One week into our 'heatwave' and we have started to have our annual temperature questions.  So in order to cut you guys and girls off at the pass here is a selection of questions and answers for the coming hot working days!

What are the min and max working temperatures?

The minimum working temperature in workrooms is usually 16°c or 13°c for strenuous work.  There are no legally-prescribed maximum temperatures for workplaces. The Workplace Regulations require, however, that all reasonable steps are taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature by, where necessary, special ventilation measures including provision for fans.

Do we need to have thermometers in the workplace?

The Workplace Regulations require that a sufficient number of thermometers should be available, at a convenient distance from any part of the workplace, to enable temperatures to be measured in any part of the workplace. They do not, however, require a thermometer to be provided in every room.

At present we have no rest room provision.  Are we required under H & S Regulations to provide a rest facility? If so what is the minimum conditions it must provide?

Under the Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 as an employer you must provide facilities for rest and eating, they must be:

• Readily accessible and suitable;
• There should be facilities for pregnant women and nursing mothers;
• They should be clean and adequately ventilated.

Also adequate sanitary conveniences should be readily accessible, suitable and sufficient. Adequate supplies of fresh drinking water should also be available.

How can we protect our outdoor workers?

When working outdoors the effects of hot weather can potentially have a very serious impact on an employees' welfare if the risks have never been previously considered or managed properly. This impact maybe immediate or it can occur over a long time period.
Exposure to the sun can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering and skin ageing and in the long term can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK with over 50,000 new cases every year.

People can avoid unnecessary exposure by such means as:

• Wearing long sleeve shirts or loose clothing with a close weave;
• Wearing hats with a wide brim;
• More frequent rest breaks;
• Taking breaks in the shade whenever possible;
• Scheduling work to cooler times of the day; and
• If possible, provide shade where work tasks are being undertaken.

Sun protection is important and people need to realise that sunburnt skin is damaged skin. A suntan is not a sign of good health.

How can employees protect themselves?

• Keep your top on (ordinary clothing made from close woven fabric, such as long sleeved workshirt and jeans stops most UV);
• Wear a hat with a brim or a flap that covers the ears and the back of the neck;
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, during your breaks and especially at lunchtime;
• Use a high factor sunscreen of at least SPF15 on any exposed skin;
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration;
• Check your skin regularly for any unusual moles or spots. See a doctor promptly if you find anything that is changing in shape, size or colour, itching or bleeding.

As a concerned employer what else can we do to help our outdoor workers during the hot weather?

When there is no alternative to working outdoors in hot environments you can try the following ways of reducing heat stress:

• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day;
• Provide more frequent rest breaks and introduce shading to rest areas;
• Provide free access to cool drinking water;
• Introduce shading in areas where individuals are working;
• Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment when resting to help encourage heat loss;
• Educate workers about recognising the early symptoms of heat stress.

How do we complain about extreme temperatures in the workplace?

If employees feel uncomfortable approaching the employer, complaints can be  taken up with  Trade Unions, Local Authority Office or local HSE office.

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Enjoy the coming summer months and let us keep our fingers crossed that we may need to refer to the above information.....