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The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992

These regulations were made to implement the European Directive on the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace. A workplace for these purposes is defined very widely to include any part of non-domestic premises to which people have access while at work and any room, lobby, corridor, staircase or other means of access to or exit from them. The main exceptions to these rules are construction sites, means of transport, mines and quarries and other mineral extraction sites.

The main requirements are summarized below and are expressed only in general terms.

Health – The Working Environment

Ventilation

Ventilation must be effective in enclosed areas, and any plant used for this purpose must incorporate warning devices to signal breakdowns which might endanger health or safety.

A reasonable temperature

A reasonable temperature must be maintained during working hours and sufficient thermometers must be provided to enable people at work to determine the temperature in any workroom. The temperature should be comfortable without the need for special clothing. Temperature should be at least 16C, or where strenuous effort is involved 13C.

Lighting

Lighting must be suitable and sufficient. This should be natural lighting so far as is reasonably practicable.

Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting shall be provided where persons are especially exposed to danger if artificial light fails. Lights should avoid glare and dazzle and should not they cause a hazard. They should not be obscured and be properly maintained.

Workplaces, furniture & fittings

Workplaces, furniture and fittings should be kept sufficiently clean. Surfaces inside buildings shall be capable of being kept sufficiently clean.

Floors

Floors should not be slippery and wall surfaces should not increase fire risks

Wastes

Waste should not be allowed to accumulate, except in suitable receptacles and should be kept free from offensive waste products and discharges.

Room dimensions

Room dimensions have to allow adequate unoccupied space to work in and to move freely. 11m3 minimum per person is required, excluding anything over 3m high and furniture etc.

Workstations

Workstations shall be suitable for any person in the workplace who is likely to work at that workstation and for any work that is likely to be done there.

Outside workstations

Outside workstations shall provide, so far as is reasonably practicable, protection from adverse weather; adequate means of escape in emergencies; and ensure that no person is likely to slip or fall.

Seating

Seating shall be provided where work can or must be done sitting and shall be suitable for the person as well as the work. A footrest shall be provided where necessary.

Safety – Accident Prevention

Maintenance
The workplace and equipment, devices and systems shall be maintained (including cleaned as appropriate) in an efficient state, efficient working order and in good general repair, and where appropriate subject to a system of maintenance. This generally means pro active rather reactive maintenance. Systems include ventilation, emergency lighting, safety fences, window cleaning devices; moving walkways are all given as examples.

Floors & Traffic Routes

Floors and the surface of traffic routes shall be suitably constructed for their intended purpose and free of slope and holes (unless fenced). They should not be uneven or slippery. The traffic routes should be of adequate width and height to allow people and vehicles to circulate safely with ease and they should be kept free of obstructions.

Additional precautions are necessary where pedestrians have to cross or share vehicle routes. Open sides of staircases should be fences with an upper rail 900mm or higher and a lower rail. Loading bays should have exits or refuges to avoid people getting crushed by vehicles.

Falls and falling objects
Measures shall betaken to prevent or control risks, so far as is reasonably practicable, to people, arising out of falling a distance likely to cause injury; and/or being struck by a falling object likely to cause injury. Any areas where such risks exist shall be clearly marked.

Tanks, pits

Where there is a risk of falling into a tank, pit or structure containing a dangerous substance that is likely to:

• Scald or burn
• Be poisonous or corrosive
• Have an asphyxiating gas fume or vapour
• Have any granular or free flowing substance likely to cause harm
• Measures must be taken to securely fence or cover the tank, pit or structure.

Ladders and roofs

Attention is drawn to precautions for persons working on the roofs, or climbing on vehicles. Advice is given on the use of fixed ladders, stacking, racking and the temporary removal of fences

Glazing

Windows and transparent doors and partitions must be appropriately marked and protected against breakage.

Windows

Windows and skylights must open and close safely, and must be arranged so that people may not fall out of them. They must be capable of being cleaned safely.

Traffic routes

Pedestrians and vehicles must be able to circulate safely. Separation should be provided between vehicles and doors, gateways and common routes.

Doors and Gates

Doors, gates and moving walkways have to be of sound construction and fitted with appropriate safety devices.

Welfare – Provision of facilities

Sanitary conveniences and washing facilities

Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences and washing facilities should be provided at readily accessible. The facilities must be kept clean, adequately ventilated and lit. Washing facilities should have running hot and cold or warm water, soap and clean towels or other method of cleaning or drying. If necessary, showers should be provided. Men and women should have separate facilities unless each facility is a separate room with a lockable door and is for use by only one person at a time.

Drinking Water

An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, with an upward drinking jet or suitable cups, should be provided. Water should only be supplied in refillable enclosed containers where it cannot be obtained directly from a mains supply.

Accommodation

Adequate suitable and secure space should be provided to store workers’ own clothing and special clothing. The facilities should allow for drying clothing. Changing facilities should also be provided for the workers who change into special work clothing.

Facilities to rest and to eat meals

Suitable and sufficient, readily accessible, rest facilities should be provided. Arrangements should include suitable facilities to eat meals; adequate seats with backrests and tables; means of heating food (unless hot food is available nearby) and making hot drinks.

Canteens or restaurants

Canteens and restaurants may be used as rest facilities provided there is no obligation to purchase food.

Suitable rest facilities

Suitable rest facilities should be provided for pregnant women and nursing mothers. They should be near sanitary facilities and where necessary, include the facility to lie down.

Non-smokers

Non-smokers should be protected from discomfort caused by tobacco smoke in rest areas and rest rooms.