Summer is here, temperatures are rising and heat records are also becoming more frequent in Europe.
Extreme heat puts a strain on us all, which is why we are setting an example for heat protection and informing you about what you should consider in the workplace to protect yourself and others.
In the office
Whether it's an administrative office or a doctor's surgery, concentration is often difficult to maintain in extreme heat.
Although there is no entitlement to heat-free or air-conditioned rooms, the Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) rule ASR A3.5 sets the room temperature for working indoors at 26°C .
- Workrooms should not exceed 26°C
- Protective measures are required for temperatures up to 35°C
- Work at temperatures above 35°C is only permitted with special protective measures
- Use fans when the heat is not too humid
- With air conditioning systems, make sure that the temperature difference between outside and inside does not exceed 6°C, otherwise "heat shocks" may occur when leaving the air-conditioned zones.
- Make sure you take regular breaks to drink and provide chilled drinks in the break rooms
- Open opposite windows for ventilation when starting work in the early morning hours.
- When changing clothes, wear loose, light and breathable clothing.
- If possible, only operate heat-generating electrical appliances when required.
On construction sites
Working outdoors in extreme heat can increase the risk of industrial accidents and heatstroke, especially during heavy work, so it is important to take protective measures in good time.
- Procure protective equipment such as weather tents, water containers, cooling waistcoats, fans and cooling clothing in good time.
The BG BAU offers financial subsidies for equipment via the "Technical UV protection" and "Personal UV and heat protection" occupational safety premiums - Move physically demanding work to the morning hours and, if possible, start the working day one to two hours earlier
- Provide retreats with weather protection tents and move preparatory activities there if possible
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- Allow additional breaks:
It is best to take a drink break every 15 - 30 minutes
Take a 5-minute break every hour; if the workload is high, the break should last longer. - Break areas should be as cool and shady as possible in order to recover more quickly from the activity.
- Make sure there are plenty of cool drinks near the workplace and in the break rooms. Water, fruit teas and electrolyte-rich drinks are particularly good for replenishing minerals.
- The following applies to work clothing:
Necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn, but otherwise make sure to wear clothing that is as breathable, long, light-coloured, lightweight and loose-fitting as possible.
Safety helmets and headgear with neck protection as well as UV protective goggles (sunglasses)
- Take care of each other!
Heat tolerance is individual for everyone, but there are also groups of people who are particularly at risk when working outdoors. Therefore, pay attention to employees who are older, do heavy physical work, wear protective clothing or are new, and encourage them to take breaks and drink.
In the home office
When working from home, at first glance, every employee is responsible for their own working environment, but occupational health and safety still apply. Therefore, these tips should also be followed to ensure optimum working conditions even in extreme heat.
- Ventilate during the night or early morning hours in the home office
- Temporary relocation to company premises for employees whose homes do not meet the temperature requirements
- Relaxation of clothing requirements where appropriate
- Provision of fans by the employer if possible
- Shifting working hours to cooler times of day by arrangement
- Regular fluid intake, such as using cooling towels
Sources:
https://www.bgbau.de/service/angebote/arbeitsschutzpraemien
https:// www.bgbau.de/service/angebote/medien-center-suche/medium/hitzeaktionsplan-outdoor-baustellen
https://www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Arbeitsgestaltung/Physikalische-Faktoren/Klima-am-Arbeitsplatz/Sommertipps
https://idw-online.de/de/news856450
https://hitzeaktionstag.de/