Temperature restrictions in the workplace. Standard working hours in hot weather - reduction of working hours

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 employees and the employer's liability for their violation. 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 is aware of the real risks to his health in such a situation, then it is quite possible to temporarily refuse to carry out his job responsibilities. 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 the implementation of the prisoner’s employment contract work 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. An intense load that requires significant strength and dedication. 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 one in an efficient way The solution to this issue is to install modern air conditioners, as well as maintain current system ventilation 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.

A person spends quite a lot of time at home and at work. Comfort is a very important factor affecting productivity and overall quality of life. According to sanitary standards, the temperature in the room should not cause discomfort. The microclimate in an industrial or residential area must be maintained within appropriate limits.

Don't forget to measure the temperature in the rooms

Living room temperature

Payments for utility services continue to rise steadily, especially in difficult times for the country. But despite the increase in tariffs, the quality does not increase, and often decreases.

Of course, tenants' preferences may vary. However, it is worth remembering the limits within which the air temperature in the room corresponds to sanitary standards.
According to medical recommendations, optimal living conditions for people are 22 degrees Celsius with a humidity of 30%. Higher temperature regime indoors can increase the body's susceptibility to infections, which leads to respiratory diseases.
In this video you will learn what a comfortable temperature is for a child:
Temperature standards for housing:
flights of stairs - 14-20°C;
inter-apartment corridors - 16-22°C;
hallways, kitchens, living rooms - 18-25°C;
bedrooms – 18-20°C;
bathroom – 24-26°C.

In order to successfully comply with the standards and maintain the optimal temperature, it would be useful to take care of minimizing losses. Thermal insulation of housing and installation of thermostats on heating devices will help effectively save heat in the house.

Factors influencing climate regulation
To properly regulate the weather in the house, you need to understand what it consists of. The indoor climate is influenced by constant changes in many external factors.

The indoor climate is affected by the weather outside
Reasons for fluctuation:
construction features of the premises;
end of the heating season;
time of year;
nuances of the local climate;
geographic latitude of residence;
humidity;
atmospheric pressure.

The greatest discomfort for residents occurs due to the heating being turned off in the apartment. It is at this point that careful temperature control is necessary. Sudden hypothermia of the body, as well as overheating, negatively affects health.

Men tend to feel more comfortable at lower temperatures than women. For children, fine adjustment of the home climate is especially important. In general, it is recommended to stick to 22°C. This figure will suit everyone.
In a room with central heating, the thermometer should not fall below 20°C. If this happens regularly, this indicates poor performance of the utility service or a low level of thermal insulation.
In this case you need:
contact the utility company with a complaint;
demand recalculation of payments;
purchase alternative heating devices;
improve thermal insulation.

The law provides for recalculation for poorly provided utility services. It consists of reducing pay by 0.15% per hour. However, to achieve it, you will have to go to court.

Standards for office premises
Office workers are an important part of any company. Creating the most comfortable conditions not only affects the health and productivity of staff, but also the work of the company as a whole.
The main feature of intellectual work is little physical activity. For this category the following standards are provided:
in summer – 23-25°C;
in winter – 22-24°C.

The humidity level in an office space should be 40-60%. If the microclimate does not meet these parameters, employees have the right to demand that management reduce their working hours.
If the temperature rises above 29 degrees, the working day is reduced to 3-6 hours. If the bar rises to 32, staying in the office should not exceed one hour. In winter, the duration of the shift is reduced by an hour, with readings at 19°C, and at thirteen it cannot last more than 1 hour.
The employer must maintain a normal microclimate in the office: responsibility for failure to comply with sanitary standards lies with him. Continued violations may result in temporary closure of the office for up to 3 months. Fines of up to 5 thousand rubles are also possible for private entrepreneurs and up to 50 thousand for legal entities.
In addition to temperature indicators, the following factors are taken into account:
relative humidity;
high-quality ventilation;
air speed;
presence of electromagnetic fields;
presence of dust.

Lighting in the office is also important. Weak light causes constant strain on the eyesight and can lead to depression, while too bright light will irritate people. In insufficiently bright rooms, the issue can be solved with the help of table lamps.

The noise level should not exceed 50 decibels. Constant extraneous sounds, especially loud ones, interfere with concentration and cause headaches. As a result, productivity decreases and health problems arise.
You should carefully monitor the temperature both at home and at work, and then you can avoid additional health problems.

