What minimum and maximum temperatures should apply in the workplace?
Regulation 7 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 states: “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.” Effectively, this means that the temperature should be comfortable without the need for special clothing. This will depend on air temperature, radiant heat, air movement and humidity. In an office environment where the work is relatively sedentary, the temperature should normally be at least 16°C. If the work involves physical effort it should be at least 13°C. There is no official maximum temperature, although guidance as to what is deemed reasonable was given in BS 7179: Part 6 1990 (now superceded by BS EN ISO 9241-6), which recommends a maximum temperature of 23°C for normal office work. When work is carried out in hot or cold environments, personal and environmental factors will need to be considered as part of a risk assessment.
