Elevated air temperature in the workplace. Air temperature in living and working premises

In order to organize a normal working environment for their employees, ensure their efficiency and functional condition, the manager must ensure that the temperature in the office is observed. If it deviates from the norm by even one degree, and no matter in which direction, labor productivity may decrease, as if your employees have not worked for an hour.

In fact, this means that in the summer the air conditioner should work in the office space, and in the winter it should be properly heated.

Temperature standards in the office

There is a regulatory document - Federal Law No. 52-FZ. According to this document, office workers have the right to ensure a healthy environment in their workplace. The head of the enterprise must take measures to keep the working temperature in the office space for employees within strictly defined limits. She must be:

• In summer - 23-25 ​​ºС.
• In winter - 22-24 ºС.
• Permissible deviation from the norm - 1-2 ºС.
• Possible fluctuation during the day - 3-4 ºС.

There are also requirements for air humidity in the office - it cannot be less than 40% and more than 60. And if you have to sit under the air conditioner, you have the legal right to demand better working conditions, because according to sanitary standards, the wind speed should be in the range of 0.1-0.3 m / s.

Implementation of sanitary rules and regulations

Along with temperature and other standards, it was established that if the air temperature at the workplace deviates from the permissible values, the manager is obliged to limit the time spent by employees in the office.

Only on condition that it is not more than 28 ºС or not less than 20 ºС can the eight-hour working day be maintained. Every extra or missing degree must shorten the working day by an hour. By the way, the temperature should be measured at a height of at least a meter from the floor.

Every extra or missing degree must shorten the working day by an hour.

Employer's responsibility

It is the responsibility of the head of the enterprise to provide. Under the conditions laid down in Art. 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, he can demand the fulfillment of the hourly rate of production only when he has created decent working conditions in a rented office. At the slightest deviation from the temperature regime, the manager must immediately take measures to eliminate this violation. Help protect workers' rights

Elevated air temperatures adversely affect the body. The state of health worsens, working capacity decreases. Work at elevated air temperatures in a production facility or work outdoors during the hot season must be carefully planned, the mode of work and rest for such work must comply with the requirements established by regulatory documents.
In accordance with MR 2.2.8.0017-10 (Methodological recommendations "Occupational health. Means of collective and individual protection. Modes of work, work and rest working in a heating microclimate in the production room and in the open area during the warm season", establishing hygienic requirements for the mode of work in a heating microclimate and in an open area) the permissible duration of a continuous stay in a heating microclimate depends on the energy consumption. On average, for temperatures of 26-28 degrees Celsius at extremely low physical exertion, the total duration is 3-5 hours, and at very high energy costs - from one and a half to two and a half; the "work - rest" mode thus looks like 25-40 minutes of work for light work, and 10-20 minutes for heavy work for one hour.
Then you need to spend time in a room with a comfortable microclimate (15-20 minutes - easy work; for more difficult work, the time increases).
Another document related to the subject of the article is " SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96. Physical factors of the production environment. Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises. Sanitary rules and regulations". This document establishes the recommended time spent at the workplace when the air temperature exceeds the permissible values.
Quote from the document (not an official publication, provided for reference, there may be differences from the text of the normative document due to the revision or change of the norms of the document):

TIME OF STAY AT WORKING PLACES

WHEN THE AIR TEMPERATURE IS ABOVE THE PERMISSIBLE VALUES

Air temperature at workplace, °C	Stay time, no more, at

Categories of work can be determined by Appendix 1 to SanPiN. In general terms, category Ia includes sedentary work with little physical stress (administration, clothing production, etc.). Category Ib includes somewhat heavier work (work sitting, standing, associated with walking, the work of a master, controller). Category IIa includes tot heavier work - in fact, this is the work of the previous category, supplemented by the movement of products and objects weighing up to 1 kilogram. The next category IIb is distinguished by carrying and moving loads weighing up to 10 kg. Category III - heavy work associated with movement, movement (transfer) of weights above 10 kg., Requiring great physical effort.
Some recommendations for those working at elevated temperatures (indoors, outdoors):

