Thermal Comfort Regulations

It is a well-known fact that employers have a duty of care towards their employees. However, most people are not aware that this also extends to creating a comfortable working environment. In addition, there are number of guidelines and thermal comfort regulations that employers must abide by.

Employee health and well-being is a growing priority in the workplace. This is because it has been proven that employees are most creative and productive when in a healthy environment that meets their needs. BS EN 7730 and the Workplace Regulations both emphasise the importance of keeping staff comfortable.

A workplace which is too hot, too cold or draughty can cause discomfort. Poor temperature control can result in:

• Stress
• Irritability
• Headaches
• Backaches

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), employers are required to:

• Provide a reasonable working temperature – usually at least 16°C (or 13°C for strenuous work)
• Ensure there are no draughts
• Ensure all employees feel ‘comfortable’

The HSE has created a Thermal Comfort Checklist which provides a tool for evaluating the level of thermal comfort in the workplace.

This straightforward checklist can help employers ensure compliance with thermal comfort regulations.

The HSE also outline six methods which should be used to control thermal comfort, one of these being controlling the environment. Within this section they advise that employers should use Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment which can humidify/dehumidify as necessary, increase air movement, provide ventilation and reduce draught discomfort.

This combination of functions creates a thermally comfortable environment.

Improving Thermal Comfort

The Ingenious Air® Small Duct System can help you achieve high levels of thermal comfort in your workplace. The system uses a unique method of air delivery. As a result, air is gently distributed via a series of small air outlets. This ensures an even temperature throughout the work space and there are NO draughts!

Furthermore, the system has a number of optional modules which can further improve the working environment. These options include:

• High specification air purification
• Humidity control
• Outside air ventilation

The Ingenious Air® Small Duct System therefore ticks all the boxes for compliance with thermal comfort regulations.