27.10.2017, 18:36

Do you want your staff to always work efficiently? Agree that it is difficult to think about business when a person is experiencing discomfort. Therefore, the temperature in the workplace must be appropriate. After reading our material, you will find out what temperature standards in the workplace are established by SanPiN for 2017 and in the future, what it should be in the office in winter and summer, and also what the employer faces from violating it.

Why do we need SanPiN standards?

Employers are obliged to create not only safe conditions in the workplace and office, but also to maintain a comfortable atmosphere. Including temperature, humidity level, etc. This follows from Article 21 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation.

Relevant standards are established to ensure that working 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) does not cause harm to the employee’s health. In addition, comfortable conditions have a positive effect on the performance of staff.

When setting temperature standards in a workroom, be sure to also pay attention to humidity, air speed, surface temperature, etc.

The indicators of the standards under consideration may differ, since the degree of load and types of work are usually different. For example, in foundries the average temperature is around 35-37 degrees. What should be the temperature in the office workplace?

Office temperature

The less physical activity a person does, the warmer the room should be. Office workers spend most of their time at the computer, moving at most from office to office. Therefore, the temperature for such conditions is set taking into account these factors.

Of course, the normal temperature in the workplace in winter differs from the normal temperature in the workplace in summer. Next we will clearly demonstrate this.

According to SanPiN 2017 standards, the temperature in the office workplace in the warm season should be 23-25C with a relative air humidity of 40-60%. At the same time, the surface temperature is from 22 to 26C, and the air movement speed is up to 0.1 m/s.

In the cold season, the temperature in the office should be from 22 to 24C (humidity and air speed are similar). Optimal temperature surfaces – 21-25C.

When making a decision, be guided by:

SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96<Гигиенические требования к микроклимату производственных помещений>(clauses 5, 6, 7 and Appendix 1);
SanPiN 2.2.4.3359-16 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for physical factors in the workplace.”

Employers need to know exactly what temperature should be in the workroom, since failure to comply with the standards may result in prosecution.

Consequences of violating SanPiN standards

When working conditions deviate from the norms and Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the duration working day should be reduced. For example, office staff can work indoors at 13C for no more than 1-4 hours.

Responsibility for this violation of labor legislation is provided for in Part 1 of Art. 5.27.1 Code of Administrative Offenses of Russia. Employers and officials are fined:

2000 – 5000 rub. for businessmen;
50,000 – 80,000 for legal entities;
2000 – 5000 rub. on officials.

Let us remind you once again that it is the employer’s responsibility to create and maintain a temperature in the workplace in accordance with SanPiN standards. To do this, they use a variety of air conditioners, heaters, etc. By observing established standards, you can avoid many conflicts, as well as downtime associated with employee illnesses.

A person spends almost his entire conscious life at work. 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 primarily mental activity. And 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 further 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 and microclimate has a very strong effect on a person’s performance and well-being. Reduced or increased 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 spaces perform a wide variety of activities, most of which require being in one specific position for an extended period. This is mainly a sedentary and sitting position:

Decision making.
Communication with clients.
Paperwork.
Computer work and other similar professions.

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

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

It is very important to ensure appropriate temperature conditions in the office. This is the responsibility 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 an 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 sensations, as you know, are different for everyone. What is an excellent option for one individual may simply be unacceptable for another. It is precisely because of this that regulations and office documentation does not use such a concept as “comfortable conditions”.

Instead of the subjective term “comfort”, a more specific and precise parameter “optimal conditions” is used in professional vocabulary. As for the optimal air temperature, this value is determined by complex calculations and physiological research. When calculating, the average human needs are taken into account.

Requirements for optimal temperature conditions relate to legislation. This is recorded in certain regulatory documents.

SanPiN for the protection of human health

In a special code Russian Federation All standards have been collected. 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, precisely for this reason it is necessary to comply with all these norms.

The abbreviation SanPiN stands for as follows - sanitary rules and regulations. The document that regulates optimal conditions in the workplace is called SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96 and reads as follows: hygienic requirements for the microclimate in production premises. These SanPiN provide labor protection regulations for office employees and production workers. These SanPiNs were adopted within the framework of Federal Law No. 52 of March 30, 1999 “On the sanitary and epidemiological welfare 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 the event of an employer’s failure to comply with occupational safety and health rules, as well as timely implementation of rehabilitation, treatment and preventive, sanitary and other similar measures. Article No. 163 of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation prescribes that the employer must carry out a set of measures in order to ensure an optimal working microclimate.