1. Limit your exposure to the air. Organize a rest every 15-20 minutes in a refrigerated room or a room with a normal temperature (at the level of 24-25 ° C).
2. Provide ventilation, turn on the fans. Avoid abrupt and / or significant cooling of the body due to the temperature difference between the ambient air of the working area and the rest room - especially when air conditioners are installed in the rest rooms.
3. Work at temperatures above 37 ° C is dangerous. Plan work so that dangerous work is done in the morning or evening.
4. Observe the drinking regime. The temperature of water and drinks should be 12 ... 15 ° C (this is the optimum temperature). It is recommended to provide for the issuance of juices, fortified drinks, lactic acid drinks, oxygen-protein cocktails - to compensate for the loss of salts and trace elements through sweat. You need to drink often and little by little. The total amount of water, as a rule, is not limited, but it is better to regulate the volume of a single dose - no more than one glass. However, remember it is undesirable to drink more than 1.5 liters of fluid per day in order to avoid excessive stress on the kidneys. It is also not worth increasing the amount of water intake for people with diseases of the kidneys and the cardiovascular system.
5. If possible, to maintain immunity and reduce intoxication of the body, you need to eat fruits and vegetables.
6. To prevent injuries - hot surfaces are isolated or fenced off, if necessary, a safe time (duration) of contact with the surface is established.
7. Outdoors, hats and sunglasses are required.
8. Give up fatty foods, minimize meat consumption (replace it with fish and seafood).
9. Take a shower with cool water during the day.

In conclusion, we give one more general rule that applies to all situations: in case of malaise, immediately consult a doctor, do not try to "lie down" or "self-heal". In the hot season, the load on the heart increases, the number of heart attacks increases. Do not treat your health carelessly, take care of yourself.

Region on the islands

A person spends almost the entire conscious part of his life in the workplace. It is for this reason that the requirements that regulate the hygienic requirements of the microclimate in the premises where people work are natural. It is very important to comply with all these norms and rules in office-type premises, where a person uses mainly mental activity. And for this type of work is characterized by relative physical inactivity. This leads to the fact that the negative consequences of an incorrect operating mode are even more aggravated.

The legislation provides for a number of laws regarding the temperature regime in office-type premises, as well as the responsibility of the owner (employer) for their non-compliance and violation.

Temperature regime and microclimate very strongly affects the performance and well-being of a person. Low or high air temperature, which has a long-term effect on a working person, not only negatively affects human health, but also greatly reduces the productivity of his work. People working in office space perform a wide variety of activities, most of which require being in one specific position for a long period. Basically it is a sedentary and sitting position:

1. Making decisions.
2. Communication with customers.
3. Paperwork.
4. Working at a computer and other similar professions.

Physical inactivity and mental labor do not coexist very well with the uncomfortable temperature conditions of the air in an office-type room.

After conducting many experiments, the researchers found that even slight deviations in air temperature have such a strong effect on the efficiency of work in the office that if it is impossible to provide the desired microclimate, it makes sense to shorten the working day.

It is very important to ensure the appropriate temperature conditions in the office. This is the obligation of the employer under the law, regardless of the level of subordination and form of ownership of the organization.

Optimum or comfort

Every person who works in the office wants to carry out their activities in conditions of maximum comfort. But this concept is highly subjective, as it is tied to the personal feelings of each individual. And these feelings, as you know, are different for everyone. What is an excellent option for one individual may be simply unacceptable for another. It is because of this that such a concept as “comfortable conditions” is not used in regulations and office documentation.

Instead of the subjective term “comfort”, a more definite and precise parameter “optimal conditions” is used in professional vocabulary. As for the optimum air temperature, this value is determined by complex calculations and physiological studies. The calculation takes into account the average needs of a person.

The requirement for optimal temperature conditions belongs to the legislative area. This is fixed in certain regulatory documents.

SanPiN for the protection of human health

All standards are collected in a special code of the Russian Federation. This code defines optimal health and hygiene standards for various areas of human activity, including employment. These documents relate to the technical and medical fields. At the same time, it is also legislative, and it is for this reason that it is necessary to comply with all these norms.

