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john mcmorran
Member - 1 post
hi, I work for a large chain of garages and i am based in scotland,
most of the workshops have heaters in them, but recently we bought over a few run down garages with the idea of expansion and these workshops do not have heaters, but we do have heated staffrooms and constant hot drinks.
the mechanics are now begining to ask why they do not have heat in the workshop
and they are saying that if most of the other workshops have them, then so should they, i have taken this up with senior managers and they do not agree.
I have bought all the steff thermals and fleece workwear but they do not think that this is enough, could you please give me some insite into the working rule agreement about heat in the workshop.
(we must have the main doors open at all times)
thank you.
john
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Adrian Waltho
Member - 27 posts
Hi John,
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that "during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable". The Code of Practice that accompanies the Regulations suggests that, in a typical workplace (shops, offices, factories, and so on), the temperature should be at least 16 degrees C. If much of the work requires severe physical effort, the temperature should be at least 13 degrees C.
It may be difficult to justify not providing heaters, if the temperature is falling below a reasonable working temperature. On the whole, personal protective equipment (such as thermals and fleeces) should be seen as a last resort in terms of health and safety. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 does allow employers to balance the risks (of working in the cold, in this case) against the costs, time and inconvenience of providing a remedy, but I would not have thought that the cost of providing heaters would be so great.
I suggest that you get hold of a copy of the HSE guidance 'Thermal comfort in the workplace - guidance for employers' (ISBN 0 7176 2468 4, price £3.50) - available from HSE Books on (01787) 881165. The guidance reminds employers to provide adequate heating; to reduce exposure by separating cold areas from those where people work; and to introduce appropriate working practices and systems.
Hope that helps,
Workplacelaw Network
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