Minimum temperature - health and safety requirements

Ensuring appropriate working conditions in production halls, warehouses and workshops is a key part of complying with health and safety regulations and looking after the health and comfort of employees. One of the main requirements is to maintain a minimum temperature to ensure that work can be done safely. In this article, we will discuss the current regulations on how much the minimum temperature should be, which ones apply in workplaces, and how to EMLO heaters can help meet these requirements, providing comfort at little cost.

Minimum temperature regulations in workplaces - what do you need to know?

According to Polish law, the temperature in workplaces must be adapted to the type of tasks performed and the external conditions. Ordinance of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy of 26 September 1997 on general health and safety regulations at work (Journal of Laws 2003 No. 169, item 1650) specifies in detail the requirements for thermal conditions in different types of workplaces.

Minimum temperatures in workplaces:

14°C - is required, minimum temperature in the production halls and warehouses where heavy physical work is carried out. Workers who undertake intensive physical activities may work at lower temperatures, but the temperature must not fall below this level.
18°C - is the minimum temperature to be provided in workplaces where light physical work is carried out, such as workshops, light warehouses, offices and other work areas.

Employer's responsibility to ensure minimum temperature

Health and safety legislation places a duty on the employer to provide appropriate thermal conditions in the workplace. The employer must organise work in such a way that employees can perform their tasks at temperatures that do not endanger their health. Failure to provide adequate thermal conditions can lead to serious legal and health consequences.

Employers who do not meet minimum temperature standards may be at risk:

Controls and penalties by the State Labour Inspectorate. The PIP regularly inspects working conditions in companies, and failure to ensure minimum temperature standards can result in fines or other financial penalties.
Employee health problemswhich can consequently lead to increased absenteeism from work. Workers exposed to excessively cold temperatures are more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, which affects their productivity and can lead to increased sickness costs for the employer.
Loss of productivity - working at too low a temperature reduces employees' concentration and ability to perform their duties at a high level, which has a negative impact on the efficiency of the entire company.

What exceptions to health and safety temperature regulations apply?

Health and safety regulations allow certain deviations from the minimum temperatures in very specific cases, e.g. where it is not technically possible to achieve the recommended temperatures. This applies, for example, to work carried out out outdoors or in cold stores. In such situations, however, the employer must take other measures to ensure the safety and health of employees, e.g. providing additional breaks in a warmer location or appropriate protective clothing.

Penalties for non-compliance

Failure to comply with occupational health and safety regulations regarding minimum temperatures in workplaces can result in fines or penalties by the State Labour Inspectorate (PIP). Financial penalties can range from several hundred to even tens of thousands of zlotys, depending on the scale of the violations and their impact on the health of employees. In addition, the employer may be held legally liable for neglecting duties that led to illnesses or damage to employees' health.

minimum temperature and its assurance with EMLO heaters

How can EMLO heaters help meet health and safety standards?

One of the best solutions for businesses looking to meet health and safety minimum temperature requirements is to EMLO oil heaters. These units are an efficient, cost-effective and safe way to provide the right thermal conditions in different types of premises. Here's how EMLO heaters can help you achieve health and safety standards:

Rapid heating of large spaces

EMLO heaters have been designed so that they can quickly heat even large areas such as production halls or warehouses. Thanks to the use of infrared technology, the heat spreads evenly and efficiently, providing thermal comfort in both smaller workshops and large storage spaces.

Cost savings

One of the most important aspects of using EMLO heaters is their low fuel consumption of 0.3-0.5 litres per hour, which translates into real savings in daily operation. Oil-fired heaters EMLOs provide efficient heating with minimal fuel consumption, making them cost-effective units ideal for businesses looking to reduce operating costs.

Safety and regulatory compliance

EMLO heaters comply with all safety standards and regulations related to heating in workplaces. They are designed for use in a variety of industrial conditions, making them an excellent choice for businesses who wish to comply with all health and safety requirements relating to workplace temperature.

Ease of use and mobility

EMLO heaters are easy to use and mobile, allowing the heating to be quickly adapted to the current needs in the workplace. The units can be easily moved around depending on where workers are, providing spot heating in the areas that need it most.

Ensuring the right temperature in production halls, warehouses and workshops is not only a legal requirement, but also part of looking after the health and comfort of employees. Health and safety regulations clearly define the minimum temperatures that must be maintained to make the workplace safe and employee-friendly.

Thanks to EMLO oil heaters entrepreneurs can easily meet these requirements while minimising operating costs. By offering fast heating of the warehouse, heating of the production hall, fuel efficiency and mobility, EMLO heaters are the ideal solution for comfortable working conditions. Check out EMLO's range of heaters and invest in your employees' comfort and work efficiency on the website:
www.emlo.com.pl.