Lighting, noise and temperature: getting the environment right

For meaningful, safe procedures to be undertaken in any workplace, the correct working conditions must be provided for staff, and the laboratory environment is no exception. In particular, temperature, noise and lighting must be controlled and monitored correctly, not only from a health and safety viewpoint, but also to ensure that laboratory staff are comfortable in their working surroundings. The primary legislation covering occupational health and safety is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 (HASAWA); however, The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 also lays down specific requirements for most aspects of the conditions of the day-to-day working environment.

Keep your cool
Regulation 7 of HASAWA deals specifically with temperature in indoor workplaces and states that: “During working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable”. The Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) also suggests the minimum temperature indoors should normally be at least 160C, or 130C if the work is strenuous. Although these temperatures are not legal requirements, the employer’s duty is to determine what ‘reasonable comfort’ will be in particular circumstances. In addition to the Workplace Regulations, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require employers to make a suitable assessment of the risks to the health and safety of their workers and to take action where necessary and where reasonably practicable. To facilitate this, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that employers should consult with employees or their representatives to establish sensible means to cope with high or cold temperatures.

Factors such as heat stress, thermal comfort and dehydration need to be considered, as do the problems posed by the requirement for laboratory staff to wear additional personal protective equipment (PPE) such as an approved laboratory coat. However, wearing PPE in extremely hot conditions can contribute to an increase in the heat being generated inside the body, which in turn may increase the risk of heat stress. Removing the PPE, or not wearing it correctly, may not be an option, because to do so would expose laboratory staff to the hazard that the PPE is intended to protect them from. It may be possible, however, to re-evaluate laboratory PPE as newer, lighter alternatives become available to provide improved levels of protection and operator comfort during hot conditions. In exceptional circumstances, however, the relaxing of formal dress code could be introduced, but managers must ensure that PPE is always provided and worn correctly.