Set of nine information sheets that cover factors that affect how hot or cold we feel, the difference between thermal comfort, stress and discomfort, options for solving thermal problems and methods for assessing the thermal environment.

Table of Contents

1) An introduction to Temperature at work

Information Sheet No. 1
Temperature a complex issue
Overview of these information sheets

2) Factors that influence How hot or cold we feel

Air temperature
Humidity
Radiant heat
Air speed
Physical activity
Clothing
Other factors
How these factors affect you

3) What you need to know about Thermal comfort

What is thermal comfort?
Thermal comfort for people in sedentary occupations
Thermal comfort for people in active occupations

4) What you need to know about Thermal discomfort

What is thermal discomfort?
Should people be allowed to experience thermal discomfort at work?
Is there a maximum and minimum temperature employees should be exposed to?
General and local thermal discomfort
Thermal discomfort in buildings

5) Some basic facts on Thermal stress

What is heat and cold stress?
When should a hot situation be treated as heat stress?
When should a cold situation be treated as cold stress?
Definitions of physical activity
Light physical activity
Medium physical activity
Heavy physical activity
Very heavy physical activity

6) Hot situations Some control options for

Lower the air temperature through . . .
Lower the humidity
Reduce exposure to radiant heat
Increase air speed and movement
Control your activity
Wear suitable clothing for the thermal conditions
Drink plenty of fluids
Administrative controls

7) Cold situations Some control options for

Raise the air temperature through . . .
Humidity
Radiant heat
Decrease excess air speed and draughts
Physical activity
Wear suitable clothing for the thermal conditions
Administrative controls

8) Thermal problems Methods of investigating

Using a thermometer to assess heat and cold
Observing thermal influences in your workplace
Humidity
Radiant heat
Air speed
Physical activity
Clothing
Subjective evaluation of thermal comfort

9) Temperature in workplaces: Legislative aspects

Introduction
Summary of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
Employers' duties
Hazard management
Information for employees
Training of employees
Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995
Regulation 4: Duties in respect of facilities at every place of work