What measures can be taken

The following options may be a solution to this problem:

Equipment for recreation in a special room.
Transfer of a worker to another workplace.
Earlier dismissal of workers from home.
Extra 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.

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

If the boss in this situation is inactive and does not agree to provide the employees with another workplace, then the time that he was in unfavorable conditions is equivalent to a shift (daily working day) in duration. In other words, you can freely talk about overworking an employee on 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, optimal indoor air temperature conditions are achieved in different ways. Based on this, we can conclude that the requirements for the indoor microclimate will differ. Accordingly, the measures that are 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.

So that it's not too hot

A long stay in a room where the air temperature is very high is especially detrimental to health and performance. In a closed working space, this heat and stuffiness can be aggravated by large crowds of people, the presence of working office equipment and compliance with a specially introduced dress code.

It is because of this that the legislation established optimal temperature values and permissible maximum values in the hot season. For office workers, with an air humidity of 40–60%, they are 23–25 degrees. An increase in temperature up to 28 degrees is acceptable.

Exceeding the air temperature in the office in summer period

If inside the office the thermometer deviates from the optimal temperature by at least 2 degrees, then it becomes much more difficult to work. The employer will need to install air conditioning in the employee premises and ensure it good job 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 everyone professional requirements. SanPiN allow employees to rightfully shorten the standard eight-hour working day for which they were designed the following temperature requirements:

Many workers note the negative impact of air conditioning on their health, which is comparable in harm to stuffiness and heat. According to the same requirements of SanPiN, together with humidity and temperature indicators, the speed of air movement 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 flow of a blowing air conditioner.

Cold is the enemy of work

No work is possible in a cold room, especially in an office, when the body cannot warm itself by movement. There are categories of working professions in which a decrease in air temperature to 15 degrees is acceptable for a short time, but this does not apply to those people who work in an office.

Inside the office premises in cold weather the temperature regime should be maintained in the range from 22 to 24 degrees. These values may fluctuate, but not more than 2 degrees. For a short period of time, the thermometer column may deviate from the permissible norm by a maximum of 4 degrees.

What to do if your office space is cold

Only if the air temperature does not drop below 20 degrees, the working personnel are required to remain at the workplace full time (8 hours). With each lower degree, the standard working time is reduced:

Temperature measurements and their features

It is necessary to maintain the accuracy of temperature measurements. This is due to the fact that each degree plays a special role in the duration of working hours.

If employees or the employer are unscrupulous, then there may be a temptation to underestimate or overestimate the true temperature readings. It is possible that an error may occur due to an incorrectly placed or faulty device with which you are taking measurements.

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

What responsibility does the employer have 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 at normal levels, 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 to check. If during the inspection the complaint is confirmed, then the management 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 repeated inspection, the same violations are revealed again, 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 standards and rules from 2016

From 01/01/2017 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 decree 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:

Standards are usually called the maximum permissible level of a particular factor, as well as its impact on a person who is at the workplace for at least 8 hours, within acceptable limits. This exposure should not lead to deviations in health or diseases (SanPiN 2.2.4.3359-16 clause 1.4).

Due to the fact that new sanitary requirements were introduced, some of the old ones ceased to apply in January 2017. One of these is SanPiN 2.2.4.1191-03 about “Electromagnetic fields in industrial 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 on air temperature in the workplace

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

Air speed.
Relative air humidity.
Surface temperature.
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 outside air temperature reaches 10 degrees and below. If there is more than this value outside the window, then this can be considered a warm season.

The thermometer readings in an office space are slightly different in winter and summer. At any time a person needs a thermal balance with the environment.

In addition to all this, depending on a person’s energy consumption, different thermometer indicators are provided in different areas of activity.

Requirements for methods of measuring and organizing microclimate control in accordance with sanitary standards

Measurements of microclimatic indicators in order to monitor their compliance with sanitary standards should be carried out in 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 on cold days - when the difference from the coldest month is no more than 5 degrees. The frequency of such measurements is determined by the functioning of sanitary and technological equipment, as well as the stability production process.

