& 
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 set the minimum standards for the places people work. They cover the working environment, safety features of the building and the welfare facilities every employer must provide. They apply to most workplaces, including offices, shops, factories, schools and hospitals.
Construction sites are covered separately: site welfare comes under Schedule 2 of CDM 2015, and our guide to construction site set-up explains what that means in practice.
The regulations at a glance
| Regulation | Topic | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Maintenance | The workplace, equipment and systems must be maintained in efficient working order and good repair. |
| 6 | Ventilation | Enclosed workplaces must have a sufficient supply of fresh or purified air. |
| 7 | Temperature | A reasonable temperature indoors during working hours, with thermometers available. |
| 8 | Lighting | Suitable and sufficient lighting, natural where reasonably practicable, with emergency lighting where needed. |
| 9 | Cleanliness | Workplaces, furniture and fittings kept sufficiently clean, and waste not allowed to build up. |
| 10 | Room dimensions | Enough floor area, height and unoccupied space for health, safety and welfare. |
| 11 | Workstations | Workstations suitable for the person and the work, with suitable seating where work can be done sitting. |
| 12 and 17 | Floors and traffic routes | Floors and routes suitable, free from obstructions and organised so pedestrians and vehicles can move safely. |
| 14 to 16 | Windows and glazing | Safety glazing where needed, and windows that can be opened and cleaned safely. |
| 18 and 19 | Doors, gates and escalators | Suitably constructed and fitted with any necessary safety devices. |
| 20 and 21 | Toilets and washing | Suitable and sufficient toilets and washing facilities, readily accessible. |
| 22 | Drinking water | An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, with cups unless it comes from a jet. |
| 23 and 24 | Clothing and changing | Somewhere to store clothing, and changing facilities where special clothing is worn. |
| 25 | Rest and eating | Suitable rest facilities, somewhere to eat meals, and facilities for pregnant and breastfeeding workers to rest. |
Workplace temperature
There is no legal maximum temperature. The Approved Code of Practice says the temperature in workrooms should normally be at least 16°C, or at least 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort. In hot conditions, employers must still keep the temperature reasonable, which in practice means assessing the risk and taking action such as ventilation, shading, cooling, extra breaks and drinking water. Our guide to working in high temperatures covers heat stress in more detail.
Space per person
The ACoP sets a minimum of 11 cubic metres per person in a workroom. When working it out, any part of the room higher than 3 metres is counted as 3 metres. This is a minimum, and furniture, equipment and the type of work may mean far more space is needed.
How many toilets?
| Number of people at work | Toilets | Washstations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 5 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 to 25 | 2 | 2 |
| 26 to 50 | 3 | 3 |
| 51 to 75 | 4 | 4 |
| 76 to 100 | 5 | 5 |
Above 100 people, one more toilet and washstation is needed for every additional 25 people. The ACoP has a separate table where urinals can be counted for men-only toilets.
Rest areas and eating
Workers must have somewhere suitable to rest and eat, with means of preparing hot drinks and heating food where food would otherwise get contaminated or where there is no other way to get a hot meal. Rest areas must be arranged so people who do not smoke are protected from smoke. Facilities must be provided for pregnant and breastfeeding workers to rest, ideally somewhere private where they can lie down.
Who is responsible?
Employers have duties for workplaces under their control, and anyone else who controls a workplace, such as a landlord of shared areas, has duties for the parts they control. In a shared building the landlord and tenants need to agree who maintains what.
Training that helps
Our health and safety induction eLearning and office safety eLearning cover workplace standards for all staff. For managers, IOSH Managing Safely explains how to assess and manage workplace risks, and the NEBOSH National General Certificate covers the Workplace Regulations alongside the wider legal framework.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum temperature at work in the UK?
The Approved Code of Practice says at least 16°C, or 13°C where the work involves rigorous physical effort.
Is there a maximum working temperature?
No. There is no legal maximum, but employers must keep the temperature reasonable and manage the risk of heat stress.
Do the Workplace Regulations apply to construction sites?
No. Welfare on construction sites is covered by Schedule 2 of CDM 2015.
Do employers have to provide drinking water?
Yes. Regulation 22 requires an adequate supply of wholesome drinking water, readily accessible and clearly marked where needed.
How much space does each worker need?
At least 11 cubic metres per person, counting any part of the room above 3 metres as 3 metres.
Read the source
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 and the Approved Code of Practice and guidance L24, Workplace health, safety and welfare, published by HSE. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.
Find a date that works
Every course, every centre, with live availability and prices.
On your site or ours, and group rates on request.
