Workplace Temperature

The regulatory requirements for workplace temperatures are set by the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which replaced the requirements under the Factories Act 1961 and the Offices, Shops and Railways Premises Act 1963. Under the regulations it states that the temperature of indoor workplaces should be reasonable.

The Approved Code of Practice defines a reasonable temperature indoors as being normally at least 16°C unless the work involves severe physical work in which case the temperature should be at least 13°C. Where there are requirement for workrooms to operate at lower temperatures for example for food hygiene purposes you should refer to the chilled food advice.

These regulations only apply to employees they do not apply to members of the public, for example with regard temperature complaints from customers in a shopping centre or cinema.

For more information on workplace health and safety and courses which raise employee awareness of workplace health, please see our health and safety courses section.