Working Temperatures

[sab3105]

I know there are guidelines for working temperatures within an office/factory environment but are there any guidelines for acceptable working temperatures when working outside?

[buildersmate]

None that I know of - for obvious reasons.
Your employer has a duty of care to make sure that the working environment is safe. So if temperature is a factor, it must find appropriate methods to assure that the work can be carried out in a safe manner.
Staff in food depots work inside freezer units at minus 20 degrees C, but have appropriate protective clothing.
Talk to your boss if you have concerns about what you are being asked to do outside just now in these cold temperatures - but there aren't Regs to quote.

[sab3105]

Just as I thought - thanks for the confirmation.

[danchip]

it depends what you are doing outside

[sab3105]

It's my husband actually, who is working in the construction industry

[danchip]

again it depends what part of the construction industry and what activity he is carrying out

[sab3105]

OK - he's a steel erector, erecting secondary steel work. Manhandling large panels to the external framework of buildings

[buildersmate]

Sounds dangerous to me in cold weather.

[Twenty20]

I'm sure he has gloves and other protective, insulating gear to wear?

I'm not sure what you would expect his employer to be doing anyway?

[buildersmate]

Undertake a risk assessment for the job under the physical conditions imposed?

[sab3105]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think he has enough information now. Basically, it's cold, wrap up, be safe and get over it or, if you don't like it get a job indoors ;o)

[ELVIS68]

We were talking about this at work the other night and someone said you are entitled to a break every 2 hours if it drops to a certain temperature, This might just be Railway rules but what`s the point when you`re on the track miles from anywhere freezing your nuts off