Indoor thermal comfort

Thermal comfort is how comfortable you feel with the temperature around you – whether it’s too hot, too cold or just right. Everyone experiences temperature differently, so it’s hard to create a space that feels perfect for everyone. Thermal discomfort (feeling too hot or too cold) doesn’t cause health problems, but extreme temperatures can affect your productivity. This in turn can become a psychosocial hazard and impact your wellbeing.

Factors that affect thermal comfort

The key environmental and personal factors that affect thermal comfort include:

• air temperature and humidity
• radiant temperature (e.g. the temperature of the walls, floor, windows)
• air speed
• how much physical activity you’re doing
• the type of clothing you’re wearing.

The recommended indoor temperature range for most people is 20–26ºC. This suits typical office work, where physical activity is low. It also assumes that people dress appropriately for the season.

Thermal comfort versus heat/cold stress

Heat or cold stress is different from thermal discomfort. These conditions can affect your health when your body temperature moves outside the safe range.

Heat stress

Heat stress can occur when your core temperature rises above 38°C. It’s more likely in hot environments (e.g. in summer, at foundries, in mines), during intense physical activity, or when wearing heavy or non-breathable clothing. Symptoms may include heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

Cold stress

Cold stress can occur when your core body temperature drops below 35°C. It’s more likely in cold, windy environments, when working in wet clothing or water. Effects may include frostbite or immersion foot.

There are very few work environments at Monash where heat or cold stress is likely to occur.

There is also no legislation that sets maximum and minimum temperatures in the workplace.

If you’re working outdoors, you’ll need to follow the OHS Risk Management Procedure, complete a risk assessment and put safety measures in place based on weather and environment.

Workplace factors to be considered

If you're responsible for a workspace, here are some things to check:

• Check if heating or cooling systems (HVAC) are working properly, and contact Buildings & Property if needed.
• Consider the level of physical activity involved in tasks.
• Assess the temperature in the area.
• Identify whether tasks involve safety risks, such as operating machinery or handling chemicals.
• Take into account individual needs, including medical conditions.
• Listen to concerns raised by staff and students.
• Make sure you complete a risk assessment to confirm whether you need protective clothing to minimise exposure to heat or cold when carrying out specific tasks.

Improving thermal comfort

Supervisors should check in with staff and students and if many people are feeling uncomfortable, they should look into the cause and consider alternative arrangements. Follow the HSW Consultation Procedure for guidance.

Depending on the weather, you can look after your own comfort by taking the following measures.

Personal heaters

Using personal heaters in air-conditioned spaces can make things worse. They may interfere with the automatic heating and cooling system, causing it to overcompensate and make the room colder.

Need help?

Contact the HSW team at hsw@monash.edu