Labour code and heatwaves: the obligation to air-condition premises

News / Labor law and heatwaves

In hot weather, there are many health and safety risks for workers. Heatstroke, extreme fatigue, dehydration… how can you prevent these effects and improve working conditions in enclosed spaces?
But what does the French Labour Code say about heatwaves? It imposes certain rules on employers and sets strict standards for building air-conditioning.

What the French Labor Code says about air conditioning in the workplace

In the event of a heatwave (red alert or other) , workplace regulations differentiate between premises used as offices: non-specific pollution premises, and premises which may be subject to air pollution caused by certain chemicals, for example: specific pollution premises.

In the first case, mechanical ventilation such as a mobile air cooler is required to bring down the ambient temperature. Below 24 m³ per worker, mechanical ventilation is mandatory with a minimum airflow of 25 m³/hour when employees do not have to exert physical effort. This is all the more important in offices, where employees are mainly seated at their workstations. If these conditions are not met, employees may exercise their right of withdrawal. Hence the need to monitor temperature.

The air flow rate required by the French Labour Code in non-office environments

Sales outlets and meeting rooms are subject to stricter standards in the event of heatwaves. Air flow must be 30 m³/hour.

In industrial environments, this flow rate rises to 45 m³ in workshops and 60 m³ in factories and warehouses, where workloads and efforts are intense for employees.

FoxAir air coolers for every configuration

FoxAir has developed bio-adiabatic air conditioners that are just as effective in an open space as in a poorly insulated building or department store.

Warm air is drawn through a wet filter and transformed into cool air before being diffused by the fan.

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