Assess the thermal climate

The thermal climate in the workplace depends on the air temperature, the radiant temperature from surfaces, air velocity and humidity. Work intensity and clothing also play a major role in how the climate is perceived.

Assessment of suitable thermal climate

The requirement for a suitable thermal climate is a generally formulated functional requirement in the work environment regulations. This means that what is an appropriate temperature must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. In order to apply the rules, an assessment of the activities being conducted and how the various parameters of the thermal climate affect them is required.

In winter, the air temperature for light and sedentary work should normally be 20–24°C. In summer, it is appropriate for the air temperature to be 20–26°C. If the air temperature is higher or lower than this for an extended period of time, the thermal climate needs to be investigated more closely. For mobile or physically more strenuous work, the temperature should be lower.

What is thermal climate?

  • Thermal climate is a term for the various factors that affect how people experience temperature. Air temperature, the temperature of surrounding surfaces, humidity and air speed affect what is experienced.

  • Operative temperature describes how the body experiences the temperature in a room. Operative temperature is the average of the air temperature and the average radiant temperature from surrounding surfaces.

    If the surfaces in a room are at the same temperature as the air temperature, the operative temperature is the same as the air temperature.

    If some surfaces have a lower temperature than the air temperature, the operative temperature is lower than the air temperature. For example, near a cold window or an exterior wall.

  • There is no exact answer to what air temperature is suitable for a workplace. Different people experience the climate in different ways. Both measurement methods and temperature guidelines therefore need to be adapted to the premises and the business.

    The list shows which air temperature may be appropriate in different workplaces. Air temperature is measured with a normal thermometer. To measure the operative temperature, an expert from the occupational health service must be called in, for example a work environment engineer.

    Appropriate air temperature

    Office, school: 20–24°C*

    Gym: 18°C

    Workshop: 16–20°C

    Warehouse and cargo terminal: 10-14°C

    Working with bare hands: at least 16°C**

    Staff areas: 20–24°C

    Food shop: 16–18°C

    * In summer, temperatures up to 26°C can be accepted.

    ** Finger mobility decreases slightly at skin temperatures of 20–22°C and sharply at about 15–16°C.

    ISO standards and regulations for determining appropriate air temperature

    Determining the appropriate air temperature for different activities and clothing: SS-EN ISO 7730

    Determine the area that provides thermal comfort: The Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions and general guidelines (AFS 2023:12) on the design of workplaces, chapter 5 + general guidelines section 16 (in Swedish).

    At temperatures 10–30°C: SS-EN ISO 7730

    At temperatures lower than 10°C: SS-EN ISO 11079:2007, The Swedish Work Environment Authority's provisions and general guidelines (AFS 2023:12) on the design of workplaces, chapter 5 (in Swedish).

Last updated 2025-04-09