Written question asked by George Osborne (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 July 2004. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what plans the Health and Safety Executive has to set a maximum working temperature.

Answer: Mr. George Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans the Health and Safety Executive has to set a maximum working temperature. [186151] Jane Kennedy: The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will not be setting a maximum working temperature, as, due to the diversity of workplaces and work activities, it would be impractical to do so. Temperature is but one of a range of environmental and personal factors that thermal comfort in the workplace is dependant upon. Other factors include ventilation, humidity, radiant temperature, clothes worn, and the type of work involved. However, HSE do have plans to explore ways in which more guidance can be provided on the assessment and control of thermal comfort, and officials are currently considering possible approaches to a proposed dialogue on the matter with social partners.

Secondary information