The abbreviation SanPiN is deciphered as follows - sanitary rules and norms. The document that regulates optimal conditions at the workplace is called SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 and is as follows: hygienic requirements for the microclimate in industrial premises. These SanPiN provides labor protection regulations for office employees and workers in production. These SanPiN were adopted within the framework of Federal Law No. 52 of March 30, 1999 "On the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population."

Compliance with SanPiN requirements by the employer is supported by articles of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation No. 209 and 212. They deal with liability in case of non-compliance by the employer with the rules of labor protection and health, as well as timely measures taken for rehabilitation, treatment and prevention, sanitary and household and other similar nature. Article No. 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation prescribes that the employer must take a set of measures in order to ensure an optimal working microclimate.

What measures can be taken

The solution to this problem can be the following options:

1. Equipment for recreation of a special room.
2. Transfer of a worker to another workplace.
3. Earlier dissolution of those working from home.
4. Additional breaks.

If the employer refuses to comply with the requirements for optimal performance, then he can be charged with two offenses at the same time.

1. Violation of sanitary norms and rules (temperature standards in the room do not correspond to standard indicators).
2. Ignoring labor legislation due to the fact that people work in inappropriate conditions.

If the boss is inactive in this situation and does not agree to provide employees with another workplace, then the time that he was in unfavorable conditions is equal to the shift (daily working day) in duration. In other words, one can freely talk about the processing of an employee at the initiative of the boss, with all the ensuing financial and legal consequences.

Seasonal requirements for air temperature in office premises

In the warm and cold seasons, the optimal indoor air temperature conditions are achieved in different ways. Based on this, we can conclude that the requirements for the microclimate in the room will be different. Accordingly, the measures provided for by SanPiN, in the event that it is impossible to ensure the optimal temperature regime or it is violated, will also have differences.

To not be too hot

For health and performance, a long stay in a room where the air temperature is very high is especially detrimental. In a working indoor environment, this heat and stuffiness can be exacerbated by a large crowd of people, the presence of office equipment in operation, and compliance with a specially introduced dress code.

It is because of this that the optimal temperature values ​​\u200b\u200band permissible maximum values ​​\u200b\u200bin the hot season were established by law. For office workers with air humidity of 40–60%, they are 23–25 degrees. The temperature can rise up to 28 degrees.

Exceeding the air temperature in the office in the summer

If inside the office the thermometer deviates from the optimum by at least 2 degrees, then it becomes much more difficult to work. The employer will need to install air conditioning in the employees' room and ensure that it works well, as well as timely service.

If suddenly, for some reason, this is not done, then the employee should not meekly endure the unbearable heat, while still trying to meet all professional requirements. SanPiN allow with good reason to shorten the standard working eight-hour day for the employee, for which they were calculated the following temperature requirements:

Many workers note the negative impact of air conditioning on their health, which is compared with stuffiness and heat in terms of harm. According to the same requirements of SanPiN, together with humidity and temperature indicators, the speed of movement of air in the room is limited, which should be in the range from 0.1 to 0.3 m / s. From these requirements of SanPiN, it follows that an employee should not be under the jet of a blowing air conditioner.

Cold is the enemy of work

No work can be argued in a cold room, especially in an office, when the body cannot warm itself with movement. There are such categories of working professions in which for a short time it is permissible to lower the temperature of the air to 15 degrees, but this does not apply to those people who work in the office.

Inside the office space in cold weather, the temperature regime must be observed in the range from 22 to 24 degrees. It is possible to fluctuate these values, but not more than 2 degrees. For a short period of time, the thermometer can deviate from the permissible norm by a maximum of 4 degrees.

What to do if the office space is cold

Only in the event that the air temperature does not drop below 20 degrees, the working staff is required to be at the workplace full time (8 hours). With each lower degree, the norm of working hours is reduced:

Temperature measurements and their features

Observe the accuracy of temperature measurements. This is due to the fact that each degree plays a special role in the duration of working time.

If employees or the employer are unscrupulous, then it may be tempting to underestimate or overestimate the true temperature values. It is possible that an error is made due to the fact that the instrument you are measuring is incorrectly placed or defective.

To avoid complications with the determination of air temperature indicators, SanPiN is required to place the device at a distance of 1 meter above the floor.

