Q&A – What is the minimum temperature in a changing room?
If employees need to change at work, employers are obliged to provide changing rooms. But are there any specific rules for temperature control in changing rooms?
In short
While the law lays down specific rules around the minimum temperature in workplaces, the rules around the temperature in changing rooms are less strict. Legally, as an employer, you must carry out a risk analysis of thermal environmental factors. This can be used to determine, among other things, an appropriate temperature for the changing room, which should be safe and healthy for every employee.
What is stipulated by law?
Up until 2012, the ARAB (Article 64 of Title II) imposed minimum temperatures
for specific premises. The limits depended on the type of indoor activity.
For example, ‘rooms where people wearing little or no clothes rest or engage in very light physical activity’ had a minimum temperature of 23°C. Changing rooms fall into this category.
But the legislation from the ARAB was scrapped several years ago. As a result, strict rules around the minimum temperature in changing rooms no longer apply. The Codex does impose minimum temperatures for workplaces according to the physical workload.
The temperature should not be lower than:
- 18°C for very light work
- 16°C for light work
- 14°C for semi-heavy work
- 12°C for heavy work
- 10°C for very heavy work
How do I determine the right temperature?
A specific minimum temperature for changing rooms is not prescribed by law, but employers are required to provide conditions that are comfortable and suitable for the intended use. A risk analysis of thermal environmental factors helps employers determine those conditions.
These factors should not be missing from the analysis:
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Air flow rate
- Thermal radiation caused by the sun or technological heat source
- Physical strain of employees
- Properties of (work) clothing and PPE
Tip: Also take seasonal fluctuations into account in the risk analysis.
Use the SOBANE strategy
With the SOBANE strategy, you examine all the technical, organisational,
and human factors that can help influence exposure to thermal environmental factors. Based on the results, you determine what the ideal temperature is for each room. You can find the brochure and help sheets here (in Dutch or French).
Check the regional and sectoral guidelines
The law may differ by region and sector, so you would do well to consult regional legislation and sectoral regulations. Collective labour agreements (CLAs) may also mention specific guidelines around the appropriate temperature in changing rooms.
Would you like to conduct a risk analysis through Mensura?
A well-managed thermal environment essential for employees’ health and comfort. You can map out the thermal environmental factors in your organisation with a focused risk analysis. Our experts will be happy to help you with this.
Please contact us using the form below.