/webcode.jsp
/en/search/index.jsp
Source: Günter Albers – stock.adobe.com
Rising temperatures, longer periods of heat and more intense sunlight mean increasing exposure to UV radiation and heat. This can have both short-term and long-term health consequences, such as a drop in performance, dehydration or skin cancer. High temperatures not only reduce productivity, but also generally impair physical performance and the ability to concentrate. The risk of accidents, as well as accidents at work, increases.
In the video "Too hot to work", NAPO explains what measures can help when it gets too hot.
According to the technical rules for workplaces on room temperature (ASR A3.5), the air temperature in workrooms should not exceed +26 °C. If this temperature is exceeded as a result of solar radiation, suitable shading devices (e.g. external blinds) must be used.
Special regulations apply for outside temperatures above +26 °C. If the indoor air temperature exceeds +26 °C despite the sun protection system, additional measures should be implemented. If the air temperature in the room exceeds +30 °C, effective measures must be taken to reduce the strain on employees. Technical and organisational measures are preferable to personal measures.
Exemplary measures against heat in indoor workplaces are divided in the following table according to the so-called "TOP principle": technical, organisational and personal measures. The prevention measures must be adapted to the company or facility depending on the sector, working environment and legal requirements.
| Type of measure | Measure against excessive heat exposure indoors | Examples |
| Technical measures | Effective control of the sun shading system | For example, use sun protection devices such as external blinds/shutters and keep them closed even after working hours. External blinds or roller blinds protect against direct sunlight. |
| Insulation | According to ASR A3.5, the thermal insulation of buildings in summer is a basic requirement; this also applies to existing buildings. It must also be taken into account for refurbishments and new buildings. | |
| Ventilation | ||
| Air-conditioned rooms (reduction of internal thermal loads) | Adapt work areas to climatic conditions and avoid heat build-up, e.g. by ventilating early in the morning or cooling down at night. Fans: The increased air movement causes better evaporation of sweat and better removal of heat from the body, which cools it slightly. | |
| Ventilation units and air conditioning systems (only use electrical appliances when necessary and operate them as energy-efficiently and climate-neutrally as possible). Air conditioning means that the air temperature in the room is actively cooled. For vehicles: e.g. equipping the driver's cabs of construction machinery or driver's cabs of lorries with air conditioning systems. | ||
| Organisational measures | Informing and communicating | Inform employees about the dangers of heat and sunlight as well as suitable protective measures. |
| Adaptation of working hours | Minimise time spent in direct sunlight where possible. | |
| Flexible break arrangements | Adapt the type and extent of breaks to the working conditions. | |
| Definition of additional warm-up phases | Enable temporary work in cooler rooms. | |
| Provision of drinks | Provide suitable drinks, e.g. drinking water in accordance with the Drinking Water Ordinance. | |
| Adaptation of work processes and task allocation | If possible, carry out activities in the shade, at cooler times of day or in closed, air-conditioned rooms (only operate electrical appliances when required and as energy-efficiently and climate-neutrally as possible). | |
| Emergency and heat protection plans | Emergency and heat protection plans are useful in addition to sensitising employees. | |
| Personalised measures | Fluid intake | Drink sufficient suitable fluids (e.g. drinking water). |
| Clothing | Relaxation of the clothing regulations. |
In addition to the effectiveness of the protective measures, their practicability and acceptance are also important to ensure that the prevention programmes are accepted by employees. When selecting suitable protective measures, priority should be given to climate-friendly or climate-neutral and sustainable measures.
As there is a risk to employees when working outdoors at high temperatures, measures must be taken to protect the safety and health of employees. Some examples of measures are listed in the following table.
Measures Heat when working outdoors (table)
Exemplary measures against heat when working outdoors are divided in the following table according to the so-called "TOP principle": technical, organisational and personal measures. The prevention measures must be adapted to the company or organisation depending on the sector, working environment and legal requirements.
| Meaure | Measure against excessive heat exposure outdoors | Examples |
| Technical measures | Provide shade through shelters (also for breaks) | Provide shade in work and break areas, e.g. with large sunshades, awnings, tarpaulins and canopies or trees, or provide shaded shelters. |
| Provide construction machinery and vehicles with air conditioning. | ||
| Ventilate work areas well (avoid heat build-up). | ||
| Organisational measures | Informing and communicating | Inform employees about possible dangers from sunlight or heat stress and about suitable protective measures. |
| Adaptation of working hours | Minimise time spent in direct sunlight if possible. Limit time spent in the sun, especially at lunchtime between 11 am and 3 pm. | |
| Flexible break arrangements | If possible, carry out activities and take breaks in the shade or in cooler rooms. | |
| Adapt the type and extent of breaks to the working conditions and the course of the day | ||
| Adaptation of work processes and division of tasks | If possible, have physically strenuous work carried out early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Limit the duration of exposure as far as possible. | |
| Provision of drinks and UV protection | Provide sufficient personal protective equipment, drinks (e.g. drinking water) and UV protection. | |
| Emergency and heat protection plans | Emergency and heat protection plans are useful in addition to sensitising employees. | |
| Liquid | drink sufficient suitable fluids - at least drinking water. | |
| Personal measures | ||
| Clothing | Clothing should completely cover the body and protect against overheating | |
| Protect head | For example, wear a hat or scarf as headgear and neck protection to protect against UV radiation and heat. | |
| Protect eyes | In work areas where safety helmets must be worn, neck and ear protection can be achieved by using an additional scarf (e.g. button-in neck protection). | |
| Protect eyes with sunglasses with UV protection |
In addition to the effectiveness of the protective measures, their practicability and acceptance are also important to ensure that the prevention programmes are accepted by employees. When selecting suitable protective measures, priority should be given to climate-friendly or climate-neutral and sustainable measures.