WORKSHOPS
GENERAL (COMMON TO ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL AND WOODWORKING
WORKSHOPS)
VOLUME PER WORKER
Current HSE Guidance states a minimum allowance of 11m 3 per person; heights above 3m
are not counted towards the calculation of this volume. Note circulation space, including the
space required for back to back working, and for equipment is also excluded from this
calculation.
However this volume should be regarded as the minimum allowance, as the actual space
any person needs for their work must be based on an individual assessment which takes
account of:
• the nature of the work,
• the ergonomics of equipment use,
• any risks arising from the work,
• how well the allocated space will be managed, e.g. not overcrowded with other
(co)workers and equipment.
As a guide a value closer to 18m 3 per one person may be a reasonable compromise
between excessive workspace and a too constricted work area.
Based on the above, the value of 18m 3 per one person, should be applied.
Safety Services recommended practice
NB the smaller the room is, the greater is the potential for heat gain.
FLOORING
Floor and traffic routes must be of sound construction and have adequate strength and
stability taking account of the loads placed on them by heavy machinery.
A smooth surface is required to allow easy movement of trolleys and equipment.
Where leakage or spillage of oil or cutting fluid is likely to occur around machines etc., a slip
resistant surface must be used.
Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regs. 12, 1992
Pits and sumps require covers which will be capable of supporting all loads liable to be
imposed upon them, and any traffic which is liable to pass over them. They must be of a
type that cannot be readily detached and removed, and must not be capable of being easily
displaced.
based on Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regs. 13, 1992
Slopes should be no steeper than 1:10 to enable the movement of heavy or bulky loads.
Moderate and steep slopes, and ramps if used by disabled persons, must be provided with a
secure handrail where necessary.
Safety Services recommended practice
LAYOUT
Machines must be installed with due regard to their interaction with other machines and the
requirement of the process.
Space must be provided around each machine to allow clear separation for passing traffic
and for the storage of tools and work in progress.
BS 5304
UCL Safety Services
Consideration must be given for access to the machine to allow sufficient space for work,
maintenance, and cleaning, taking into account the full projection of the machine.
Recommended allowances are as follows: 500mm working space around the equipment,
1.5m if there is an escape/circulation route behind the worker, or 2.0m where workers work
back to back.
Safety Services recommended practice based on BS 5304
Benches must be provided for staff to work at, these must be robust enough to support
heavy pieces of equipment and easily accessible for handling equipment.
Workshops require a suitable area for storage of materials with easy access for loading,
unloading and cutting.
Safety Services recommended practice
SERVICES
Service pipes and cables such as electrical power cables, compressed air lines or hydraulic
systems must be placed either below ground clear of the machinery foundations and
provided with covers of adequate strength, or at such a height as to have clear headroom;
the traversing of gangways must be avoided.
BS 5304
Emergency power cut outs must be provided and positioned to ensure quick and easy
access to them.
BS 5304
LIFTING EQUIPMENT
Lifting appliance suspension points must be built in to facilitate maintenance where
practicable.
Lifting equipment is sufficiently strong, stable and suitable for the proposed use, and marked
to indicate its working load.
Lifting equipment is positioned to minimise the risk of injury, e.g. from the equipment or the
load falling or striking people.
Lifting equipment is thoroughly examined for any defect before it is put into service for the
first time (unless it is new and is covered by an EC declaration of conformity, which is less
than 12 months old).
Where the safety of lifting equipment depends on installation conditions. It must be
thoroughly examined after installation and before being put into use for the first time.
Periodic thorough examinations are also required at six months intervals for accessories
(chains, slings, eyebolts etc.) and equipment used for lifting people, and at least annually for
all other equipment; or at intervals laid down in an examination scheme drawn up by a
competent person.
Lifting Operations and Lifting Regulations 1998
LIGHTING
Poor lighting is often a factor in accidents and can also increase visual fatigue
The employer must provide:
Good light - use natural light where possible, but try to avoid glare.
A good level of local lighting at workstations where necessary.
Suitable forms of lighting (fluorescent tubes operating at mains frequency may be dangerous
with rotating machinery when the rotating part can appear to have stopped).
Special fittings for flammable and explosive atmospheres, e.g. in spray booths, to reduce risk
of ignition and explosion.
* Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992
UCL Safety Services
VENTILATION
Where machinery gives rise to hazardous or objectionable levels of mist, fumes or dust; such
as welding, de-greasing, electro-plating etc., containment or suitable extraction equipment
must be provided.
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regs. 1999
The levels of exposure to mist, fumes and dust must comply with the exposure limit values
for long and short term exposure as defined in the current issue of the HSE Guidance Note
EH 40.
Fans and/or additional air inlets (at low level) and outlets (at high level) maybe needed in
workshops where there are no means of ventilation other than air leakage in and out and
where:
Work generates hazardous airborne pollutants
Workshops have been sealed to conserve energy.
Provide at least Five litres/second per occupant (eight is recommended for comfort) and air
movement of at least 0.1 to 0.15 metres/second.
Measure velocities, using specialist help if needed, at input ducts (to calculate air flow
inwards) and inside workshops (to calculate air movements)
HSG 129
Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992
COMPRESSORS
Siting of air compressors must allow for access to service and maintain them. They should
be out of the main working area to minimise noise problems, but not in a position where they
are exposed to a harsh environment where corrosion may occur.
There must be a written scheme for examination of certain pressure vessels, such as air
receivers, steam boilers, fittings and pipework, drawn up and examined by a competent
person. Records must be kept.
Pressure Systems and Transportable Gas Regs. 6 1989
SANITATION
The employer must provide
Suitable and Sufficient (and adequate ventilated and lit) sanitary conveniences and (nearby)
Washing facilities kept clean and orderly.
Separate rooms for men and women, except where they are for the use of one person and
are capable of being secured from inside.
Hot and cold, or warm water with means of cleaning and drying are required for workshop
staff.
Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992
Room must be provided to change clothes, and lockers to keep work clothes separate from
own clothes.
Workplace Health Safety and Welfare Regulations. 24, 1992
Safety Services Reference(s):
Workshops
First Published
Reviewed
UCL Safety Services
December 2001
May 2002