What external factors affect employee performance? This question, of course, should be asked by any manager who wants to take care of his subordinates and increase monthly revenue. Unfortunately, features that are obvious at first glance often go unnoticed. So, for example, in enterprises both small and large, temperature standards in the workplace are often ignored. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that not every employee will be able to work fully while freezing or suffering from unbearable heat.
Who regulates the weather at work?
Are there official documents regulating such indicators? Yes, there are. These are SanPin standards for temperature in the workplace. The regulations contained in them apply to absolutely all companies and all employees (regardless of the size of the company and its nationality).
All information in the standards can be divided into two main blocks: temperature recommendations for various categories of employees and the employer’s responsibility for violating them. Among other things, the standard air temperature in the workplace is regulated by Article 212 of the Labor Code of our country, which states that the employer is obligated to provide favorable conditions and regime for work and rest of its employees.
How to protect yourself in the workplace?
What can an employee do if the temperature in the workplace is above normal? If a person realizes the real risks to his health in such a situation, then it is quite possible to temporarily refuse to perform his job duties. To do this, it is necessary to draw up an official written statement and submit it to senior management.
The document must contain information that performing the work provided for in the concluded employment contract poses certain health risks. It would also be useful to refer to Article 379 of the Labor Code, which contains information about the legality of such intentions. If the paper is drawn up according to all the rules, then the employee not only will not lose, but will also retain all existing rights. However, you should not overdo it in your desire to take a break from work; it is likely that your superiors will offer you alternative options.
How to get around the law without breaking it?
The management also has its own loopholes and detours. The thing is that SanPin in its documentation indicates such a concept as “stay time” and not “duration of the working day”. Simply put, an employer is not always required to let an employee go home early if they are uncomfortable in order to comply with the law. He can take the following measures:
- Organize an additional break in the middle of the working day in a room with more suitable conditions for relaxation.
- Transfer workers to another premises that meets the requirements.
summer workplace temperature
Of course, office workers are most concerned about temperature standards in the workplace, but it’s difficult to say what causes this trend. It should be noted that managers, secretaries and other intellectual workers are classified as workers with little physical activity. It is generally accepted that their normal temperature should range from 22.2 to 26.4 (20-28) degrees Celsius. Any deviation from the established figures should lead to a reduction in working hours. The reduction scheme looks like this:
- 28 degrees - 8 hours;
- 28.5 degrees - 7 hours;
- 29 degrees - 6 hours and so on.
Using a similar algorithm, the time required to perform work duties in the office is reduced to a temperature of 32.5 degrees above zero. With such initial data, work is allowed for no more than one hour. With the above work, it is completely necessary to cancel or move to another room.
temperature in winter
It should be noted that employees in the workplace can suffer not only from stuffiness and heat, but also from cold (such situations are even more dangerous, but are much less common). What is the minimum acceptable temperature in the workplace? First, let's discuss the algorithm of the day in cool conditions for office employees. The number of working hours for them begins to decrease from 20 degrees according to the following scheme:
- 19 degrees - 7 o'clock;
- 18 degrees - 6 hours;
- 17 degrees - 5 o'clock and so on.
The final mark of 13 degrees Celsius implies the work of an office employee in an unheated room for one hour; at lower levels, work must be canceled altogether.
It should be noted that the above standards apply exclusively to industrial and office premises; for social facilities, requirements also exist, but are slightly different. For example, the recommended temperature for clinics is about 20-22 degrees.
Classification of all professions
SanPin standards for temperature in the workplace differ for each category of employee. There are three main categories, of which two are also divided into additional subgroups:
- 1a. Energy consumption up to 139 W. Minor physical activity, performing work duties in a sitting position.
- 1b. Energy consumption from 140 to 174 W. Minor physical strain when performing duties that can be performed either sitting or standing.
- 2a. Energy consumption from 175 W to 232 W. Moderate physical stress, the need for regular walking, moving loads weighing up to 1 kg in a sitting position.
- 2b. Energy consumption 233-290 W. Active but moderate physical activity, consisting of constant walking and moving loads weighing up to 10 kilograms.
- 3. Energy consumption from 290 W. Intense load that requires significant strength and impact. Involves walking and carrying large loads.
You should not assume that the higher the category of employee, the more scrupulously the temperature standards in the workplace must be observed in the summer and winter seasons. In fact, the law requires that every person be protected very carefully. Moreover, people engaged in active physical labor can tolerate the cold much easier, since they have the opportunity to warm up from the efforts they make.
Where to go for help?
