A kitchen heats up with the hobs; a cold room cools down. In the dining room, on the other hand, air conditioning and terraces bring other problems. The thermal environment and noise are part of daily work and of the risk assessment.
What the regulation sets
Real Decreto 486/1997 sets the following conditions for enclosed workplaces:
- Temperature for sedentary work (such as offices): between 17 and 27 °C.
- Temperature for light work: between 14 and 25 °C.
- Relative humidity: between 30 and 70 % (50 to 70 % if there is a risk of static electricity).
In a kitchen, the heat from the equipment makes it hard to maintain these values. That is why the employer must assess heat stress and look for solutions: smoke and air extraction, ventilation, insulating the equipment that gives off the most heat, task rotation and breaks.
Heat stress
The INSST points out that in hospitality heat stress appears when unloading goods, in the kitchen and during service.
Warning signs:
- Excessive sweating, thirst, cramps.
- Tiredness, dizziness, headache.
- Very hot skin, confusion, fainting.
Heatstroke is an emergency. If a person is very hot, confused or unconscious, call 112, take them to a cool place, loosen their clothing and cool them with water until the medical services arrive.
How to prevent it:
- Drink water often, without waiting to feel thirsty.
- Take breaks in a cool place.
- Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable footwear.
- Alternate hot tasks with calmer ones.
- If you are new to the kitchen or are back from holiday, acclimatise gradually.
Terraces and outdoor work
Real Decreto 486/1997 includes a provision, added by Real Decreto-ley 4/2023, for people who work outdoors or in places that cannot be closed off. The employer must take measures against extreme heat and other adverse weather, according to the risk assessment. When AEMET (Spain's State Meteorological Agency, or the competent regional body) issues an orange or red warning and those measures are not enough, adapting the working conditions is mandatory, including reducing or changing the working hours.
Cold and cold rooms
- Refrigeration and freezer rooms require suitable warm clothing, gloves and footwear, and the employer must limit the time spent inside.
- The door must be able to be opened from the inside, and there must be an emergency alarm. Check this before you go in for the first time.
- Do not close the door with another person inside without telling them, and do not block it or leave it badly shut.
- The floor may have ice: wear non-slip footwear and avoid running.
- If you have been sweating and then go into the cold, you cool down very quickly. Change out of wet clothes before going in.
- A person alone in a cold room must be reachable.
Sudden changes
Moving many times from the heat of the kitchen to the cold of the cold room, or to air conditioning, can cause respiratory and muscle discomfort. Cover up when you come out and avoid draughts on your neck.
Noise
Kitchens with extractor fans, dishwashers, bars and nightclubs can be noisy. Noise tires, stresses and, if it is very loud and continuous, damages hearing. If your employer's noise assessment shows high values, you have the right to hearing protection, to information and to health surveillance.
Lighting and ventilation
In storerooms, cellars or back rooms, good light prevents knocks and falls. In any workplace, the air must be renewed; if the extractor in a kitchen is not working, tell someone.