try a search on the subject in the forums but unless things have changed then no there is no maximum working temperature. But equally they can't tell you to put up with it they have to manage the situation. if they are not willing to install air con although buying a cheap DIY ones or hiring one doesn't seem unreasonable especially if it's only during extreme weather. then they should look at providing rest bite from the situation where you can come out of the room to a rest area on a regular basis to re-hydrate and cool down. I'm sure other will be along but try the HSE website as there may be some usefull information on there specific to this issue.

try getting a price for a cheap diy air con unit from a diy store and show him the costs it might cost less than he expected.

Phil

Refer to the HSE information at:-
http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/faq.htm
http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/index.htm

It is unlikely that the temperatures you have indicated will cause "heat stress". Heat stress occurs when the body’s means of controlling its internal temperature starts to fail.

Laura
From the HSE website ....
What is the maximum/minimum temperature in the workplace?
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 lay down particular requirements for most aspects of the working environment

Regulation 7 of these Regulations deals specifically with the temperature in indoor workplaces and states that:

During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable.

However, the application of the regulation depends on the nature of the workplace i.e. a bakery, a cold store, an office, a warehouse.

The associated ACOP goes on to explain:

'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. 'Workroom' means a room where people normally work for more than short periods.

The temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16 degrees Celsius unless much of the work involves severe physical effort in which case the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius. These temperatures may not, however, ensure reasonable comfort, depending on other factors such as air movement and relative humidity.'

Where the temperature in a workroom would otherwise be uncomfortably high, for example because of hot processes or the design of the building, all reasonable steps should be taken to achieve a reasonably comfortable temperature, for example by:

insulating hot plants or pipes;
providing air-cooling plant;
shading windows;
siting workstations away from places subject to radiant heat.
Where a reasonably comfortable temperature cannot be achieved throughout a workroom, local cooling should be provided. In extremely hot weather fans and increased ventilation may be used instead of local cooling.

Where, despite the provision of local cooling, workers are exposed to temperatures which do not give reasonable comfort, suitable protective clothing and rest facilities should be provided. Where practical there should be systems of work (for example, task rotation) to ensure that the length of time for which individual workers are exposed to uncomfortable temperatures is limited.

References
L24, Workplace health, safety and welfare, (ISBN 0717604136 - available from HSE Books)
Thermal comfort microsite

Note the bit on providing air con and making things reasonably comfortable. Perhaps throw a phone call to HSE with a suggestion to visit you on a hot day may also help.

Hope this helps

Badger

I feel that providing fans in some situations is reasonably practicable, as it provides air movement that increases evaporation rate -fans are relatively inexpensive compared to air-con. You state there is no ventilation-do you mean forced ventilation -can you elaborate.

Clairel, I am not aware in my significant experience people wanting "perfect temperature", (have worked inm a local authority too!) and accept that the comfort temperature varies between individuals, but a working environment without natural or forced "air movement" adequate to create evaporative cooling with temperatures in the low thirties is not comfortable by most standards. Our buildings are designed to keep the heat in. Add to that the requirement to keep fire doors closed unless you have fire alarm activated ones, a simple means of opening windows and doors etc to facilitate cross ventilation becomes a challenge!

However, 30 degrees C is nothing compared to 45 degrees C in summer in many parts of the world, yes, without the ait conditioning, but most places have at least ceiling fans !

I'm with Clairel on this one too. Are there not other more significant hazards in their workplace that need to be addressed?

Please look in your PM box for an explanation, posted about an hour ago. Please do not post queries to the Mods on the forums.
Jane

Edited by user 08 June 2010 09:05:10(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I had forgotten we are still living in the Victorian era!!

If over a certain number of staff are complaining about the lack of reasonable temperature then a thermal risk assessment should be carried out.

Being lucky to have a job is irrelevant, you have a job because your employer needs you!!

Lack of ventilation/ air movement can be sorted for a few quid and are hardly going to bankrupt the company!!

WELL SAID THAT PERSON!!!!!
Perhaps we shouldnt complain about having adequate PPE after all we`re lucky to have jobs.
In fact we are so lucky that we should be grateful for employers trying to kill and maim workers considering what it cost to clean up the mess.
Just off to stick a few kids up chimneys, that`ll stop em complaining about heat!!!

Not by me you won't!

I used to work in a bread bakery - at the risk of sounding like a "Monty Python Yorkshireman", we used to dream of 30 degrees in summer! Having said that, in a room without A/C I wouldn't think a fan was unreasonable.

To the OP - what is generating the heat in your cubicle, and does it need to be in there? If you've got computers and amplifiers in there, could they be moved to an alternative location (but obviously keeping the controls where they need to be)? The same might be true of low voltage PSUs for mixing desks, lighting desks etc. Just because the kit needs to be in the cubicle, the power supplies don't necessarily have to be.

Get together with your workmates and see if you can come up with some imaginative solutions to remove (some of) the heat generation at source - if you can present a case to the employer that's low cost (and move expensive equipment to somewhere it can more easily be kept cool), they might be a bit more prepared to have a go.