What to do if temperature standards in the workplace are violated, and management continues to force employees to work? In this situation, time that goes beyond the limit given in the laws can be considered overtime. And processing, as you know, must be paid at double the rate.
Where can you complain that temperature standards in the workplace are occasionally or regularly violated? Unfortunately, there is no institution officially dealing with this issue. However, if necessary, employees can send all their complaints regarding unsatisfactory organization of conditions in the workplace to the local labor inspectorate, which can record the complaint and initiate proceedings on it.
In addition to your wishes for organizing a comfortable temperature in the workplace in your company, you can send them to Rospotrebnadzor, they will also help you resolve a controversial situation with your employer.
Amount of punishment and its types
What punishment can an unlucky employer face? The simplest thing is a regular fine, the size of which can range from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. Much worse for any organization is the temporary suspension of its activities, which can last up to 90 days. To avoid punishment, it is necessary to either improve the existing conditions or the employee to the standard required in this case.
How to eliminate violations?
How can you achieve the required temperature in the workplace in summer? Perhaps the only effective way to solve this issue is to install modern air conditioners, as well as maintain the existing ventilation system at a high level. No amount of open windows or drafts will help create comfortable conditions in the heat, but will only ensure the distillation of heated air from room to room. Another disadvantage of this method is the high risk of colds among people in the room.
Regarding the need to increase the air temperature, the most appropriate is to use a central heating system.
Coziness and Comfort are subjective assessments of a person’s feelings from the perception of the environment. The concept of “comfortable temperature” is so broad that it does not exist in technical vocabulary and regulatory documentation. The term “optimal air temperature” is used here. Big difference.
- The value of “comfortable” air temperature is a subjective assessment of the acceptability of environmental conditions, which is determined solely by human sensations
- The value of the “optimal” air temperature is determined on the basis of complex physiological experiments and calculations. The value of this value depends on many factors and, most importantly, takes into account the needs of the average human body. Each value of the “optimal” temperature for various conditions is supported by many years of research and observations. All information on the “optimal” air temperature is official legislative nature and is recorded in the requirements of sanitary standards - SanPiN
SanPiN
SanPiN- Sanitary Rules and Norms
(not to be confused with SNiP - Construction Norms and Rules)
SanPiN-s - the general name of the collection of Russian sanitary standards.
Just from the name alone it is clear that this is sanitary regulatory documentation that defines sanitary and hygienic standards for all spheres of human existence and life.
SanPiN-s(along with GOST, OST, SNiP, etc.) have the status of medical technical legislative documentation, mandatory for execution. Failure to comply with SanPiN requirements is punishable by law.
In the case of determining the optimal air temperature, the most interesting are the Sanitary Rules, which establish optimal and maximum temperature intervals for working, residential and children's premises.
- working area
SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 “Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises.” A similar document can be found in Ukraine, it is called DSN 3.3.6.042-99 “Sanitary standards for the microclimate of industrial premises”
- Determining the optimal temperature for residential premises
SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for residential buildings and premises”
- Determining the optimal temperature for preschool organizations
SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the design, content and organization of work in preschool organizations”Download in .zip format:
SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 (downloads: 156)
DSN 3.3.6.042-99 (downloads: 208)
SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00 (downloads: 174)
SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10 (downloads: 63)Download in .doc format:
SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 (downloads: 202)
DSN 3.3.6.042-99 (downloads: 163)
SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00 (downloads: 165)Download in .pdf format:
SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10 (downloads: 119)Note The documentation offered for download is for informational purposes only. All normative documents are periodically updated by their publishers. See updates on the official websites of the Russian Federation or the required country
Optimal temperature for work areas
The optimal temperature in the workplace is established administratively, according to SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 “Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises”
The air temperature for work areas should ensure the preservation of the thermal balance of the working person with the environment and the maintenance of the optimal or permissible thermal state of the body. For this purpose, in the Sanitary Rules, all types of work are divided into energy consumption. At the same time, for each category its own temperature and its maximum deviations are indicated. And also, the time a person spends at the workplace, in case of non-compliance with the specified temperature range.
Characteristics of individual categories of work
According to SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 All types of work are divided into five categories (depending on the intensity of labor). In this case, the amount of energy consumed by the employee’s body in kcal/h (W) is taken as the determining equivalent.
