Temperature regulation/legislation?

Time Magazine

Hi,

Have searched oasis.gov.ie but to no avail.

The only thing I have found is "There is no maximum temperature stated under the regulations but as a guideline a minimum comfortable working temperature for indoor sedentary workers is 17.5 degrees centigrade and upper level for comfort is 27 degrees centigrade (when undertaking light duties)"

I work in a video store. We've always been aware of the heat of the shop but bought a thermometer in the last two or three weeks, as several customers began to comment on it. The average temperature in the shop is about 29 degrees, with it reaching 30 degrees the odd time. This, please note, is excluding temperatures (that we did not record) during the summer where I expect you'd be hitting 31+. After several complaints to HQ and a staff member having to go home sick because of the heat, there're rumours that we'll be getting a "temporary, interim" air conditioner soon, but to be honest I don't really see it happening, or it being no more than a glorified fan.

Any advice for what to do if/when we don't get air conditioning or it's insufficient? Are there actually guidelines?

Cheers.

RuggieBear

you don't work in Xtravision Baggott st by any chance....unbelievably warm in there.....bloody joke tbh.

nesf

RuggieBear wrote:

you don't work in Xtravision Baggott st by any chance....unbelievably warm in there.....bloody joke tbh.

Actually the Xtravision on Washington St here has had customers faint because of the heat.

I wish I was joking.

Time Magazine

North Kildare, but obviously can't be specific. We're all fairly roasting tbh.

But back on topic?

RuggieBear

tbh, i don't know what the situation is in ireland but i do know that in certain states in OZ, the inside temp is not allowed to exceed 24 or so degrees unless it's more than 32 outside or something like that.

not particularly useful to you but at least other countries have laws that might set a precident.

whiskeyman

that sure is a tough one.
here's anohter link, but it probably has the same info you got on oasis.
http://www.hsa.ie/publisher/index.jsp?&1nID=93&pID=97&nID=215
You really should push the management more on solving the issue.
Specific guidelines are one thing, but this is more a case of looking after the general wellbeing of the staff.
We had the same when working for a big multinational - all they did was bring in lots of fans. It sure helps.
Perhaps comment to management that a lot of customers also mentioned it and that it may have an effect on sales. If they dont care about staff, surely they'll care more about revenue then.
Then again, they'll probalby try and ride it out until the summer is over.

Best of luck.. and keep cool

Civilian_Target

Well - EU law states that you're entitled to be paid for not working when temperatures in your working environment exceed 40°C, but I think that's unlikely anywhere in Ireland. Happens often enough in places like Greece though.

Complain, buy a fan and wear some good anti-perspirant is all I can suggest. Presumably your shop will lose custom is it is uncomfortably warm all the time.

DublinWriter

Maybe give the Health & Safety authority a bell?

Otherwise, that would be an ecumenical matter.