Workplace regulations
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
apply to most workplaces.
These Regulations consolidate and expand many of the old
requirements laid down in the Factories Act 1961 and Offices Shops
and Railway Premises Act 1963.The Approved Code of Practice on the
Regulations lists their requirements in detail. Basic Requirements
of the Workplace Regulations include:
- Maintenance:The workplace and equipment should
be maintained in an efficient state and in good repair (for reasons
of safety). There should be a system of maintenance for equipment
and devices in use in the business where necessary. Examples of
equipment would include emergency lighting, fences and anchorage
points for safety harnesses.
- Ventilation:There should be a sufficient
quantity of fresh or purified air to ventilate enclosed workplaces.
Fresh air supply rate should not normally fall below 5 to 8 litres
per second per occupant.
- Temperature: If a room is used more than short
periods of time, then a reasonable temperature (normally
16°C/60.8°F) should be maintained during working hours. Provision
of thermometers is required for use by staff. Where uncomfortable
conditions cannot be avoided, access to a rest room should be made
available.
- Lighting:In all workplaces there should be
suitable and sufficient natural lighting, where reasonably
practicable. Emergency lighting should be provided where failure of
normal lighting would cause danger. Lighting should be sufficient
so that people can move around the building safely. In particular,
staircases should be shadow free. Dazzling lights and glare should
be avoided.
- Cleanliness:Workplaces (walls, floors
ceilings) and furnishings should be kept clean. The standard of
cleanliness should be appropriate to what is going on in the room.
Waste materials should be stored in receptacles.
- Space:There should be sufficient floor area,
height and unoccupied space in a workroom. This is usually taken to
be a minimum of 11 cubic metres per person (any height above 3
metres is discounted). When there is furniture in the room there
must still be enough space left for people to move around with
ease.
- Workstations:These should be suitable for the
worker and work. Suitable seats are required where necessary and
there should be sufficient space around the workstation to enable
the work to be carried out in a safe manner.
- Floors:These should be suitable for their
environment especially if outside or in wet conditions. They should
not be so uneven or slippery so as to present risk. Arrangements
should be made for the removal of spillage and obstructions as soon
as possible.
- Falls:Protection from falls and falling
objects should be provided where reasonably practicable. If there
is a significant risk that a person could fall from a height of 2
metres or above, a secure fence should be provided.
- Windows:Windows and glazed doors should be of
safety material where danger could occur i.e. usually where the
glazing is below shoulder level in doors and below waist level in
windows. Large areas of glass that could be walked into should be
marked. Provision should be made so that window cleaning can be
carried out safely e.g. tilt and turn windows; fixing points for
harnesses.
- Traffic Routes:Safe routes should be organised
for pedestrian and vehicles in workplaces. Traffic routes should be
indicated as necessary and have sensible speed limits. Speed
reducing road humps may be required.
- Escalators (and moving roadways):These must
function safely. Safety devices and emergency stop controls should
also be provided.
- Sanitary Conveniences and Washing
Facilities:Toilets are to be ventilated and kept clean and
be complete with washing facilities that should have hot and cold
water. Showers may be needed in exceptional circumstances. The
number of facilities that must be provided are given in the
Approved Code of Practice referred to below.
- Drinking Water:A supply of wholesome drinking
water with cups is required. Non-drinking water supplies should be
so marked.
- Clothing:Clothing accommodation is required
where wet outdoor clothing can dry out during the working day.
Changing facilities should be provided where special clothing is
worn.
- Rest Facilities:These should be suitable and
sufficient to take a break and to eat meals, where meals are
regularly eaten in the workplace. There should be separate
facilities for non smokers and smokers.
- Facilities are required for pregnant and nursing mothers to
rest.
For information and advice on health and safety in the workplace
and workplace regulations please contact Health and
Environment on 01653 600666 ext 359.