Download: HSE Heat Stress Risk Checklist

July 10, 2025

Free Download from the HSE

Stay Safe This Summer: Download the HSE Heat Stress Checklist

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stress, especially for those working in environments like construction sites, warehouses, kitchens, or outdoor settings. Prolonged exposure to heat can pose serious health risks and affect productivity, which is why employers and safety officers must stay vigilant.

One simple yet effective tool to help manage this risk is the HSE Heat Stress Checklist a free download to support safer, more informed workplaces.

👉 [Download the HSE Heat Stress Checklist here]

There's no law for maximum working temperature, or when it's too hot to work, because every workplace is different, but you must be sure you are doing all you reasonably can do and assess the risk. Why use the Heat Stress Risk Assessment checklist and see how things are going.

What Is the HSE Heat Stress Checklist?

Created by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), this checklist is a practical tool for assessing the risk of heat stress in the workplace. It walks you through key factors that contribute to heat-related illness, helping you spot potential hazards before they escalate into serious issues.

It includes prompts and considerations around:

Environmental conditions (e.g., air temperature, humidity, ventilation)
Work demands (physical effort, PPE requirements)
Worker health (age, medical conditions, acclimatisation)
Control measures currently in place

Who Should Use the Checklist?

This tool is particularly valuable for:

Health & safety officers
Site supervisors
Facilities managers
HR teams responsible for wellbeing policies

Whether you manage a small team or an entire site, this checklist is a great starting point for reviewing your heat safety protocols.

👉 [Download the HSE Heat Stress Checklist here]

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Do New Electrical Appliances Really Need PAT Testing?

September 9, 2025

Introduction We’ve been hearing this question more and more from customers lately: “Do brand-new appliances still need PAT testing?” It’s a fair question. After all, new equipment usually arrives sealed, with manufacturer labels and testing certificates. But when it comes to safety, compliance, and peace of mind, the answer is a little more nuanced. What the Law Actually Says There is no strict legal requirement that says every appliance must be PAT tested. The law simply requires that employers and duty holders keep electrical equipment safe and properly maintained. That means the responsibility is on you to ensure equipment is safe to use, whether it’s new or not. The law doesn’t prescribe how you do it, but PAT testing is one of the most reliable methods. New Equipment: What Best Practice Looks Like Industry guidance generally states that brand-new equipment does not usually need a full PAT test . A thorough visual inspection is often enough. Why? Because new appliances are supplied as safe. But… there are a few important caveats. Why Some Organisations Still Choose to PAT Test New Appliances Even new items can develop issues before they reach you: Transit damage : knocks, drops, or rough handling. Storage conditions : damp, dust, or stacking problems. Manufacturing faults : rare, but possible. For most offices or low-risk workplaces, a visual check may be sufficient. But in higher-risk environments, like healthcare, construction, or manufacturing, many duty holders choose to test new equipment anyway. It’s about risk, peace of mind, and protecting people. A Risk-Based Approach That Works Low-risk settings (offices, shops, classrooms): Carry out a visual inspection, log the equipment, and move it into service. High-risk or critical settings (workshops, hospitals, factories): Consider a full PAT test even for new appliances, to establish a safe baseline and prevent costly downtime or accidents. Documentation and Competence Matter Whether you perform a visual inspection or a full PAT test, keep a record. This creates a clear audit trail and shows that you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure safety. It’s also important that the person carrying out the inspection or test is competent, trained, knowledgeable, and confident in spotting issues. Conclusion: What’s the Smartest Strategy? In most cases, new appliances don’t require PAT testing, just a solid visual check as part of your risk management process. But remember: if the equipment is critical, the environment is high-risk, or there’s any sign of damage, a PAT test is a small investment in safety and peace of mind.