The regulations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration concerning temperatures in the workplace vary depending on the workplace. The regulations also take into account the type of work being done and the physical exertion level of the worker.
- In 2001 OSHA withdrew a proposal concerning regulations of conditions in offices saying office temperatures and humidity levels are a matter of comfort. While OSHA has no regulations concerning temperatures and humidity levels in offices, they recommend a temperature between 68 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity between 20 and 60 percent.
- The work load of the employee is taken into account when calculating the permissible heat exposure threshold.
Someone doing light work, defined as filing metal, planning wood or raking a garden, has a permissible heat exposure threshold limit of 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Resting half the time each hour raises the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) to 89 degrees and resting 75 percent of the time each hour pushes the TLV to 90 degrees.
Moderate work, defined as cleaning a floor, has a permissible heat exposure threshold limit of 80 degrees with 85 degrees allowed with half an hour rest each hour and 88 degrees allowed with 75 percent rest each hour.
Heavy work, defined as railroad track laying or digging holes, has a permissible heat exposure threshold limit of 77 degrees Fahrenheit with 82 degrees allowed with a half hour rest each hour and 86 degrees with 75 percent rest each hour.
These threshold values assume the worker is a physically fit individual wearing light summer clothing. Heavier clothing, such as required protective gear, would lower the TLV.
Ventilation, air cooling and insulation can help reduce heat related problems in a hot work place. Other measures suggested by OSHA include acclimatization and fluid replacement.
Managers should gradually introduce workers to a hot work place. The procedure would limit the workers exposure to the hot areas to 50 percent on the first day with the percentage increasing to 60 percent on the second day, 80 percent on the third and 100 percent on the fourth day.
Cool water, or any cool liquid other than alcohol, should be made available to all workers in a hot environment. The workers should be urged to consume one cup of liquid every 20 minutes during the work day.
Other precautions include training for workers to recognize heat related problems in thems elves and others and proper first aid procedures if a coworker succumbs to any form of heat related problem.
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