Heating in Care Home

[Eastender]

Hi I work in a Care Home which is a very large building with 16 Bedrooms, being occupied by elderly residents. The owners have now put the heating on a timing device, so the heating is on from 6.30am-9.30pm. I work night shift and the place is cold even for me, so you can guess the residnts dont want to get out of bed. There must be some sort of law that prevents this? They have also put the Water Urn on a timer. Can anybody help with me question? I think its outrageous. Before I start making waves, I would like to know the legal requirements. Thanks

[daffy654]

Do you have any idea of the actual temperature in the care home when the heating is off?
Employers have a duty to make sure the temperature of any workplace is between set limits.
http://www.hse.gov.uk.../faqs/temperature.htm

[Eastender]

Thanks for answering so quickly. I am going to take a thermonitor in with me. I will check out your site. Thanks again.

[madmaggot]

I would have thought that a care home should have a barometer or room thermostat! Have you got a trades union? They might be the best to advise on this.

[Eastender]

Thats what I meant (been a long night lol) No trade union either. The owners have put a notice on the boiler room door that no one is to enter and muck about with the heating!! I think my best bet maybe get in touch with local inspection board direct. Thanks anyway

[daffy654]

The health and safety executive will help if you find the temp is below the minimum of 16c.Report to them if this is the case.

[lizzydrippin]

Just wanted to say how pleased I am that there are folk like you around who are not prepared to just stick on an extra jumper and turn a blind eye (for fear of repercussions etc). So well done to you and good luck with it!