Are There Water Cooler Regulations in the UK?

Did you know that, as a business operating in the UK, it’s a legal requirement set out by the government that you are able to provide your employees with access to clean drinking water?

However, with that in mind, there aren’t any specific water cooler regulations in the UK. In this article, we’re going to explore the current government guidelines and legal requirements for businesses with regard to supplying water, so you can ensure your business is compliant.

UK Water Cooler Regulations

There are currently no water cooler regulations in the UK. However, there is a legal requirement for businesses to ensure that employees have access to drinkable water. This is outlined in a few key pieces of legislation:

Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations 1992: This legislation states that an adequate supply of ‘wholesome’ drinking water must be accessible and clearly signposted.

Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974:The provision of drinking water should be provided as part of ensuring a healthy and safe working environment.

Is it a Legal Requirement to Have an Office Water Cooler?

As we have explored, it is not currently a legal requirement to have an office water cooler. In order to ensure that you are meeting regulatory guidelines and compliant with current UK business and employment law though, installing a water cooler can be a good idea.

Again, while this is not a legal requirement, there is also the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 and 2018 that you might like to consult. This legislation details information with regards to water quality that you will be expected to supply to your employees.

Benefits of an Office Water Cooler

While it’s clear to see that there is no current UK legislation that stipulates the requirement to provide an office water cooler, it can be seen as a simple solution to meet the current government guidelines. With a water cooler, you’ll be able to supply your employees with clean and accessible drinking water without having to worry about the health and safety requirements.

This is something that we can support you with here at Cooler Sense. Depending on the office space you have and what your needs are, we can provide you with a mains-fed water cooler, a touch-free water cooler, or even a bottled water cooler. We will help you choose a style of water cooler that will provide the right capacity of water to supply the number of employees you have. We can also supply you with an ongoing service and maintenance package to ensure that your coolers stay in the best shape, all year round.

Install Your Water Cooler Today

At Cooler Sense, we have a wide range of water coolers for you to choose from. As well as different payment options and years of experience within the industry, we can help assist you with finding the right one for your needs and install it. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.