- Category Ia
Work with energy intensity up to 120 kcal/h (139 W)
This is work that is performed while sitting and involves little physical strain. For example, a number of professions in the field of management and service, in watch and clothing production enterprises, etc. - Category Ib
Work with energy intensity 121 - 150 kcal/h (140 - 174 W)
This is work that is performed while sitting, standing, or walking and involves some physical exertion. For example, a number of professions in the printing industry, at communications enterprises, controllers, craftsmen in various types of production, etc. - Category IIa
Work with energy intensity 151 - 200 kcal/h (175 - 232 W)
This is work that involves constant walking, moving small (up to 1 kg) products or objects while standing or sitting and requiring a certain amount of physical exertion. For example, a number of professions in mechanical assembly shops of machine-building enterprises, in spinning and weaving production, etc. - Category IIb
Work with energy intensity 201 - 250 kcal/h (233 - 290 W)
This is work that involves walking, moving and carrying weights up to 10 kg and is accompanied by moderate physical stress. For example, a number of professions in mechanized foundries, rolling, forging, thermal, welding shops of machine-building and metallurgical enterprises, etc. - Category III
Work with an energy intensity of more than 250 kcal/h (more than 290 W)
This is work associated with constant movement, moving and carrying significant (over 10 kg) weights and requiring great physical effort. For example, a number of professions in forge shops with manual forging, foundries with manual filling and casting of flasks in machine-building and metallurgical enterprises, etc.
Optimal temperature in the workplace
Depending on the intensity of work, SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 sets the following optimal temperature in the workroom:
(Excerpt from SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96)
Optimal values of microclimate indicators in workplaces
production premisesLimiting temperature and time spent at the workplace
In addition to the optimal temperature in the workroom, SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 sets maximum deviations for the air temperature in the workplace, and also imposes restrictions on the working time if it (temperature) is higher or lower than the maximum permissible. It is noteworthy that the temperature gradation above the permissible level (26°C) occurs every 0.5°C.
Table continuationTime spent in the room, no more for categories of work, hours Ia Ib IIa IIb III 6 1 7 2 8 1 3 9 2 4 10 1 3 5 11 2 4 6 12 1 3 5 7 13 1 2 4 6 8
Table continuationAir temperature at the workplace, °C Ia Ib IIa IIb III 14 2 3 5 7 15 3 4 6 8 16 4 5 7 17 5 6 8 18 6 7 19 7 8 20 8 26,0 8
Table continuationAir temperature at the workplace, °C Stay time, no more for categories of work, hours Ia Ib IIa IIb III 26,5 7 27,0 8 6 27,5 7 5,5 28,0 8 6 5 28,5 7 5,5 4 29,0 6 5 3 29,5 5,5 4 2,5 30,0 5 3 2 Optimal temperature for residential premises
The optimal temperature for residential premises is established in accordance with SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for residential buildings and premises”. Setting the optimal temperature in residential buildings and premises seems to be a simpler procedure, since in a residential area human energy activity is stable and minimal.
The air temperature for residential premises should ensure the preservation of the thermal balance of a person at rest and the maintenance of the optimal or permissible thermal state of the body.
(Excerpt from Appendix 1. SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00)
Optimal and acceptable standards
temperature and relative humidity in residential areasName of premises Air temperature, °C Relative humidity, % Optimal Acceptable Optimal Acceptable Living room 20-22 18-24 45-30 60 Inter-apartment corridor 18-20 16-22 Kitchen 19-21 18-26 not standardized Toilet 19-21 18-26 Bathroom, combined toilet 24-26 18-26 Lobby, staircase 16-18 14-20 Storerooms 16-18 12-22 Optimal temperature for preschool organizations
The optimal temperature for the premises of preschool organizations is established in accordance with SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the design, maintenance and organization of work in preschool organizations.” Setting the optimal temperature for the premises of preschool organizations seems to be the most important task, since children are the most susceptible to temperature changes.
The air temperature for the premises of preschool organizations should ensure the preservation of the child’s thermal balance with the environment and the maintenance of the optimal or acceptable thermal state of his body.
In contrast to the optimal temperature in working and living spaces,
the optimal air temperature in the premises of preschool organizations is set very strictly and has practically no intervals for maximum deviations(Excerpt from Appendix 3 to SanPiN 2.4.1.2660-10)
Air temperature in main rooms
preschool educational institutionsTable continuation
- Category Ia
Summertime is always a difficult time to work. Situations often arise when the room temperature exceeds the permissible limit, turning work into severe torture (and even breaks in the middle of the day help little). For employees, the question becomes relevant whether there are any legal requirements on temperature standards during working hours in the heat.
To resolve this issue, you must contact Article 212 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation . In one of the provisions, it prescribes the employer’s obligation to provide comfortable working conditions for each employee. Based on this legal provision, a regulation was developed regarding working hours in hot weather SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 .
Reduced working hours due to heat
According to established standards for office employees, the maximum permissible indoor temperature in summer should be 28 degrees. The more the actual reading exceeds this standard, the less employees should work.
