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Posted By Mike Hann
I have recently visited a warehouse which currently has no heating of any kind where the temperature has been recorded as minus 3 degrees during the evening / night. The warehouse stores non-perishable goods mainly palletised, within storage racking with some being bulk stacked.
There are a number of VNA / CB trucks in use with operatives working on a 8 hour 3 shift / 5 day pattern.
Cold weather clothing is supplied to all personnel.
My question is as follows:
Is the requirement in the Welfare Regs absolute in terms of achieving the stated 16 (or 13) degrees?
Many thanks in advance for any advice or assistance with this.
Mike
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Posted By Bob Shillabeer
Regulation 7 of the Workplace Regulations states that the temperature of an indorr workplace shall be reasonable. The operative wording here is reasonable. For instance if the room being worked in is subject to the doors being open a lot it is dificult to maintain the temperature above 16 degress.
In workplaces where the temperature cannot be maintained at 16 degrees consideration should be given to providing warm clothing and allowing adequate breaks for employees to be able to get themselves warm and working in cold areas should be minimised whenever possible. This may include using some form of portable heating to allow employees to warm themeselves as necessary.
I suggest reading Regulation 7 of the Workplace Regs and the code of practice it contains.
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Posted By Ron Hunter
This would seem unreasonable. You say there is no heating of any kind - does this include rest and welfare areas?
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Posted By Brando
I have worked / come across many warehouses like the one you mention.
Heating is not a "must have" but you need to issue suitable protective clothing and make sure that people take breaks in warm areas.
The regulations on temperatures are not as prescriptive as they appear on first reading.
Brando
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Mike Hann
Many thanks for the responses so far.
Bob - Thanks for your thoughts which I note and I shall re-read the relevant regs etc.
Ron - Rest and welfare areas do have heating.
Brando - Cold weather clothing is issued, although sometimes cumbersome to work in.
All other thoughts and comments very welcome.
Thank you.
Mike
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