Frequently asked questions

The following information provides answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is the legal requirement for the temperature of my workplace?

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set no maximum or minimum temperature. They require that 'during working hours, the temperature in all workplaces inside buildings shall be reasonable'.

They recommend that workrooms be at least 16 degrees celsius. This temperature can be reduced to 13 degrees celsius if the work involves severe physical effort.

Am I entitled to a break at work?

Under the 'Working Time Regulations 1998', a worker is entitled to a 20 minute break when their working period is more than 6 hours. This break should be within the working period and not at the start or end of the period.

Young workers are entitled to a 30 minutes break if required to work more than 4 and a half hours at a time.

What is the maximum number of hours a person should work each week?

48 hours is the maximum unless there are certain conditions which apply under the 'Working Time Regulations 1998'.

What is a health and safety poster and what addresses need to be inserted?

There is a duty for an employer to provide information to their employees on their duties and general requirements under health and safety legislation. This may be done by providing a health and safety law poster. This poster may be obtained from any good bookseller, or at http://www.hsebooks.co.uk/ , or by telephoning 01787 881165.

The poster has recently been updated and further information may be obtained on the Health and Safety Executive's website.

Is there a minimum number of toilets a restaurant/take-away is required to have for customers?

Wolverhampton City Council have a local standard in respect to toilet provision for small, unlicensed cafe's, restaurants, canteens etc which were established from 1976 onwards. This standard requires:

Provision of one public toilet and wash-hand basin where there are less than 15 seats for customers (facilities can be shared by males, females, staff and customers)
Provision of one toilet and one wash-hand basin for females and one toilet and one wash-hand basin for males (no separate staff facilities are required) where there are 16-50 seats are provided

Other premises are required by the 'Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992' to provide suitable and sufficient conveniences in readily accessible places.

What first aid provisions does an employer need to provide?

Under the 'Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981' there is the requirement for employers to provide adequate and appropriate equipment, facilities and personnel to enable the provision of first aid. The minimum required is:

suitably stocked first-aid kit
appointed person to take control of first aid arrangements

An assessment should be undertaken to determine the level of provision that is required at each workplace, taking account on previous accidents, whether there are significant risks such as hazardous substances and dangerous equipment, number of employees, nature of the working arrangements and any other specific issues, such as employees with disabilities or illnesses etc.

Are ladders banned?

Under the 'Work at Height Regulations 2005' the use of ladders is not banned. The regulations require the employer to undertake a risk assessment of the use of ladders to determine whether more suitable work equipment should be used for the activity.

Do I need to register my business?

Local Bye-laws require the activities of tattooing (permanent and semi-permanent), acupuncture, electrolysis and cosmetic body piercing to be registered with the Council. Further information may be found on the licensing page.

Do I need to to tell anyone about any refurbishment or construction work planned at a business premises?

You may need to notify the Health and Safety Executive about certain works that are intended to be undertaken. For further information please access the following link http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/cdm/buildingcontrol.htm

Complaints and enquiries

To make an enquiry or complaint online please the online form.

Further information about the Food and Environmental Safety Service and other contact details can be found on our Standards of Service page.