Workplace Heat Risk Assessment Tool — HSE Six-Factor Framework
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UK summers are getting hotter, and the law is clear: there's no maximum workplace temperature — instead, employers must assess heat as a risk and act on it. This tool helps you do exactly that, properly, in about ten minutes.
Built around the HSE's recognised six-factor thermal comfort framework, it walks you through a structured assessment of your workplace and produces a dated, professional record you can keep on file — the kind of documentation that shows you took your duty seriously.
What it does:
- Guides you through the six HSE heat factors — air temperature, radiant heat, air movement, humidity, clothing/PPE and work rate — plus exposure, hydration and workforce vulnerability
- Gives you a clear risk level (Low to Severe) with the reasoning shown — not a black box
- Generates a prioritised list of recognised control measures matched to your specific risks
- Flags higher-risk workers needing individual assessment, including the legal duty around pregnant and new mothers
- Includes a temperature log, an action checklist with sign-off, and a review-date prompt
- Prints to a clean, professional assessment record for your health & safety file
Why this beats a blank template: free templates hand you an empty form and assume you already know the answers. This tool walks you through the assessment, works out the risk level for you, and tells you which recognised controls apply to your situation — turning guidance into a finished, documented assessment.
Runs entirely in your browser. No account, no subscription, nothing to install. Download it once and it works offline, on any device, forever. Your answers never leave your computer.
This is an assessment aid, not legal advice or a guarantee of compliance. It helps you carry out and document your own assessment using the HSE framework; it does not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment or professional advice. Always verify current guidance at hse.gov.uk and acas.org.uk.
FAQ
Is there a maximum legal temperature for workplaces?
No. UK law sets no maximum workplace temperature. Instead, employers must treat heat as a hazard, assess the risk, and act on it so far as is reasonably practicable. This tool helps you carry out and document that assessment.
What is the HSE six-factor framework, and does this tool use it?
Yes. The assessment is built around the HSE's six basic thermal comfort factors — air temperature, radiant heat, air movement, humidity, clothing/PPE and work rate — and then adds heat-specific factors the basic model doesn't cover, including exposure time, hydration and workforce vulnerability.
Is this a substitute for a professional risk assessment?
No. It's an assessment aid that helps you carry out and document your own assessment using the HSE framework. It does not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment or professional advice, and it isn't a guarantee of compliance. You remain responsible for the assessment and the actions you take.
How is this better than a free heat assessment template?
A free template hands you an empty form and assumes you already know the answers. This tool walks you through the assessment, works out the risk level for you, and tells you which recognised control measures apply to your specific situation — turning guidance into a finished, documented assessment rather than a blank page.
Does it cover higher-risk and pregnant workers?
Yes. The tool flags where your workforce includes higher-risk individuals who need an individual assessment, and highlights the specific legal duty around new and expectant mothers. It records the category only — never an individual's personal health details.
What format is it, and what do I need to run it?
A single self-contained HTML file. Open it in any modern web browser — Chrome, Edge, Safari or Firefox — on a computer, tablet or phone. There's nothing to install, no account and no subscription, and it works offline once downloaded.
Does it store or send my data anywhere?
No. Everything runs locally in your browser. The site details, answers and readings you enter never leave your computer — they exist only in your session until you print or save your assessment.
Can I reuse it for different sites and seasons?
Yes. Run it as many times as you like for different locations, work areas or times of year. Each assessment is independent, and you can print or save a separate dated record for each.
How do I get my completed assessment on paper or as a PDF?
When you reach the result, use the "Print / save as PDF" button. It opens your browser's print dialogue, where you can print directly or choose "Save as PDF" to keep a digital copy for your health & safety file.
Important. This is an assessment aid, not legal advice and not a guarantee of compliance. It helps you carry out and document your own assessment; it does not replace a suitable and sufficient risk assessment or professional advice. Outputs are indicative only and should be checked by a competent person. These tools are the property of drewmitchell.co.uk and are licensed for your own use; they may not be resold or redistributed.
This tool is part of a growing range of practical health & safety templates and tools — built to do the work for you, not hand you a blank form. Each one is an instant download that runs offline on any device, with no account or subscription. Browse all Health & Safety Templates & Tools.
You will instantly receive a confirmation email with your order details and your digital download will follow instantly.
These templates and tools are provided as general aids to help you organise and document your own health and safety arrangements. They are not legal, professional, or safety advice, and they do not guarantee compliance with any law, regulation, or standard.
You are responsible for deciding whether a template or tool is suitable for your specific workplace, activities, and circumstances, and for completing, adapting, and acting on it using competent judgment. Where the law requires a competent person, a formal assessment, or professional advice, you should obtain it.
Where a tool performs calculations or produces figures, ratings, action levels, or other results, those outputs are based on the information you enter and on general guidance, and are indicative only. They are not a site-specific assessment and must be independently checked by a competent person before you rely on or act on them.
Interactive tools run entirely in your browser; they do not store or transmit the data you enter.
These templates and tools are the property of drewmitchell.co.uk. They are licensed for your own use and may not be resold, redistributed, or republished without permission.
drewmitchell.co.uk accepts no liability for any loss, injury, damage, or non-compliance arising from the use of, or reliance on, these materials. Use is entirely at your own risk.