Permissible temperature standards in office premises. Sanpin for office workers

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 work, 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

The sanitary standards of the Russian Federation are 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 the rules of labor protection 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 with 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 meet 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 ambient temperature 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 operation depends on the temperature component, fluctuations of which only 1 ° C affect the efficiency of operation 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, workers 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).

One of the main tasks of the employer can be considered the provision of a favorable microclimate in the workplace.

However, many tenants do not comply with the temperature requirements, thereby violating the law.

What should be the temperature in the room according to the Labor Code of the Russian Federation?

Article navigation

Is the employer obligated to monitor the temperature in the room?

Article 212 can answer this question, according to which the employer will be held administratively liable for sanitary work not carried out on time.

The list of these measures also includes compliance with the temperature regime established by the Sanitary Norms and Rules (SanPiN), since too low or vice versa high temperature can lead to a decrease in the energy level and, as a result, its performance.

Accordingly, if the employer evades this obligation, he violates the law and must be punished.

We can say that the employer is obliged to monitor the temperature during the entire working period.

Temperature regimes at different times of the year

The temperature in the room in the summer, according to the Labor Code, should not be higher than:

• 28 degrees Celsius for 8 hours of operation.
• 30 degrees Celsius for 5 hours of operation.
• 31 degrees Celsius for 3 hours of operation.
• 32 degrees Celsius for 2 hours of operation.
• 32.5 degrees Celsius for 1 hour of operation.

Working at temperatures above 32.5 degrees is considered dangerous. The employer has some way to avoid the heat, namely: install special equipment (air conditioners, fans) in the work premises or reduce the number of working hours by special order.

The temperature in the room in winter, according to the Labor Code, should not fall below 20 degrees Celsius. If it does not meet the standards, the employer must install a heater in the workroom or reduce the number of working hours. The Labor Code establishes the following temporary standards at low temperatures:

• no more than 7 hours of operation at 19 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 6 hours of operation at 18 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 5 hours of operation at 17 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 4 hours of operation at 16 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 3 hours of operation at 15 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 2 hours of operation at 14 degrees Celsius.
• no more than 1 hour of operation at 13 degrees Celsius.

Labor regulations have established that working at temperatures below 13 degrees Celsius is dangerous.

Summarizing the above data, we can say that the indoor temperature in summer should not exceed 28 degrees Celsius, and in winter should not fall below 20 degrees Celsius.

What should an employee do if the employer does not comply with the temperature regime?

Salaried workers often face negligent attitude of the employer. What to do in this case? There are several options:

• ask the employer to normalize the temperature with the help of equipment (air conditioning, heater)
• demand a reduction in hours of work in accordance with the regulations
• file a complaint with the CPS
• ask for help from the labor inspectorate

With the last two options, a special check will be conducted at the place of work, during which it will be established whether an offense has been committed.

As a result, we can say that the employee has several legitimate methods of influencing.

What punishment threatens the employer for non-compliance with the temperature regime?

In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses, an employer who violates sanitary standards will be fined up to 20 thousand rubles, or his activity will be suspended for a certain period.

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

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

Temperature standards in the office

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

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

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

Implementation of sanitary rules and regulations

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

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

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

Employer's responsibility

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

For efficient production and comfortable conditions in the workplace, the temperature in the room remains an important aspect, but what is its norm? What losses will it incur if this condition is not met?

Employer's obligation to ensure temperature standards

Labor legislation regulates the requirements for measures for. When complying with these standards, the employer is responsible. These activities include the observance of the temperature regime in the room. The air temperature affects the productivity of the labor process, and if it is below or above the norm, then this is considered a deviation.

The manager is obliged to put this indicator in order and, as a result, ensure that the temperature indicator reaches the set point.

For violation of sanitary standards and non-compliance with the rules for creating comfortable working conditions, the head is subject to administrative liability. He can be fined 20,000 rubles, and for some time a ban on the right to engage in this type of activity will be established. During the period of downtime, the manager is obliged to pay the employee the average earnings, which will entail losses for the organization.

Fixing the fact of violation of sanitary conditions is entrusted to the Hygiene Service. Therefore, the best solution would be the employer's control over the state of workplaces during temperature changes, as well as timely response to employee requests.

What is SanPiN

Based on the requirements of the legislation, it is the responsibility of employers to ensure safe work in the workplace, this includes maintaining the temperature standard. The Sanitary Norms just indicate all the indicators of the microclimate in which an employee can work.

On the basis of these standards or according to production control programs at the enterprise, measurements are taken by the regulatory authorities. They may be:

1. Planned, laid down in a pre-developed or agreed schedule.
2. Unscheduled, which are carried out directly in order to check the condition of the workplace.
3. When conducting a special assessment of working conditions.

The data is reflected in, the latter are drawn up in two copies, one of which is stored by the employer, and the second by the organization that carried out the measurements. Also, the air temperature in the room can be monitored daily using a thermometer, the main thing is that the device is checked in a timely manner and the verification period is not overdue.

Regulatory temperature indicators are indicated in SanPiN.

About temperature conditions

Temperature conditions and duration of work

The temperature regime when it is summer outside, according to the law, must be ensured by the following rules:

• if the working time is 8 hours, then not higher than 28 0 С;
• for 5-hour operation, the maximum value is 30 C;
• if the work is 3 hours in time, then - 31 0 С;
• if it is supposed to be at the workplace for 2 hours, then - 32 C;
• for hourly work - 32.5 0 C.

