Service FAQ questions |

main content Central Health and Safety Unit - FAQs (continued)

What is the maximum working temperature?

There is currently no maximum working temperature. However an employer should take all-reasonable steps to achieve a reasonably comfortable working temperature i.e. allow the opening of windows, fit shades/blinds/thermo film to windows to reduce thermal heat.

If I work outdoors do I need to supply my own outdoor clothing during the winter?

Certain types of clothing are classified as personal protective equipment (PPE) for protection when working in adverse weather conditions. Your employer is required to undertake a risk assessment and supply you with the appropriate PPE, free of charge, to protect you from the elements. In some cases the employer should provide suitable changing and drying facilities so you are able to change out of wet clothing into dry.

What colour should my fire extinguishers be?

In 1997 EU legislation required the body of all extinguishers to be RED with a coloured identification label to differentiate between types, Red, water; Blue, dry powder; Cream, foam; Black, CO².

It did not require existing UK coloured extinguishers to be replaced immediately but phased out as they became unserviceable. As a result you will find in some workplaces there is a mixture of the old UK coloured extinguishers and the newer EC red ones.

For further information on fire extinguishers visit the London Fire Brigades web site www.london-fire.gov.uk or the Fire Protection Association www.thefpa.co.uk.

Reputable suppliers of extinguishers are fixing labels to the wall adjacent to EC coloured extinguishers informing the user of the extinguishers intended use. Red, paper, wood, fabric; Blue, flammable liquid, electrical; Cream, flammable liquid; Black, electrical.

How often am I required to carry out a fire evacuation drill?

The Fire Precautions (Workplace) Regulations require a fire evacuation drill to be undertaken once a year and the result recorded.

If the public visit your premises a second drill per year should be undertaken that would include evacuation of the public and the results recorded.

The record should include the date of the drill, number of persons evacuated, the time taken and any comments regarding the circumstances of the evacuation i.e. any sounders that failed, weather conditions, etc.