The optimal characteristics of the microclimate in the workplace not only contribute to good labor productivity, but also preserve the health of workers. That is why the creation of favorable climatic conditions in the production is definitely beneficial for each leader. However, only a few of them seek to comply with sanitary standards in the field of temperature conditions. The explanation is very simple: 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 production facilities and determines the types of temperature conditions 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 the category "A" enterprise 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 optimal temperature in this case is in the range of 21-28 degrees.
The requirements for the premises of the subcategory “b” are slightly different. Here, the optimal microclimate should be maintained in such a way that a temperature of at least 20 degrees is maintained. The intensity of energy consumption in such rooms 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 responsibilities. Subcategory "a" means the movement and movement of small loads by workers in a sitting or standing position. For this subcategory, the optimal temperature condition equal to 18-27 degrees.
The labor of workers in subcategory “b” is associated with the lifting of medium-heavy cargo (1-10 kg), and the lower temperature limit for them is at around 16 degrees. Forges of the second category include blacksmithing and rolling workshops, assembly shops and conveyor lines of various enterprises.
Third category rooms
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 clear temperature conditions are established. Workers of such industries are engaged in heavy physical labor and move goods 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. The premises of the third category include workshops for metal processing, assembly of building structures, etc.
The dependence of the temperature regime on the season
The temperature standards for various types of enterprises may vary insignificantly depending on the time of year. The permissible limit of temperature fluctuations 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 conditions at the enterprise cannot be determined solely by standards, many other factors must be taken into account (for example, the recommended temperature regime of equipment operation), as well as the individual characteristics of the employee’s body.
Accounting for temperature indicators
Temperature control cannot be carried out competently without the use of special measuring instruments. Of course, this is not about household thermometers. At a minimum, these should be thermometers designed for use in office and industrial premises. The measurement procedure itself is also different. For example, controlling the temperature conditions in the summer, measurements must be carried out on days when the deviation of the 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, we can note the stability of work operations, stages of production processes, the operation of communication systems, etc. On average, such a 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 temperature is with air cooling (for example, air conditioners). Special air shower systems also provide for regulation of the air injection rate and the 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 non-standard temperature conditions in organizations, unfortunately, are not uncommon. If, in response to a written notice from employees about an uncomfortable microclimate, management did not respond, they have the legal right to apply to the court with a request for material compensation for moral and physical harm caused to them.
In this case, the head faces an administrative penalty 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.
Shortened working hours due to temperature
The decision to reduce the working day is made by the head of the enterprise. The reason for this can be extremely low or high temperature conditions. However, the workers themselves may also require this, since, according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the workplace must comply with state standards, and the work process should not have a harmful effect on the body. According to the rules, if a three-time temperature measurement during one work shift showed a significant deviation from the norm, the manager can decide shorten the working day.
If the work of workers takes place outdoors, it is necessary to organize special breaks for heating, which are taken into account in working hours.
Thus, the task of each leader is to provide comfortable working conditions for his employees, since their work itself provides for a certain load on the body. It is a mistake to assume that the work of office workers does not require temperature control. As you know, physical activity helps maintain the body in good shape, as a result of which the effect of the temperature regime is not felt as much as with sedentary work. In addition, monotonous work and great responsibility suggest a great psychological burden on the body, which contributes to the development of cardiovascular diseases.
Therefore, maintaining an optimal microclimate at work contributes not only to an increase in labor efficiency, but also to the prevention of harmful effects on the health of employees.