When choosing the time and measurement sites, it is worth taking into account all factors that affect the microclimate of the workplace (functioning of heating and ventilation systems, phases technological process and others). It is worth measuring microclimatic indicators at least 3 times per shift. If indicators associated with technological and other reasons fluctuate, then additional measurements need to 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 includes several production sites, then you should measure indicators at each separately.

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

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

Room area up to 100 square meters - the number of measured areas is 4.
From 100 to 400 meters - 8.
Over 400 - the distance between sections should not be more than 10 meters.

During sedentary work movement speed and temperature indicators must 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. During standing work, movement speed and temperature are measured at heights of 1 and 1.5 meters, and relative humidity is measured at 1.5 meters.

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

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

Relative humidity and air temperature in the presence of sources of air flow and thermal radiation in the workplace measured by aspiration psychrometers. If such sources are absent, then the relative humidity and temperature conditions of the air can be measured with psychrometers, which are not protected from the effects of movement speed and thermal radiation of the air. You can also use devices that separately measure humidity and air temperature.

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

Temperature on surfaces measured by remote (pyrometers) or contact (electric thermometer) devices.

The intensity of thermal irradiation is measured with instruments that provide a viewing angle of the sensor as close as possible to a 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 meet the following criteria:

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

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

Didn't get an answer to your question? Suggest a topic to the authors.

It's no secret that unfavorable temperature conditions indoors or outdoors reduce the performance of employees, regardless of whether it is low or high. In order to comply with sanitary and epidemiological standards and carry out labor protection measures, the legislation provides for certain measures that make it possible to facilitate the work activities of employees and reduce the risk of a threat to the life and health of the population. In the article we will look at how long you can work in the heat in the office or on the street in accordance with labor legislation and what responsibility the employer has in this case.

Labor legislation on working in hot weather

Today, the most significant document in the field of labor protection at elevated temperatures is SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96, which contains important and relevant information on hygienic requirements for microclimatic conditions in production premises. It contains data on which temperature regime is favorable for labor activity, and which is acceptable, at which the production process can be carried out as before, if there is no way to achieve the optimal regime.

According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the employer must provide all its employees with normal working conditions that will fully comply with norms and standards in the field of labor protection.

Optimal and permissible temperature conditions for operation

According to SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96, the temperature regime in the premises can be divided into two types:

It is necessary to understand that the extreme values of the permissible temperature regime do not affect changes in the working regime only if the production process requires it. There are certain conditions and circumstances under which the duration and mode of the working day cannot be changed, and this point is associated with the following factors:

the technological requirements for performing operations are such that the processes must be carried out at extreme values of the permissible temperature regime;
the economic justification is related to the inexpediency of changing the working hours due to changes in temperature and microclimate of the premises.

It should be taken into account that each position in the company has its own permissible temperature regime, depending on what specific functional responsibilities are assigned to the employee. The indicators indicated in the table are acceptable for office employees who spend most of their time in a sedentary state. However, if we take into account production workers who perform heavy physical labor, then for them the boundaries of the permissible temperature regime are somewhat narrowed.

If an employee works under acceptable temperature conditions, this does not cause acute changes in the human body, but it does cause him some discomfort. In this case, there is an increase in body temperature, deterioration in well-being, disruption of the thermoregulation process and, as a result, a decrease in human performance. In a situation where the temperature reaches a limit and becomes excessive, management must take certain actions aimed at improving working conditions - either installing air conditioning systems, or reducing working hours, or compensation for harmful conditions of the production process.

In the case when the temperature regime is outside the acceptable level for a fairly short time, that is, within a few hours the microclimate is normalized to an acceptable level, the length of the working day does not change.

Changing operating mode in hot weather

If the temperature regime exceeds the permissible level, the employer has the right and obligation to reduce working hours depending on how much the temperature exceeds the permissible values. In this case, a special order is created for the enterprise, which indicates which positions will have their working hours reduced and by how much. This document is based on temperature measurements carried out by a commission specially created for this purpose. She draws up a protocol that clearly indicates all changes in temperature over time, and on the basis of such a protocol, an order is issued from the manager to change the operating mode at the enterprise.

