Comfortable temperature for office work. The temperature in the office. SanPiN norms for temperature at the workplace and the time spent at the workplace of personnel if the temperature is above the permissible values

At work, a person spends the majority of the day for a long period of his life, so the requirements governing the hygienic indicators of the microclimate of the premises where people work are natural. It is especially important to observe them in the office, where employees are mainly engaged in mental labor, which is characterized by relative physical inactivity, which means that the negative consequences of an incorrect regimen are even more aggravated.

We will study the requirements of the law for the temperature regime in office premises, as well as the responsibility of the employer for their violation.

The importance of the office environment

The temperature regime greatly affects the well-being and performance of people. High or low air temperature, which affects the employee for a long time, not only has a negative impact on health, but also sharply reduces labor productivity. Office workers perform a variety of activities, most of which involve being in the same position for a long time, usually sitting and inactive:

• work at a computer;
• draw up papers;
• communicate with clients;
• make decisions, etc.

Mental labor and bodily inactivity do not coexist badly with uncomfortable room temperature. Researchers have empirically found that deviations even within one degree affect the efficiency of office work so much 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 the legislative obligation of the employer, regardless of the form of ownership and the level of subordination of the organization.

Comfort or Optimum

Any employee working in the 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 particular person, and they are different for everyone. What is acceptable for one may be unpleasant for 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 the professional vocabulary, a more precise and specific parameter "optimal conditions" is used. As for the optimal air temperature, this is a value determined by complex physiological studies and calculations, taking into account the average human needs.

NOTE! Requirements for optimal temperature conditions are in the field of legislation, which is recorded in the relevant regulatory documents.

SanPiN guarding the health of employees

Sanitary Standards Russian Federation collected in a special code that defines the optimal hygiene and health standards for various areas of human life, including employment. This is documentation related to the medical and technical fields, and at the same time legislative, 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 at 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 labor costs in category A) and workers in production. These rules and norms were adopted within the framework of Federal Law No. 52 “On the Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population” dated March 30, 1999.

The obligation for employers to comply with the requirements of SanPiN is reinforced by Art. 209 and Art. 212 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, which refers to responsibility for strict observance by employers of labor protection rules and timely measures of sanitary, household, hygienic, treatment and preventive, 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 office temperature requirements

In cold and warm seasons, 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 case of impossibility to ensure the temperature regime or its serious violations.

To not be too hot

Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures is particularly detrimental to the performance and health of workers. In a closed workplace, it can be aggravated by a large crowd of people, the presence of working office equipment, as well as compliance with a special dress code.

In this regard, the optimal temperature values ​​\u200b\u200band the permissible maximum in the hot season are legally established. For office workers they are 23-25°C at a relative humidity of 40-60%. Temperature rise up to 28°С is allowed.

Exceeding the summer temperature in the office

If the temperature inside the office deviates from the optimum by more than 2°C, work becomes much more difficult. 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 exhausting heat, while also trying to comply with professional requirements. Sanitary regulations allow workers with good reason to reduce the standard eight-hour working day, for which the temperature requirements are calculated:

• 29°C allows you to work 6 hours instead of 8;
• 30°C allow a two-hour contraction;
• each subsequent degree exceeding the norm reduces the requirements for working time by another 1 hour;
• if the thermometer value has reached 32.5 ° C, you can not stay at work longer than 1 hour.

NOTE! 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 worker should not be under the jet of a blowing air conditioner.

Cold is the enemy of work

In a room that is too cold, no work is arguable, especially office work, when the body cannot warm itself with movement. If for some categories of production workers it is permissible to lower the temperature environment up to 15 ° C, and even then for a short time, this is unacceptable for white-collar workers.

In the cold period of the year indoors, a comfortable temperature value of 22-24 ° C should be observed. Fluctuations of the norm up to 1-2 ° С are permissible, and for a short time during the working day the thermometer column can “jump” by 3-4 ° С.

What to do if it's cold in the office

Personnel must be at work for the full 8 hours only if the temperature does not fall below 20°C. Each next step towards the cold rightfully reduces the length of stay in an insufficiently heated room:

• 19°C enable a seven-hour working day;
• 18°C - 6 hours of operation, and then in descending order;
• 13 ° C allow you to stay in the office for no more than an hour.

Features of temperature measurements

Since the duration of work depends on the temperature component, fluctuations of which only 1 ° C affect the efficiency of work so much, it is necessary to observe the accuracy of measurements.

With an unscrupulous attitude of employers or employees, it may be tempting 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 the determination of air temperature, legislative regulations oblige to place a thermometer at a distance of exactly 1 meter from the floor.

Responsibility of the employer for non-compliance with the requirements of the office microclimate

If the boss does not want to fulfill its responsibility to provide the staff with optimal working conditions, for example, does not install the air conditioner or heater necessary in the hot season or the heater in the cold season, employees should not tolerate his arbitrariness for fear of dismissal. After contacting the sanitary and epidemiological service, the organization will be checked, and if the claims are confirmed, administrative responsibility 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 can be stopped for 3 months (Article 6.3. Administrative Code of the Russian Federation).

