuous work activities concentrated towards the bottom end of the range, and more sedentary activities towards the higher end.'

dickydonkin

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

Alter_ego wrote: »

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

It will be hotter perhaps?

Are you seriously suggesting the current heat does not increase the temperatures even in workplaces that are renowned for being hot?

I can assure you that working in a commercial kitchen (which of course can cause thermal discomfort even in winter), that such a working environment can become more uncomfortable in hotter weather - that is a fact!

Unfortunately for bakeries and kitchens and indeed any food production/processing areas, many such areas cannot open a door or window due to the risk of contamination - particularly in older workplaces.

To compound the discomfort, many workers in hot environments (by virtue of the processes involved) have to wear (sometimes unwieldy) Personal Protective Equipment where at least in winter time, they may get some respite by taking their PPE off and cooling off outside.

That may not be an option for many in the current heatwave.

Dirk_Gently wrote: »

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

......and usually interpreted by many employers not to pay for safer workplaces for their staff!

Emdlincoln

Our factory measured 38C and 71% humidity on Friday last week. We were told it was still acceptable conditions.

ohreally

Emdlincoln wrote: »

We were told it was still acceptable conditions.

What did the workforce do?

Justicia

scooby088 wrote: »

hope the personal fan has been pat tested too

It definitely needs to be, does it?

ETA: Actually, ignore! It'll just unfairly derail the OP's thread into a whole other topic/discussion

Emdlincoln

ohreally wrote: »

What did the workforce do?

Carried on working, not a lot we can do.

Southend1

Have a chat with your union rep, it may be an issue worth organising around locally. The union may be able to negotiate additional breaks, better cooling equipment, provision of cold drinks or ice lollies etc

drbraindead

Used to work in a packaging factory, which got really hot in summer, so I know how you feel.

Used one of thoes slitting machines before, very boring aint they?

I work in cold fridge like enviroment now, good in this weather but really boring.

RhysAC

I find it a pretty good job on the slitting machine depending what job is running.

The fan has been PAT Tested yes.

38 seems far too hot to work in! The hottest it has gone in my work is 31.

falko89

Oh I've had this issue myself, I am also in a factory doing a very physical job, I mentioned the heat last week as extreme heat plays havoc with my asthma, the response I got was perhaps I should change my inhaler as its obviously not working.