QUIZ: Am I Running a Foundry?

I try to avoid getting political on this blog, but over the past few weeks a particular issue has become very close to my heart: UK maximum workplace temperatures.

You see, despite regular TUC recommendations that UK workplaces introduce maximum legal working temperatures alongside the pre-existing legal minimum, objections have been raised and the legislation is repeatedly blocked. Among the concerns have been that such a law might make it functionally illegal to run workplaces where high-temperature machines and processes are used, such as foundries.

Exemptions already exist in the minimum temperature law for workers engaged in "considerable physical activity", which is clearly worded and easily quantifiable; but how do you know if you're doing something less easy to measure - like whether you're running an office or maybe it's actually a foundry? Take this quiz to find out!

1) What qualifications do you look for in prospective employees?

a) A Levels at a minimum, usually a Bachelor's degree, preferably in communicative subjects such as English or History.
b) Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Fabrication & Welding.

2) Where and how do your employees usually carry out their roles?

a) Sitting at a desk in front of a computer monitor.

b) Standing at a crucible filled with molten metal.

3) What deliverables do your employees produce?

a) Digital marketing materials.

b) Anchors.

4) What is the legal minimum temperature for your place of work?

a) 16°C, the baseline for UK workplaces.

b) 13°C, the legally binding exceptional temperature for UK workplaces whose employees engage in considerable physical activity, such as foundries.

5) When people ask you where you work, you say:

a) An office.

b) A foundry.

Mostly As: Congratulations! You're running an office. From here, it should be simple to adhere to recommended maximum temperatures, since there's no business reason for it to ever exceed the recommended 24°C.

Mostly Bs: Congratulations! You're running a foundry. A sensible maximum temperature for your workplace might be difficult for you to calculate. Luckily, your workforce is made up of people who know a lot about these machines and might be able to advise you.

I hope this quiz has been helpful to you! Please keep an eye out for the increasingly hysterical follow-ups I'm bound to keep writing as my brain melts in this heat tsunami*!

*It's been over a month, we should be way past calling it a "heatwave" at this point.