By the way, the reduction may be different for different categories of employees, and this point depends on what specific functional duties a particular employee performs. So, all positions can be divided into 3 groups:

category Ia-Ib. This group assumes low energy consumption up to 174 W and covers employees who perform their work while sitting with little physical strain or small movements;

category IIa-IIb. This group includes employees with energy consumption from 175 to 290 W, who perform their work while constantly moving, carrying small objects with an average level of physical stress;

category III. This group includes employees who produce energy expenditures of 291 W or more, perform work using significant physical effort with constant movement and carrying heavy bulky objects or performing complex production operations.

Rospotrebnadzor, as one of the regulatory bodies in the field of labor protection, has developed appropriate recommendations for working in the hot season, when the thermometer rises to a fairly high level. They concern both the direct employer and employees forced to work in difficult temperature conditions. As for the first, the employer, in accordance with the adopted legislation, is obliged to provide acceptable working conditions for its employees or reduce working hours in accordance with changes in the microclimate in the premises. According to the second point, employees are also required to independently take measures to preserve life and health during the hot season. These include:

the working period should be divided into temporary breaks, and their number directly depends on the temperature environment outdoors or indoor microclimate;
it is necessary to transfer work to outdoors in the morning or evening hours, until the temperature reaches its maximum;
during the hot season, employees aged from 25 to 40 years are allowed to work;
you should use special clothing made of thick fabric to protect against excessive thermal radiation;
organize a competent drinking regimen, consisting of drinking low-temperature water - approximately 15 0 C, as well as consuming salted or alkaline water in order to replenish the mineral salt reserve and microelements in the body;
eating more fruits and vegetables.

Working in hot weather indoors or outdoors

Work in an office building or outdoors at elevated temperatures must be carried out within the time period established by law. The normal working day is established when the temperature is within the following limits:

More information about working conditions related to labor protection can be found in SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96, which, in addition to the temperature regime, also indicates other environmental indicators, including relative air humidity, the intensity of thermal radiation from devices and equipment, speed air movement. These characteristics should also be given increased attention, since they directly affect people’s well-being, their health and performance.

Responsibility for ignoring the norms of the Labor Code of the Russian Federation

The employer, represented by the immediate supervisor, heads of departments or a labor protection specialist, is responsible for creating comfortable conditions for performing job duties. In addition, the workers themselves must ensure that they have acceptable working conditions, and if any violations are detected, contact a labor protection specialist or immediate supervisor (see →).

When such a message is received, the employer is obliged to measure the temperature indoors or outdoors, recording its changes over time. If it detects a significant increase in temperature, it can use several options:

install an air conditioning and ventilation system;
transfer employees to workplaces with optimal or acceptable temperature conditions;
take frequent breaks during the working day;
reduce working time depending on the thermometer readings.

If the employer does not use any of the proposed solutions to the problem, the labor inspectorate has the right to hold him accountable, since he violates the norms of labor and sanitary-epidemiological legislation. In this case, regulatory authorities have the right to:

In addition, Rospotrebnadzor has the right to bring the employer to administrative responsibility, that is, to initiate an administrative case against him. This action is possible provided that the fact of a threat to the life and health of employees working at the enterprise is reliably established.

4 interesting questions about working in the hot season

Question No. 1. If the employer has not responded in any way to a message that the temperature is outside the acceptable level, is it possible to suspend work?

According to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, if such a situation arises, the employee has every right to refuse to perform his job duties. In this case, he must notify his employer about this in writing. Such behavior should not be considered a disciplinary offense and there should be no reprimand from the employer for it.

Question No. 2. What document must be drawn up for an employee to refuse to perform job duties when the temperature is unacceptable?

If such a negative situation occurs, the employee is obliged to provide the employer with a notice indicating the reason for the suspension of the production process, as well as a report on the identification of violations of labor protection requirements. In this case, the documents must be drawn up in two copies, one of which, signed by the accepting employee, remains in the employee’s hands.

Question No. 3. If documents are not accepted or accepted, but no action is taken on them, or an employee is given absenteeism, where can one turn for help in resolving a conflict situation?

In this case, it makes sense to contact the labor inspectorate, whose employees must necessarily respond to established fact offenses. In addition, it would be useful to contact the Trade Union, whose main goal is to protect the interests of working people.

Question No. 4. If an employee was fired for absenteeism, which was not absenteeism, but a forced cessation of work due to high temperature, where can one turn?

If such a situation arises, it is necessary to contact the labor inspectorate, Rospotrebnadzor, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to consider the case of unlawful dismissal of the employee.