Warmer days are coming and the hotter it gets outside, the harder it is to be in the workplace. Of course, if the employer takes care of his subordinates and the air conditioner is installed in the office, and the ventilation is working properly, then no heat will interfere with the work process. In this case, employees, on the contrary, rush to workplace to hide from the hot summer day. But what if there is no air conditioning, and the ventilation works out of the ordinary? Opening the windows does not help, as the warm air from the street only warms the room. Only a draft can be a salvation from the heat, but if it saves from the heat, then it certainly will not save from a cold ...

Being in a stuffy office, the question immediately arises, and what temperature standards should be in the workplace where are these rules written? Regulates the temperature standards in the workplace SanPiN (Sanitary Rules and Norms), and the sanitary rules and norms specified in the document apply to microclimate indicators at workplaces of all types of industrial premises and are mandatory for all enterprises and organizations. Thus, for violation of existing sanitary rules, including violation of the temperature regime at the workplace at entity a fine of 10 to 20 thousand rubles may be imposed. or activity was suspended for up to 90 days (Article 6.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

Temperature standards in the workplace

For office workers who mainly work while sitting and are characterized by slight physical exertion (category Ia), the air temperature in the room should be in the range of 22.2-26.4 ° C.

With an increase or decrease in temperature in the workplace, the working day should be shortened, as presented in the tables.

Time spent at workplaces at air temperatures above the permissible values

	Stay time, not more than for work categories, h
32,5	1
32,0	2
31,5	2,5
31,0	3
30,5	4
30,0	5
29,5	5,5
29,0	6
28,5	7
28,0	8
27,5	—
27,0	—
26,5	—
26,0	—

Time spent at workplaces at air temperatures below permissible values

Air temperature at the workplace, °C	Time of stay, no more, for categories of work, h
6	—
7	—
8	—
9	—
10	—
11	—
12	—
13	1
14	2
15	3
16	4
17	5
18	6
19	7
20	8

Where to complain if the workplace is hot or cold

Special government agency, which is engaged in temperature control in industrial premises (including offices) - no. Nevertheless, you can find justice for an irresponsible employer. It is best to contact the Moscow State Labor Inspectorate with complaints about non-compliance with the temperature regime, they will either deal with this issue themselves or advise where to go next.

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 office space air conditioning should work in summer, and in winter it should be heated normally.

Temperature standards in the office

There is normative document – the 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 air conditioning, you have a legal right to demand better working conditions, because according to sanitary standards, the wind speed should be within 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

Optimum characteristics of the microclimate in the workplace not only contribute to good labor productivity, but also to the preservation of the health of workers. That is why the creation of favorable climatic conditions at work is definitely beneficial for every manager. However, only a few of them strive to comply with sanitary and hygienic standards in the field of temperature control. This is explained very simply: maintaining an optimal microclimate requires expensive climate equipment. And the very concept of "microclimate" is very subjective, because it is known that all people perceive the same temperature differently. Meanwhile, Russian legislation contains clear requirements for the microclimate in industrial premises and determines the types of temperature regimes depending on the assigned category.

Premises of the first category

These premises are divided into two subcategories: "a" and "b". Their main difference is the type of actions performed by employees.

Employees of an enterprise of category "a" are engaged in sedentary work, which implies little physical activity. The intensity of energy consumption in organizations of this category should not exceed 139 watts. Examples of such industries are sewing workshops, watch companies, instrument-making and automotive industries, etc. The optimum temperature in this case is in the range of 21-28 degrees.

The requirements for the premises of subcategory "b" are slightly different. Here, the provision of an optimal microclimate should be carried out in such a way that the temperature is maintained at least 20 degrees. The intensity of energy consumption in such premises should be no more than 174 watts.

Premises of the second category

The next category of premises is characterized not only by increased energy consumption (over 232 W), but also by the nature of work duties. Subcategory "a" refers to the movement and handling of small loads by workers in a sitting or standing position. For this subcategory, the optimal temperature regime is 18-27 degrees.

The work of workers of the subcategory "b" is associated with the lifting of medium-heavy loads (1-10 kg), and the lower temperature limit for them is at around 16 degrees. The industries of the second category include forging and rolling workshops, assembly shops and conveyor lines of various enterprises.

Premises of the third category

In the case when the intensity of energy consumption at the enterprise is higher than 290 W, it is advisable to talk about the premises of the third category. For them, the most precise temperature regimes are established. Workers of such industries are engaged in heavy physical labor and move loads weighing more than 10 kg. The optimal temperature in this case is in the range of 15-26 degrees, i.e. this is the lowest temperature regime. The premises of the third category include workshops for metal processing, assembly of building structures, etc.

