Temperatures

Health and Safety legislation states that the temperature in indoor workplaces during working hours shall be reasonable, although the Regulations do not specify a minimum or maximum temperature.

Minimum?

However, in work areas where people work for more than short periods of time, the recommended minimum temperature is generally considered to be at least 16 degrees Celsius. However, the temperature in any workplace will depend upon a number of factors, including the nature of the workplace and the type of work being carried out. In areas where heavy physical work is carried out the temperature should be at least 13 degrees Celsius.

Maximum?

Although there is no maximum temperature stated in the regulations, the acceptable zone of comfort for most persons is roughly between 13°C (56°F) and 30°C (86°F), with acceptable temperatures for more strenuous work activities concentrated towards the bottom end of the range, and more sedentary activities towards the higher end. In areas where the preferred temperature can not be achieved, e.g., kitchens, cold rooms, etc, additional factors can be implemented to achieve a more comfortable environment, including shading of windows, insulation of pipes, air coolers, thermal clothing, etc.

You can see more guidance on this on the Health and Safety Executive pages - Temperature in the workplace

Further advice on how to stay cool during short periods of warm weather during the summer months please read our temperature guidance document, with Estates Department standards at https://www.ed.ac.uk/estates/what-we-do/energy/problems/hot-cold 

Further assistance