25 June 2009
Calls for maximum work temperature continues!
The TUC has recently warned that factories and offices across the UK will become increasingly uncomfortable and potentially hazardous as the summers in the UK get hotter.
In a new report the TUC is calling for the introduction of a new upper limit on workplace temperature to protect workers. This was raised by the TUC back in 2002.
It comments that while employees are not expected to work when the temperature drops below 16 degrees centigrade or 13 degrees Celsius where work involves severe physical effort (so far as is reasonably practical), there are no similar restrictions or trigger points for when the workplace becomes too hot.
It hopes new rules and guidelines can be put in place to prevent staff from working when the temperature inside reaches 24 degrees centigrade and instead that staff be sent home and their employers prosecuted if it soared to 30 degrees centigrade.
With forecasters predicting a long, hot summer it warns that hot working conditions affect concentration making workers feel tired and as a result more likely to endanger their own or their colleagues' safety.
TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: "No-one is expected to work in sub-zero temperatures but overheated employees are meant to carry on regardless of how high the office temperature soars. We need to see action now, before the impact of climate change is felt and our summers become hotter than ever."
It is well known that printing environments can get hot and uncomfortable for machine operators and others working, during any point of the year, but significantly hotter during peak summer periods which can be exacerbated by the type of materials used in the construction of the building they work within.
This is a reminder that although there is no upper limit on working temperatures, there is a requirement under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, to provide, during working hours, a reasonable temperature. This is one that can be read in many ways!
Therefore, until legislation is drawn up and passed by parliament the BPIF recommends that employers or those who are responsible for workplace safety, review their workplace control measures in areas of concern and consider the following examples to help reduce staff experiencing the effects of fatigue, etc., of those working in hot or high temperature environments.
• display a suitable thermometer within each workplace (requirement under the Welfare regulations) to allow staff to monitor workplace temperature
• increase air flow, by means of mechanical ventilation or by means of opening doors and windows
• shield windows with suitable blinds from direct sunlight
• the use of Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) units over hot processes or electrical equipment generating heat
• enclosing or insulating hot pipes which are in close proximity
• the wearing of light cotton clothing which is loose fitting, but not too loose that it present a hazard when operating machinery
• reduce exposure to the hot area where practicable
• the provision of an electric oscillating fan by the workstation (office/studio environments may consider the use of air conditioning units)
• frequent short breaks in a cool area
• provision of chilled water to help replenish individual body fluid to prevent dehydration
If you require any further information or advice on this topic, please contact your local BPIF Health and Safety Adviser.
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