Order to reduce working hours due to heat
An order to change working hours due to heat is an integral document on the basis of which the schedule is re-issued. This act is drawn up by the employer indicating the reason for the innovations. Experts, however, differ on how to indicate the reasons for changes.
A reduction in working hours due to heat can be documented as downtime either due to the fault of the employer, or due to objective circumstances beyond the control of the parties. The first case is relevant in situations where the organization does not provide adequate conditions for working on the premises. However, on the other hand, it is not always possible to provide for increased temperature conditions. As a result, the decision about the reason for such downtime rests with the employer. In both cases, according to Article 157 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation the company is obliged to pay two-thirds of the wages.
It is possible to issue an order indicating objective circumstances and appropriate remuneration. In this case, its size decreases in proportion to the reduction in working time.
How to reduce working hours in hot weather - drawing up an order
An order to reduce working hours due to heat is drawn up according to the basic rules for processing documents. That is, it is similar to those regulations that relate to the issues of reducing work time due to heat.
The main provisions of this document should include:
- establishing a new time, indicating breaks for lunch and rest;
- an instruction on the need for all department heads to familiarize their subordinates with this order;
- providing employees with the opportunity to take unpaid leave;
- appointment of responsible persons who must monitor the implementation of regulations.
This document is signed by both the manager and the designated responsible person. It may include additional requirements at the initiative of the employer. For example, the validity period of this resolution, or the provision of means of protection from heat.
In order to organize a normal working environment for his employees, to ensure their efficiency and functional condition, the manager must ensure that the standard 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 had not worked for an hour.
In fact, this means that the office space should have air conditioning in the summer, and should be properly heated in the winter.
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 ensure that the working temperature in the office premises for employees is maintained within strictly defined limits. She must be:
- In summer – 23-25 ºС.
- In winter – 22-24 ºС.
- The permissible deviation from the norm is 1-2 ºС.
- Possible fluctuations during the day are 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 an air conditioner, you have a legal right to demand improved working conditions, because according to sanitary standards, the wind speed should be within 0.1-0.3 m/sec.
Implementation of sanitary rules and regulations
Along with temperature and other standards, it is established that if the air temperature in the workplace deviates from acceptable values, the manager is obliged to limit the time employees spend in the office.
Only if it is no more than 28 ºС or no less than 20 ºС can an eight-hour working day be maintained. Any excess or deficiency should 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.
Any excess or deficiency should shorten the working day by an hour.
Employer's liability
The manager of the enterprise has the responsibility to ensure. According to the conditions dictated by Art. 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, he can demand fulfillment of the hourly production norm 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. Helps protect workers' rights
A person spends the majority of the day at work over a long period of his life, so the requirements regulating the hygienic indicators of the microclimate of the premises where people work are natural. It is especially important to comply with them in the office, where workers are mainly engaged in mental work, which is characterized by relative physical inactivity, which means that the negative consequences of an incorrect regime are further aggravated.
We will study the legal requirements for temperature conditions in office premises, as well as the employer’s responsibility for violating them.
The importance of office climate
Temperature conditions greatly influence the well-being and performance of people. Increased or decreased air temperature, which affects an employee for a long time, not only has a negative impact on health, but also sharply reduces labor productivity. Office employees perform a wide variety of activities, most of which involve spending a long time in the same position, usually sitting and sedentary:
- work at a computer;
- draw up paperwork;
- communicate with clients;
- make decisions, etc.
Mental work and physical inactivity do not go well with an uncomfortable room temperature. Researchers have experimentally found that deviations even within one degree have such a strong impact on the efficiency of office work that it makes sense to even shorten the working day if it is impossible to provide the proper microclimate.
IMPORTANT! Ensuring proper temperature conditions in the office is a legal obligation of the employer, regardless of the form of ownership and level of subordination of the organization.
Comfort or optimum
Any employee working in an office wants his work to be carried out in comfortable conditions. But the concept of comfort is too subjective, because it is tied to the individual feelings of each individual person, and they are different for everyone. What is acceptable to one may be unpleasant to another. It is for this reason that the concept of “comfortable conditions” is not used in official documentation and regulations.
Instead of the subjective term “comfort” in professional vocabulary, a more precise and defined parameter “optimal conditions” is used. As for the optimal air temperature, this is a value determined through complex physiological studies and calculations, taking into account average human needs.
NOTE! Requirements for optimal temperature conditions are within the scope of legislation, which is recorded in the relevant regulatory documents.
