When is it deemed too hot to work?

[joy division]

The office where I work is located in a rather shabby run down 1960's building.

It houses between 25 -30 people at any one time and about 13 computers which are constantly switched on.

The problem is all year round it's HOT ....constantly...now as we reach the peak of summer the temperature in the office each morning is over 80.6 degrees and rises through out the afternoon (perhaps due to the heat from the computers).

There is no air conditioning, the windows don't open and as there are a lot of older people in the office who complain of drafts when we switch the two desk fans on.

Having approached our boss we were informed to go outside and take a break when we need some fresh air. As you can imagine this is only helpful for the two minutes gasp of air you can grab..then it's back to the stiffling heat.

Does anybody have any suggestion how we could add weight to our argument for better ventilation ..is there a limit to the temperature employees can be expected to work in.

Does anybody else experience a similar problem ?

All suggestions welcome .

[justineo]

There was a health and safety law passed in 1974 which made an employer responsible for a reasonable level of health and safety at work, temperature being one of the factors.  There is a UK Health and Safety Executive site where you can download a guide to what you can expect from your employer.  Hope the weather cools down a bit for you:( 

[Dom Tuk]

I recall reading somewhere that there is a stipulation on what the lowest temeprature should be in an office environment that is 16 C. However there is no upper limit for temperatures specified I think.

[ursula62]

Dom is correct.

The rules on temperature only state a minimum that must be achieved within two hours of starting work.

There is no maximum temperature.

Although the HSE state that the employer is duty bound to provide a "comfortable" environment to work in, in practice this is nigh on impossible, particularly in offices with centralised aircon. You always get someone using a fan heater who sits next to someone else who is sweltering - you can't please all of the people all of the time!

[acw]

Interesting to note that there is a minimum - seeing as how many aircon systems force office staff back into winter jumpers in mid august!

I know there is one AB user who is a BIG BIG fan of the unions - (s)/he would advise you to consult yours. 

Considering the company COULD buy those temporary aircon freestanding unit doo-dahs, I think it's worth pressing your point.  Just mention productivity and the "reasonable health and safety" first mentioned by justineo.  I hope they are providing you with free chilled water all day... this would at least be a step in the right direction. 

Maybe you could call people like aireserv and order brochures for your boss! :-p  Good luck!

[undercovers]

I know this doesn't help but i felt i should mention I'M FREEZING!!!!!!! Such a nice day I forgot my winter gear for the office - and am now shivering away in shirt sleeves... its so cold today i wish i had gloves.

[hinge1967]

I would suggest you seek the advice of your Union.

(Did I do OK, ACW?)

[2Sweet]

Simply, go to your manager and quote the Health & Safety at Work Act.  That is totally unacceptable conditions to have to work in.

Hope that helps.

2Sweet