The dependence of the temperature regime on the time of year

Temperature standards at various types of enterprises may vary slightly depending on the time of year. The permissible temperature fluctuation limit is 3-4 degrees. To calculate the temperature norm, the average daily indicator is used, since it is different for different seasons. Of course, the optimal temperature regimes at the enterprise cannot be determined solely by the norms, many other factors must be taken into account (for example, the recommended temperature regime for the operation of equipment), as well as individual characteristics the body of the worker.

Accounting for temperature indicators

Temperature control cannot be carried out correctly without the use of special measuring instruments. Of course, we are not talking about household thermometers. At a minimum, these should be thermometers intended for use in office and industrial premises. The measurement procedure itself is also different. For example, when controlling temperature regimes in summer, measurements must be carried out on days when the deviation of instrument indicators from the corresponding indicators of the hottest month does not exceed 5 degrees.

The frequency of such measurements depends on many factors. Among them are the stability of work operations, stages production processes, operation of communication systems, etc. On average, this procedure must be carried out 3 times per shift.

Temperature control methods

This function is performed by communication systems, namely: ventilation, heating, ventilation and thermal insulation systems. Another way to control the temperature is through means of cooling the air (for example, air conditioners). Special air showering systems also provide regulation of the air injection rate and organization of the optimal temperature regime.

If the design of the premises does not allow the installation of such equipment, it is necessary to equip a special room for employees to relax.

The consequences of non-compliance with the temperature regime

Complaints of employees of enterprises about inappropriate temperature conditions in organizations, unfortunately, are not uncommon. If, in response to a written notification of employees about an uncomfortable microclimate, there was no response from the management, they have the legal right to go to court with a claim for material compensation for the moral and physical harm caused to them.

In this case, the manager faces an administrative penalty in the form of a fine of several tens of thousands of rubles. Also, by a court decision, an enterprise may be temporarily closed for a period of up to three months.

Reduced working hours due to temperature

The decision to reduce the working day is made by the head of the enterprise. The reason for this may be extremely low or high temperature conditions. However, the workers themselves may also demand this, since, according to Labor Code Russian Federation, the workplace must necessarily comply with state standards, and the work process must not have a harmful effect on the body. According to the rules, if three temperature measurements during one work shift showed a significant deviation from the norm, the manager may decide to shorten the working day.

If workers work outdoors, it is necessary to organize special breaks for heating, which are taken into account in working hours.

Thus, the task of each manager is to provide comfortable working conditions for their employees, since their activity in itself provides for a certain load on the body. It is a mistake to believe that the work of office workers does not require temperature control. As you know, physical activity helps to keep the body in good shape, as a result of which the effect of the temperature regime is not felt as much as during sedentary work. In addition, monotonous work and great responsibility imply a great psychological burden on the body, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases.

Therefore, maintaining an optimal microclimate in production contributes not only to increasing labor efficiency, but also to preventing harmful effects on the health of employees.

Summer time is always a difficult time to work. Often there are situations when the temperature in the room exceeds the permissible limit, turning work into the hardest torture (and even breaks in the middle of the day do not save much). For employees, the question becomes relevant whether there are any legislative instructions on temperature standards during working hours in the heat.

To resolve this issue, please contact article 212 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation . In one of the provisions, it prescribes the obligation of the employer to provide comfortable working conditions for each of the employees. On the basis of this legal provision, a directive was developed with regard to working hours in the heat SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 .

Reduced working hours due to heat

According to the established norms for office employees, the maximum allowable indoor temperature in summer should be 28 degrees. The more the actual indication exceeds this norm, the less employees should work.

Order to reduce working hours due to heat

The order to change working hours due to the heat is an integral document, on the basis of which the schedule is redrawn. This act is drawn up by the employer indicating the reason for the innovations. Experts, however, differ on how to state the grounds for changes.

A reduction in working hours due to heat can be documented as downtime or through 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 an increased temperature regime. As a result, the decision on the reason for such downtime remains with the employer. In both cases, by article 157 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation the company is obliged to pay two-thirds of the salary.

It is allowed to issue an order indicating the objective circumstances and the corresponding remuneration. In this case, its size decreases in proportion to the reduction of working time.

How to reduce working hours in the heat - drawing up an order

An order to reduce working hours due to heat is drawn up according to the basic rules for paperwork. That is, it is similar to those regulations that relate to the issues of reducing the time of work due to heat.

The main provisions of this document should include:

• establishment of a new time, indicating breaks for lunch and rest;
• an instruction on the need for all heads of departments to familiarize their subordinates with this order;
• allowing employees to take unpaid leave;
• appointment of responsible persons who should monitor the implementation of the instructions.

This document is signed by both the head and the appointed responsible person. It may include additional instructions at the initiative of the employer. For example, the validity of this decree, or the provision of means of protection from heat.