SanPiN protects the health of employees
The sanitary standards of the Russian Federation are collected in a special code, which defines optimal hygienic and health standards for various areas of human activity, including employment. This is documentation related to the medical and technical fields, and at the same time legislative, and therefore mandatory.
The abbreviation “SanPiN” stands for Sanitary Rules and Norms,” it is somewhat consonant with SNIPs - building codes and regulations, but they should not be confused, these are documents from different working areas.
REFERENCE! The document regulating optimal conditions in the workplace is called SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 “Hygienic requirements for the microclimate of industrial premises.” It provides labor protection regulations for office employees (in the text of the law they are classified as category A for labor costs) and production workers. These rules and regulations were adopted within the framework of Federal Law No. 52 “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare of the population” of March 30, 1999.
The obligation for employers to comply with SanPiN requirements is supported by Art. 209 and Art. 212 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, which speaks of responsibility in the strict observance by employers of labor protection rules and timely measures of sanitary, household, hygienic, treatment and prophylactic, rehabilitation and other nature. Art. 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation prescribes a set of measures for employers to ensure an optimal working microclimate.
Seasonal requirements for office temperature
In cold and warm seasons, ensuring optimal temperature is achieved in different ways. Accordingly, the requirements for the microclimate will differ, as well as the measures provided for by SanPiN in the event of the impossibility of ensuring the temperature regime or its serious violations.
So that it doesn't get too hot
Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures is particularly detrimental to the performance and health of workers. In a closed work space, it can be aggravated by large crowds of people, the presence of working office equipment, and compliance with a special dress code.
In this regard, the optimal temperature values and the permissible maximum during the hot period of the year are legally established. For office workers they are 23-25°C with a relative humidity of 40-60%. Temperature increases up to 28°C are allowed.
Exceeding summer temperatures in the office
If the thermometer inside the office deviates from the optimum by more than 2°C, it becomes much more difficult to work. The employer will have to supply air conditioning for employees and ensure its normal operation and timely maintenance.
If for some reason this is not done, the employee should not meekly endure the sweltering heat, while also trying to meet professional requirements. Sanitary standards allow workers to rightfully shorten the standard eight-hour working day, for which the temperature requirements are designed:
- 29°C allows you to work 6 hours instead of 8;
- 30°C allows for a two-hour contraction;
- each subsequent degree exceeding the norm reduces the working time requirements by another 1 hour;
- if the thermometer reaches 32.5°C, you don’t have to stay at work for more than 1 hour.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION! Many employees note the negative impact of air conditioning, comparable in harm to heat and stuffiness. The same requirements of SanPiN, along with temperature and humidity, limit the speed of air movement in the room, which should not go beyond the range of 0.1-0.3 m/s. It follows that the employee should not be under the blowing air conditioner.
Cold is the enemy of work
In a room that is too cold, no work is possible, especially office work, when the body cannot warm itself with movement. If for some categories of production workers a drop in ambient temperature to 15°C is acceptable, and even then short-term, for white-collar workers this is unacceptable.
During the cold period of the year, a comfortable temperature value should be maintained indoors - 22-24°C. Fluctuations in the norm of up to 1-2°C are acceptable, and for a short time during the working day the thermometer column can “jump” by 3-4°C.
What to do if it's cold in the office
Personnel must spend the full 8 hours at work unless the temperature drops below 20°C. Each subsequent step towards cold legitimately reduces the length of stay in an insufficiently heated room:
- 19°C makes it possible to work a seven-hour day;
- 18°C – 6 hours of work, and then in descending order;
- 13°C allows you to stay in the office for no more than an hour.
Features of temperature measurements
Since the duration of operation depends on the temperature component, fluctuations of just 1 ° C have such a strong impact on the efficiency of operation, it is necessary to maintain the accuracy of measurements.
If employers or employees are dishonest, there may be a temptation to overestimate or underestimate the true values of temperature indicators. Errors are also possible with inaccurate instruments and their incorrect placement.
To avoid complications with determining air temperature, legislation requires placing the thermometer at a distance of exactly 1 meter from the floor.
Employer's liability for failure to comply with office microclimate requirements
If management does not want to fulfill its responsibilities to provide staff with optimal working conditions, for example, does not install the necessary air conditioning in hot weather or a heater in the cold season, employees should not tolerate their arbitrariness for fear of dismissal. After contacting the sanitary and epidemiological service, the organization will be subject to an inspection, and if the claims are confirmed, administrative liability cannot be avoided.
In addition to the inevitable requirements to eliminate violations, a negligent employer will be issued a serious fine in the amount of 10-12 thousand rubles. And if he does not correct himself in time, then his activities may be stopped for 3 months (Article 6.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).