Excessive Heat and Humidity
As a general rule, office temperature and humidity are matters of human comfort.
OSHA has no regulations specifically addressing temperature and humidity in an office setting. However, OSHA recommends removing air contaminants or controlling room temperature and humidity. OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity control in the range of 20%-60%.
Operations involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources, high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities have a high potential for inducing heat stress in employees. These workplaces include: iron and steel foundries, brick-firing and ceramic plants, glass products facilities, electrical utilities (particularly boiler rooms), bakeries, commercial kitchens, laundries, food canneries, chemical plants, mining sites, and smelters.
Outdoor operations conducted in hot weather, such as construction, refining, asbestos removal, and hazardous waste site activities, especially those that require workers to wear semipermeable or impermeable protective clothing, are also likely to cause heat stress among exposed workers.
Controls
There are five primary engineering and administrative control methods to control exposure to excessive heat in the workplace:
- ventilation,
- air cooling,
- fans,
- shielding, and
- insulation
Heat reduction can also be achieved by using power assists and tools that reduce the physical demands placed on a worker.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-8. OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of _____ Fahrenheit and humidity control in the range of _____.
You forgot to answer the question!