What is the responsibility of the employer if he does not comply with the requirements of the office microclimate

If for some reason the employer refuses to install an air conditioner (fan) in the summer and a heater in the winter, thereby maintaining the optimal temperature regime in the norm, then his subordinates should not tolerate this because they might get fired. You can contact the sanitary and epidemiological service. She will definitely come to your enterprise with a check. If during the inspection the complaint is confirmed, then the authorities cannot avoid responsibility for failure to comply with the requirements of SanPiN.

And also for non-compliance with the requirements, the employer faces a fine of approximately 12 thousand rubles. If, after a re-inspection, the same violations are again revealed, then its activities will be suspended for 3 months in accordance with Article 6.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation.

Temperature in the workplace: sanitary norms and rules from 2016

From 1.01.2017 all employers and employees must comply with the new requirements of the sanitary and epidemiological service, which are related to physical factors in the workplace. This was approved by the decision of the Chief Sanitary State Doctor of the Russian Federation dated June 21, 2016 Order No. 81. The updated sanitary standards and rules define the impact on the human body and its activities of such indicators as:

It is customary to call the standards the maximum permissible level of a particular factor, as well as its impact on a person who is at least 8 hours at the workplace, within the permissible limits. This impact should not lead to deviations in the state of health or diseases (SanPiN 2.2.4.3359-16 clause 1.4).

Due to the fact that new sanitary requirements have been introduced, some of the old ones have ceased to operate since January 2017. One of these is SanPiN 2.2.4.1191-03 about "Electromagnetic fields in production conditions".

Today, the question of what should be the temperature in the workplace according to sanitary rules is relevant for workers and employers.

Sanitary rules for air temperature in the workplace

Sanitary rules establish optimal temperature indicators in the workplace. These indicators include:

1. The speed of air movement.
2. Relative humidity.
3. surface temperature.
4. Air temperature.

Normal sanitary indicators for cold and warm seasons are determined separately. The cold season is considered to be the period when the average daily outdoor air temperature has approached 10 degrees and below. If outside the window is more than this value, then it can be considered a warm season.

The temperature readings in an office space are slightly different in winter and summer. In any period a person needs a thermal balance with the environment.

In addition to all this, depending on the energy consumption of a person, different thermometer indicators are provided in various fields of activity.

Requirements for measurement methods and organization of microclimate control in accordance with sanitary standards

Measurements of microclimatic indicators in order to control their compliance with sanitary standards should be carried out during the warm season- on those days when the outside air temperature differs from the maximum average temperature of the hottest month by no more than 5 degrees, and in cold weather - when the difference from the coldest month is not more than 5 degrees. The frequency of such measurements is determined by the functioning of sanitary and technological equipment, as well as the stability of the production process.

When choosing the time and sites for measurements, it is worth considering all the factors that affect the microclimate of the workplace (functioning of heating and ventilation systems, phases of the technological process, etc.). It is worth measuring microclimatic indicators at least 3 times per shift. If the indicators associated with technological and other reasons fluctuate, then additional measurements should be taken at the lowest and highest values ​​of the thermal load on the employee.

Measurements should be taken at the workplace. If your place of work is several production sites, then the indicators should be measured at each separately.

If there is a source of local moisture release, cooling or heat release (open bathtubs, heated units, gates, doorways, windows and others like them), then you need to measure the indicators at points that maximum and minimum distance from the thermal source of exposure.

In those premises where there is a high density of jobs, but there are no sources of moisture release, cooling and heat release, the places for measuring microclimatic indicators, relative to the speed of movement and air humidity, should be evenly distributed over the area of ​​​​the room according to the following principle:

1. The area of ​​the room is up to 100 square meters - the number of measured sections is 4.
2. From 100 to 400 meters - 8.
3. Over 400 - the distance between the sections should not be more than 10 meters.

During sedentary work movement speed and temperature indicators should be measured at heights of 0.1 and 1 meter from the floor, and relative air humidity - 1 meter from the working platform or floor. When standing still, the speed and temperature are measured at heights of 1 and 1.5 meters, and the relative humidity is 1.5 meters.

