Contents
Making the decision
Closing the practice
Self-employed associates’ working arrangements when the practice is closed
Keeping the practice open
Making the decision
Decisions about opening or closing the practice during extreme weather should be based on a balance of patient and staff safety and your legal duties.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 places a legal duty on employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by the practices’ activities. The Health and Safety Executive does not set a legal maximum or minimum workplace temperature. However, under the regulations, employers are required to ensure a ‘reasonable’ indoor temperature that supports the health, safety, and comfort of staff and patients.
In dental practices, where staff often work in close proximity to patients and use heat-generating equipment, temperatures above 26° C can be considered excessive, especially when treating vulnerable individuals. Prolonged exposure to such conditions may increase the risk of heat stress and reduce clinical performance.
Conversely, when indoor temperatures drop below 16° C, the comfort and wellbeing of both staff and patients may be compromised. Maintaining a stable, comfortable environment is essential for safe and effective care delivery.
Employers should regularly assess temperature-related risks and implement appropriate controls, such as ventilation, shading, or localised heating/cooling, to ensure a safe and comfortable clinical environment.
In addition to temperature, several other factors should be considered when assessing whether it is safe and practical to keep the dental practice open:
Can staff and patients access the practice safely?
For example, rural practices with untreated roads may face greater risks during icy conditions compared to those located within indoor complexes or urban areas.
Is there a chance of a power cut?
A loss of essential services, such as heating or electricity, may compromise the ability to deliver safe care. Under CQC Regulation 15 (premises and equipment) and Regulation 12 (safe care and treatment), providers must ensure that the environment remains safe and suitable for clinical activity.
