Microclimatic conditions occurring at workplaces are one of the most important factors determining the safety and comfort of work in a given space.

The microclimate is influenced by factors such as temperature or humidity, which in combination can create optimal or really uncomfortable conditions for working in a single position or in the entire workplace. In accordance with the applicable health and safety regulations, the employer is obliged not only to check the state of microclimatic conditions in his plant, but also to provide employees with the most comfortable working conditions possible.

Microclimates in workplaces can be divided into cold and hot as standard, both of which are not the most optimal conditions for one hundred percent employee efficiency. Therefore, each employer has the task of striving to introduce a moderate microclimate in his plant, in which the thermal comfort of employees is the most optimal, no vital functions are hindered, and the employee himself can work with the highest efficiency.

Such conditions are, of course, ensured by the use of appropriate preventive measures and the technique of eliminating harmful factors, and if necessary and impossible to remove the source of the microclimate also through the use of personal protective equipment.

Contrary to appearances, the unfavorable microclimate at work has a huge impact on the well-being and health of employees – too low or too high working temperature in combination with too humid or too dry air can contribute to problems with the circulatory system, central nervous system, breathing or water and electrolyte management.

Microclimatic conditions should not be ignored in any way, because although they are not classified directly as harmful factors, in practice they can significantly limit the physical capabilities of employees, and thus their work efficiency.

When measuring microclimatic conditions in the working environment and estimating how far they are from optimal conditions, it is necessary to take into account not only the air temperature, but also the relative humidity of the air or its movement in the room. Too much humidity causes you to feel a temperature higher than it really is, especially with little air movement. Low humidity is a characteristic feature of the cold microclimate – in combination with low temperature and large air movements, it leads to drying of the mucous membranes as well as frequent colds, which is equally unfavorable for the employee’s health.

The employer, in accordance with the applicable regulations, should not only be aware of the microclimate prevailing in his work environment and at individual positions (the microclimate may vary between them), but also actively work to improve these conditions. Providing appropriate protective clothing, avoiding the placement of vents and air conditioning just above the workplace or allowing free access to drinking water during hot weather are just some of the methods to control the microclimate in the workplace and create conditions that will be conducive to productivity.

Legal standards to be met in the context of the microclimate are primarily PN-EN ISO 11079:2008 – Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Determination and interpretation of thermal stress resulting from exposure to a cold environment, taking into account the required thermal insulation of clothing (IREQ) and the impact of local cooling, PN-EN 27243:2005 – Hot environments.

Determination of the thermal load acting on a person during operation, based on the WBGT index and PN-EN ISO 7730:2006 – Ergonomics of the thermal environment. Analytical determination and interpretation of thermal comfort using the calculation of PMV and PPD indicators and local thermal comfort criteria

One of the easiest ways to control the risks associated with microclimatic conditions in workplaces is to take appropriate measurements, thanks to which it will be possible to learn about the specifics of working conditions at each individual position and estimate the best solutions leading to providing employees with the most comfortable and healthy environment.

Measurements should be made by an accredited measurement laboratory specializing in microclimatic factors, which, working on the basis of the most important norms and standards, will be able to correctly assign the workplace to a specific microclimatic category and on this basis indicate methods of protection and improvement of conditions for employees.

Source: http://felietony.com.pl/warunki-mikroklimatyczne-w-pracy/

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