If there is a radiant heat source, then at the workplace, thermal exposure is measured from each source, placing the device perpendicular to the incident stream. These measurements are carried out at heights of 0.5, 1 and 1.5 meters from the working platform or floor.

The temperature on the surfaces is measured in cases where the place of work is removed from them at a distance of no more than 2 meters.

Relative humidity and air temperature in the presence of sources of air currents and thermal radiation at workplaces measured with aspiration psychrometers. If such sources are not available, then the relative humidity and temperature regime of the air can be measured with psychrometers, which are not protected from the effects of the speed of movement and thermal radiation of the air. You can also use those devices that separately measure humidity and air temperature.

The speed of air movement is measured by rotary anemometers (cup, vane and others). Small values ​​​​of air movement speed (less than 0.5 meters per second), especially if there are multidirectional flows, are measured by thermoelectric anemometers, as well as spherical and cylindrical catathermometers, if they are protected from thermal radiation.

The temperature on the surfaces measured by remote (pyrometers) or contact (electrothermometer) devices.

The intensity of thermal irradiation is measured by instruments that provide the sensor's visibility angle as close as possible to the hemisphere (not less than 160 degrees), sensitive in the visible and infrared regions of the spectrum (radiometers, actinometers, and others).

The permissible error of measuring instruments and the measuring range must comply with the following criteria:

Based on the results of the study, a protocol is drawn up, which reflects general information about the production facility, the placement of sanitary and technological equipment, sources of moisture release, cooling, heat release; all schemes for the placement of measurement sites for all necessary microclimate parameters and other data are given.

Ultimately, at the end of the protocol, the results of the measurements performed must be evaluated in accordance with regulatory sanitary requirements.

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Almost all citizens of the country spend most of the day for several decades at work. So that the health of workers does not deteriorate due to employment at a particular enterprise, the law obliges employers to take care of creating a comfortable microclimate in the office. It would seem that the work of office employees cannot be considered difficult, but the performance of their duties is associated with hypodynamia (lack of body mobility), which means that the wrong temperature regime will affect the health of staff quickly enough. It is for this reason that legislation strictly regulates the sanitary temperature standards in the office.

Why sanitary temperature standards in the office must be observed without fail

Employees who spend the whole working day in the company's office are engaged in mental work - they draw up documentation, work at a computer, arrange negotiations with clients and counterparties, solve operational problems, answer correspondence, develop projects, etc. The above functions are united by the fact that they are all performed in a sitting position - office workers suffer from physical inactivity, that is, lack of movement. This mode of operation negatively affects the state of health, and the unfavorable temperature regime only exacerbates the situation.

Scientists have conducted many studies, the results of which have shown that the deviation of the temperature indicator from the norm within just one degree has such a negative effect on the efficiency of office work that it is advisable for the employer to shorten the working day if it is not possible to provide an optimal microclimate in the room. It follows that the employer is obliged to comply with the sanitary temperature standards in the office, not only because it is required by law, but also because of a sharp decrease in staff productivity.

What is meant by comfortable working conditions and optimal conditions

In order for the work of office staff to become more efficient, the employer needs to create comfortable working conditions. But the concept of comfort is subjective - each employee may have his own idea of ​​comfortable working conditions, it all depends on individual preferences, and this fully applies to the temperature regime. One worker prefers the office to be "fresh", another complains about air conditioning and a persistent runny nose. In this case, how can the employer determine the “necessary” temperature indicator?

In fact, the concept of "comfort" is not used in regulations and official documents. Therefore, the employer is not obliged to conduct surveys among workers in order to find out what air temperature they give their consent to. In professional vocabulary, the term "optimal conditions" is used. The optimal air temperature in an office space has been determined through many complex physiological studies and calculations, taking into account the average human needs. And the employer can only comply with the developed norms given in the regulatory documents.

Sanitary temperature standards in the office - SanPiN

All the necessary information about sanitary standards, including those related to air temperature in the office, the employer can find in SanPiN - sanitary rules and regulations - which are a special code that defines optimal health and hygiene standards for various areas of human life, including employment. SanPiN is mandatory for application, since this documentation is legislative (Article 209 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, Article 212 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation).

