Any law on office temperatures?

My DH's office hasn't had any air conditioning this entire summer and it doesnt look like they are going to fix it either. It's easily over 80 degrees in his office building. Is there any kind of law or OSHA guidelines anyone knows about?

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

Not sure but that stinks! Think cool thoughts...

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I doubt it since DH used to work the subways in the summer - and I'm sure it was well over 100 degrees there.

From their site:

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, Section III, Chapter 2, Subsection V of the OSHA Technical Manual, "Recommendations for the Employer," provides engineering and administrative guidance to prevent or alleviate indoor air quality problems. Air treatment is defined under the engineering recommendations as, "the removal of air contaminants and/or the control of room temperature and humidity." OSHA recommends temperature control in the range of 68-76° F and humidity control in the range of 20%-60

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

last year our ac broke, we have a small office with no windows and they had to let us go home cause pple were close to fainting in here, its NOT healthy... i would mention it to a superior

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I am thinking that there probably isn't a law. Think about all the poeple who work out side or in warehouses during this weather...

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

Someone fainted last week from the heat, but still nothing has been done. I feel so bad for him. You figure a multi-million dollar real estate firm would have money to take care of these things.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

last year with summer school once the temperature inside a first floor classroom reached 90 degrees the students had to be dismissed. that's why summer school starts early in the day and usually finishes before noon! last year we got out early 3 times.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I would get a desk fan - at least it will keep him cool.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

My DH is in the same situation. They just have a dehumidifier, but it doesn't do much.

The AC in my school broke twice this year. The temperature was around 88 on the 4th floor for over a week. The kids couldn't concentrate and I thought I would pass out. It stinks, but I don't think it is against the law.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I think there is a law. I know that there are heating laws for apartments (if the landlord controls the heat, it has to be at least 70 degrees or something like that in the winter, dont' know the exact number...but nothing about A/C).

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

Unfortunately no, because not all industry would be able to maintain standards of practice (ie a kitchen or like another poster said, the subway.) DH works in a garage and the temperature has been over 100 degrees since memorial day weekend. Today the thermometer hit its peak of 120 by 9:30 am & I am sure it is hotter there now.

I wish there were a law.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I know OSHA laws but there is not one about employee comfort due to lack of A/C..our work A/C was broken for 2 summers and it was wretched. Only thing that the employee can do is b***h and complain about it till something gets done. Of course it wont get fixed till Christmas when the rates go down, so its a waste of time to complain.

Re: Any law on office temperatures?

I teach summer school on the second floor. It was sooooo hot today. I kept the lights off and we had two fire drills which made it worse.