HSE issues advice on workplace temperatures

Date: 29th May 2008

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published a set of guidelines outlining how best to tackle temperature at work.

In the new information, bosses are instructed to set their work climate to at least 16 degrees centigrade, with heating and cooling fixtures fitted as necessary.

The HSE guidelines state: "The temperature in workrooms should provide reasonable comfort without the need for special clothing.

"Where such a temperature is impractical because of hot or cold processes, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a temperature which is as close as possible to comfortable."

Space is also noted in the guidelines, with employees advised they are entitled to a "sufficient"-sized area in which to work.

The HSE strives to protect people against risks to health or safety in the workplace by conducting research, promoting training and submitting proposals for new or revised regulations.