A list of specific measures that employers need to take to ensure an optimal working microclimate is given in the text of article 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.

Important! Sanitary temperature standards in the office are given in the text SanPiNa 2.2.4.548-96 "Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises", the norms of which were adopted in accordance with Federal Law No. 52 of March 30, 1999.

Requirements for the temperature in the office in the summer and winter seasons

Since the employer provides the optimal temperature in different ways in summer and winter, the requirements for the microclimate also differ. SanPiN obliges employers to take certain measures if the temperature regime cannot be established.

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures adversely affects the health of employees and their performance. The situation is aggravated by closed windows, a large crowd of people, high humidity, working office equipment, and the presence of a dress code at the enterprise. Cold offices are also not conducive to well-being and efficient work, much less for employees who cannot warm themselves up with movement. For some production workers, a short-term decrease in temperature up to 15 C is permissible, but not for office workers. The allowable temperature range is as follows:

Important! The installation of an air conditioner and its timely maintenance is the responsibility of the employer, and it is unacceptable to collect money from employees (or withhold funds from salaries) for climate equipment.

If the employer does not comply with the sanitary temperature standards in the office, the legislation allows employees to arbitrarily reduce their working hours depending on the thermometer readings:

temperature in the office	Working hours
29 C	6 hours (instead of 8)
30 C	Reduction by 2 hours
Each subsequent degree exceeding the norm	Reducing the working day by 1 hour for each degree above the norm
32.5 C	1 hour
19 C	7 o'clock
18 C	6 hours
Each subsequent degree below normal	Reduction of the working day by 1 hour for each degree below the norm
13 C	1 hour

Utility bills are growing every year, especially in times of crisis for the economy. Unfortunately, nothing similar can be said about their quality. When citizens devote a significant part of their hard-earned funds to providing comfortable living conditions, public utilities strive to be dishonest on all fronts of their work.

Dear readers! Our articles talk about typical ways to resolve legal issues, but each case is unique.

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If, during self-measurement, you have established that the temperature norm is lowered, you should inform the Emergency Dispatch Service about this. If the violation of heat supply is not caused by natural factors (for example, an accident on a heating main), the dispatcher calls the emergency team to the house, which is the official act of measurement.

The measurement must be carried out by a registered device that has all the necessary technical documents. The act contains the following information:

• the date of its compilation,
• characteristics of the apartment,
• composition of the commission
• instrument data,
• temperature values,
• signatures of all committee members.

The act is drawn up in two copies, one of which remains with the owner of the apartment, and the other with the housing and communal services employees who measure.

Air exchange rate

Air temperature is not the only parameter that directly affects the comfort and safety of people living in the house. Important for the body is air exchange: the presence of fresh air, ventilation of residential and non-residential premises.

This parameter is also regulated by SanPiN regulations. Thus, the required rate of air exchange for a dwelling with an area of ​​18 m² is 3 m³ / h per square meter, for a kitchen - three times more.

The air exchange rate is a characteristic determined by the ratio of the air removed or supplied from the room per hour of time to the volume of this room.

How to measure the coolant?

The heat carrier in the central heating system is hot water flowing from the tap.

You can measure its temperature in various ways, but the simplest is measurement of tap water temperature with a thermometer poured into a glass.

Pipe temperature measurement is also possible. The value of this parameter should be equal to 50-70°С.

Responsibility of utilities for violation of the temperature standard

If the room temperature is below normal in winter, what should I do?

By law, citizens have the right to demand reduction of payment for heat by 0.15% for each hour that utilities do not comply with your temperature norm. Having carried out simple calculations, it can be established that for 4 weeks of providing a low-quality home heating service, the payment for it is reduced by more than 90%. Of course, public utilities will not voluntarily agree to such a recalculation, and therefore it is necessary to go to court.

An application for the recalculation of heating fees to the Management Company can be downloaded.

History knows examples when citizens managed to defend their rights. So, in 2014, a resident of the Perm Territory recovered 136 thousand rubles from public utilities for non-compliance by public utilities with their obligations to provide her house with heat.

Temperature standards in the apartment. Watch video: