NEBOSH Work Environment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum workplace temperature for sedentary work as recommended by the Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace Regulations?
- 13°C
- 16°C (Correct answer)
- 19°C
- 21°C
Correct answer: 16°C
The Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 recommends a minimum temperature of 16°C for sedentary work (such as office work). For work involving severe physical effort, the minimum is 13°C. These are not absolute legal limits but ACoP guidance carries significant weight.
Question 2: Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, which of the following welfare facilities must an employer provide?
- A gymnasium and shower facilities
- Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, and drinking water (Correct answer)
- A staff canteen with hot meals
- Individual offices for all employees
Correct answer: Suitable and sufficient sanitary conveniences, washing facilities, and drinking water
The Workplace Regulations 1992 (Regulations 20-22) require employers to provide suitable and sufficient toilets, washing facilities (including hot and cold running water, soap and drying facilities), and an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water. These are non-negotiable minimum welfare requirements.
Question 3: What does Regulation 7 of the Workplace Regulations require regarding workplace temperature?
- A temperature of exactly 20°C must be maintained at all times
- The temperature during working hours must be reasonable, and a sufficient number of thermometers must be provided (Correct answer)
- Air conditioning must be installed in all workplaces
- Windows must be openable in all work areas
Correct answer: The temperature during working hours must be reasonable, and a sufficient number of thermometers must be provided
Regulation 7 requires that the temperature in workplaces during working hours is reasonable, and that a sufficient number of thermometers are provided to enable workers to determine the temperature. The ACoP then provides the guidance figures of 16°C and 13°C.
Question 4: What minimum workspace volume per person does the Approved Code of Practice recommend?
- 5 cubic metres
- 8 cubic metres
- 11 cubic metres (Correct answer)
- 15 cubic metres
Correct answer: 11 cubic metres
The ACoP to the Workplace Regulations recommends a minimum of 11 cubic metres per person in a workroom. This calculation should exclude any space more than 3 metres above floor level and should account for furniture and fittings that reduce usable space.
Question 5: Which regulation within the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 deals with ventilation?
- Regulation 5 — maintenance of workplace
- Regulation 6 — ventilation (Correct answer)
- Regulation 8 — lighting
- Regulation 10 — room dimensions and space
Correct answer: Regulation 6 — ventilation
Regulation 6 requires that every enclosed workplace is ventilated by a sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air. Where mechanical ventilation is used, it must include an effective warning device to alert occupants to system failure.
Question 6: Under the Workplace Regulations, what provision must be made for workers who eat meals at work where no canteen exists?
- No provision is required if there is no canteen
- A suitable and sufficient rest facility must be provided, which includes facilities to eat meals, including the means to prepare or obtain hot drinks (Correct answer)
- Workers must be allowed to eat at their workstations
- The employer must provide vouchers for external food outlets
Correct answer: A suitable and sufficient rest facility must be provided, which includes facilities to eat meals, including the means to prepare or obtain hot drinks
Regulation 25 requires that suitable and sufficient rest facilities are provided at readily accessible places, including facilities to eat meals. Where hot food cannot be obtained in or reasonably near the workplace, the means for heating food must be provided. Facilities for making hot drinks must also be available.
NEBOSH Work Environment 1
What is the minimum workplace temperature for sedentary work as recommended by the Approved Code of Practice to the Workplace Regulations?