If the temperature regime exceeds 32.5 C, then it is considered dangerous for the human body. The best solution for the manager would be the installation of air conditioners or fans, and there is also the possibility of an administrative document to reduce the number of jobs.

The temperature regime in winter should not be lower than 20 0 C, otherwise the employee will not be comfortable. In this case, it is necessary to install separate heating systems or reduce the duration of operation.

The Labor Code of the Russian Federation also establishes standards for operation at low temperatures:

• with a 7-hour work shift, work is allowed at 19 0 С;
• if the employee is at the workplace for 6 hours, then - 18 0 С;
• at 5 hours of stay - 17 0 С;
• if 4 hours, then - 16 0 С;
• with a 3-hour work shift - 15 0 С;
• if 2 hours, then - 14 0 C;
• 13 0 С at 1 hour of operation.

According to the regulations, if the room is less than 13 0 C, then this is considered a critical mark and working in this mode is harmful to health.

It turns out that during the summer period the temperature in the room or production area should not exceed 28

C, and in winter it should reach 20 0 C.

How the classification of professions is carried out

The temperature regime standards are different and are classified differently for each category.

1. First a. When energy costs are about 139 watts. This is a fairly low load, so sitting work is fixed, with minimal amounts of movement.
2. First b. If energy costs range from 140 to 170 watts. These are also insignificant loads, but at the same time, work is supposed to be done both sitting and standing.
3. Second a. From 175 to 232 watts. This refers to moderate physical exertion. At the same time, it is necessary to regularly walk and move loads of light weight.
4. Second b. From 233 to 290 watts. The load is quite active, but moderate. Loads weighing up to a kilogram are moved in a sitting position.
5. Third. Energy consumption at the workplace up to 290 watts. That is, the employee walks intensively, and production activities require significant physical exertion.

Some managers believe that the higher the category of worker, the more compliance is needed in the workplace. But this is wrong, since every employee has the right to work in comfortable conditions. Therefore, the rules apply to everyone and must be fully implemented.

Actions of the employee in case of non-compliance with the temperature regime by the manager

The temperature regime is not respected: what to do?

Often, enterprises violate the normative temperature indicators, but what to do? Should I continue to work or should I try to resolve this issue with the employer?

In total, there are several options for contacting the head or other authorities:

1. Approach the head and talk over that it is impossible to be at the site, and even more so to work. Of course, you can take a few employees with you so that they verbally confirm the fact of this circumstance.
2. But unfortunately, this does not work in all cases, although any leader is obliged to respond to such requests.
3. Write a paper asking you to install heaters. In this case, it is desirable to collect the signatures of several employees at the same time. With such a paper, you should approach your boss, but if in this case there is no reaction, then it is worth transferring the document through the secretary, or even better put the incoming number. It is better to keep a copy of the document on hand until the issue is resolved.
4. When there is no action from the employer, it is recommended to write complaints to Rospotrebnadzor. Of course, checks will immediately begin, which will end with the imposition of penalties, which will entail a conflict. But many employers only in this way begin to do what they are supposed to do.
5. It is also possible to file a complaint with the labor inspectorate, but this will also end with inspections and penalties.

Any employee has legitimate grounds to require the employer to respect their rights.

How to fix violations

Those noted for non-compliance with the temperature regime at the workplace can be eliminated and this will not require special efforts on the part of the employer.

For the summer period, you can install air conditioners or fans, turn on exhaust ventilation, if this helps to normalize the regime. In the cold season, you can’t do without additional heaters, and it also makes sense to check the performance of heating systems.

On the part of the employer, all possible measures must be taken to achieve normal microclimate indicators, and these values ​​must be noted in the protocols.

Watch the video that since 2018 the new norms of SanPiN came into force in Russia, see here:

Question form, write your

27.10.2017, 18:36

Do you want your staff to always work effectively? Agree that it is difficult to think about business when a person is uncomfortable. Therefore, the temperature in the workplace must be appropriate. After reading our material, you will find out what temperature standards at the workplace are set by SanPiN for 2017 and in the future, what it should be in the office in winter and summer, and also what the violation threatens the employer with.

Why SanPiN standards are needed

Employers are obliged to create not only safe conditions in the workplace, in the 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.

The relevant norms are established so that working 8 hours a day (40 hours a week) does not harm the health of an employee. In addition, comfortable conditions have a positive effect on the performance of staff.

When setting the temperature standards in the working room, be sure to also pay attention to humidity, air velocity, surface temperature, etc.

The indicators of the norms 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. And what should be the temperature at the workplace in the office?

Office temperature

The less physical activity a person performs, the warmer it should be in the room. 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 norms for the temperature at the workplace in winter differ from the norm for the temperature at the workplace in summer. Next, we will demonstrate this clearly.

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

In the cold season in the office should be from 22 to 24C (humidity and air speed are similar). The optimum surface temperature is 21-25C.

When making a decision, be guided by:

• SanPiN 2.2.4.548-96<Гигиенические требования к микроклимату производственных помещений>(p. 5, 6, 7 and Annex 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 working room, since if the norms are not observed, liability may be brought.

Consequences of violating SanPiN norms

When working conditions deviate from the norms and the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, the length of the 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 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Russia. Employers and officials are fined:

• 2000 - 5000 rubles. for merchants;
• 50,000 - 80,000 for legal entities;
• 2000 - 5000 rubles. on officials.

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