What is L24?
L24 is the HSE's Approved Code of Practice and guidance for the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. These regulations set minimum standards for the working environment and welfare facilities in most workplaces.
The regulations cover the physical working conditions that affect the health, safety, and welfare of workers, from the air they breathe to the toilets they use. They apply to most workplaces including offices, factories, shops, schools, hospitals, hotels, and places of entertainment.
Who Needs This Document?
L24 is essential for anyone responsible for workplace premises:
- Property managers and facilities managers
- Landlords of commercial premises
- Employers occupying workplaces
- Building owners with responsibilities for maintenance
- Health and safety managers ensuring workplace compliance
- Architects and designers planning new workplaces
- Office managers responsible for workplace conditions
- Anyone in control of premises where people work
Note: The regulations place duties on whoever has control of the workplace, which may be the employer, the owner, the occupier, or any combination.
Key Topics Covered
Working Environment
Ventilation Every enclosed workplace must have effective and suitable ventilation. A sufficient quantity of fresh or purified air must be available.
Temperature Workplaces must maintain a reasonable temperature during working hours. The minimum for sedentary work is 16°C, and for physical work is 13°C.
Lighting Suitable and sufficient lighting must be provided, preferably natural light where reasonably practicable. Emergency lighting may be required.
Cleanliness and Waste Workplaces, furniture, furnishings, and fittings must be kept clean. Waste materials must not accumulate except in suitable receptacles.
Room Dimensions and Space Workrooms must have sufficient floor area, height, and unoccupied space for health, safety, and welfare. Generally, this means at least 11 cubic metres per person.
Safety
Maintenance Workplaces, equipment, devices, and systems must be maintained in efficient working order and good repair.
Floors and Traffic Routes Floors must be suitable, not slippery, and properly drained. Traffic routes must be wide enough and organised to allow safe movement.
Falls and Falling Objects Measures must prevent falls from height and protect against falling objects.
Windows and Transparent Surfaces Windows and doors must be made of safe materials, clearly marked if necessary, and capable of being cleaned safely.
Facilities
Sanitary Conveniences Suitable and sufficient toilets must be provided, properly ventilated and lit.
Washing Facilities Adequate washing facilities including hot and cold water, soap, and drying facilities.
Drinking Water An adequate supply of wholesome drinking water must be readily accessible.
Accommodation for Clothing Suitable provision for workers' own clothing and for changing where necessary.
Rest Areas Suitable rest facilities must be provided, including facilities for eating meals and for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
Legal Status
L24 is an Approved Code of Practice with special legal status. If you are prosecuted for breaching the Workplace Regulations and it can be proved you did not follow the ACOP, a court will find you at fault unless you can show compliance by other means.
Local authorities often enforce these regulations in retail, office, and hospitality premises, while the HSE enforces them in industrial settings.
Why It Matters
The workplace environment directly affects worker health, comfort, and productivity:
- Poor conditions lead to discomfort, illness, and reduced performance
- Inadequate facilities affect worker dignity and wellbeing
- Slips and trips from poor flooring are a leading cause of workplace injury
- Temperature extremes cause discomfort and can be dangerous
- Poor ventilation contributes to illness and disease transmission
Proper compliance ensures:
- Healthier workforce with reduced sickness absence
- Improved productivity through comfortable working conditions
- Legal compliance with basic workplace standards
- Better employee relations through demonstrating care for welfare
- Reduced accidents from well-maintained premises
For property managers and landlords, these regulations define minimum standards that tenants are entitled to expect. For employers, they set the baseline for acceptable working conditions that support a productive and healthy workforce.