THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE

Sandra Stanković, Miona Boričić WORKING ENVIRONMENT

THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Sandra Stanković 1, Miona Boričić 2

1
University of Niš Faculty of Occupational Safety, Niš, Republic of Serbia, sandra.stankovic.op@
gmail.com
2
The School of Higher Technical Professional Education, Niš, Republic of Serbia, miona.boricic@
yahoo.com

Abstract
The phenomenon of air and working environment pollution represents a global problem of the
modern society, and it is particularly emphasized in industrialized and developing countries.
The goal of planned and systematic measurement and working environment pollution control is
to monitor the concentration and investigate the issue of the influence of different environmental air
pollution factors on human health, nature and material goods, as well as taking preventive measures
concerning all aspects of the process. On the basis of the results, a system is implemented for assessing
the influence of the degree of impact that all air pollution aspects have on the working environment
and for appropriate informing of the employees.
The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the thermal comfort and microclimate parameters
impact on the efficiency of the working environment.
Keywords: microclimate, thermal comfort, environmental air pollution, temperature, illumination.

Introduction the primary factors that affect the efficiency of

Subjective experience of those present in
indoor working areas is in many cases the
product of the influence of meteorological
factors and microclimate of an area, which define
the qualitative features of the meteorological
elements, and existing architectural - urban
conditions, especially when it comes to micro-
climate of the closed production facilities,
classrooms and office facilities. In this sense, it is
necessary to define the minimum microclimatic
conditions that must be fulfilled for a certain
position, which are the function of the job
performed by an employee, pupil, student etc [1].
If we look at all positive effects of a well-defined
environment and microclimate as related to the
productivity of labor, we would see that in this
case the influence of microclimate conditions,
as well as conceptual design of the working
environment protection system, is just one of
production / workflow. For that reason, a special
attention is dedicated to this field, including
adequate legal measures and clearly defined
obligations of the employers and a great number
of references [1].
Thermal Comfort Concept
Thermal comfort includes a set of conditions
under which humans feel comfortable (neither
too hot, nor too cold), or under which the body’s
heat balance is achieved.  Thermal comfort
represents the link between the relationship and
the environmental effects on the human body.

REPORTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2013 413

THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
There are two influences on the thermal
comfort conditions of the environment:
1. Thermal environmental conditions that include
air temperature, relative humidity, air velocity
and relative mean radiant temperature of
surrounding surfaces.  in the working environment. Optimal values ​​for
2. Personal effects that depend on the level of
activity and thermal resistance of clothing.
Specifying the energy balance for human body
which maintains a constant temperature results in
the formula:
M = Qk + Qres + A + W
Where: M - metabolism; Qk - heat loss through
the skin; Qres - heat loss due to respiration, A -
accumulation of heat, W - mechanical work.  pleasant atmosphere in the working environment
Either beyond: M=(C+R+Ek) + (Cres + Eres)
+ Ak + At + W
Where: M - metabolism, C, R, Ek - heat loss
through the skin, convection, radiation and
evaporation of sweat; Cres, Eres - heat loss due
to convection and evaporation respiration; Ak -
accumulation of heat in the skin, At - accumulation
of heat in the body , W - mechanical work [2].
Thermal Comfort Parameters in the
Workplace and Measurement Methodology
In indoor work areas microclimate is adjusted
to create optimum conditions for work. The
creation of those conditions depends on the
latitude, altitude and the season. For some
geographical areas it is necessary that the
rooms be heated, and other areas cooled in
need of protection against overheating of the
rooms. It has been proven in practice that partial
and sometimes even extreme values change
​​
microclimatic parameters in closed areas in
relation to the outside space. 
The temperature of air in the working
environment is a decisive parameter and its
microclimate depends also on the value of other
414
Sandra Stanković, Miona Boričić
parameters. At every work place establishing a
thermal equilibrium is almost an ongoing process,
which is constantly unbalanced by a variety of
internal and external influences.  The process
of establishment and disruption of this balance
is achieved by transferring heat by conduction,
convection and radiation. Thus, the temperature
has direct impact on the movement and humidity
the temperature in the working environment
depending on the applied heating source are
defined in terms of the type of work ( easy,
middle, difficult) and time period during the year.
It should be noted that the floor temperature must
not exceed 25 оC, and the ceiling temperature
must not be higher than 35 оC [1].
Humidity is also an important microclimate
parameter in a working environment. The most
is provided when relative humidity ranges
between 30% and 70%.  Air, which is too dry
(below 30%), causes the drying of the mucous
membranes, coughing, and thirst and too high
air humidity interferes with the body heat and
therefore brings discomfort.
Air pollution is especially important at times
when work in confined areas is performed.  In
order for the working environment air to enable
people to work normally, it is necessary that
certain requirements be fulfilled concerning
its composition. It is a known fact that a man
can adapt to specific conditions of the working
environment, but pleasant sensation, normal
physiological processes and operational effect
are necessary to create (if it is possible) the
optimum working environment.
According to the Regulations on the Procedure
for inspection and test equipment for the
testing of working environment, preventive and
periodic tests of working environment have been
conducted and it has been determined whether
health and safety measures have been applied and
provided at the place of work and in the working
environment in the field of health and safety at
REPORTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2013
 THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE
Sandra Stanković, Miona Boričić WORKING ENVIRONMENT

work according to the technical regulations and According to ASHRAE standards, the air
standards. [3]. temperature is the average temperature of the
air environment of a person staying in a room or
The tests include:  zone. Average refers to space and time. Average
1) microclimate (temperature, air velocity and positions in space where the average air
relative humidity),  temperature is measured are at the level of the
2) chemical (gases, vapors, fumes and dust),  ankle, waist and head. These heights are 0.1 m,
3) physical hazards (noise, vibration, and 0.6 m and 1.1 m for seating, respectively, and 0.1
harmful radiation - ionizing radiation except);  m, 1.1 m and 1.7 m for standing. When a person
4) brightness,  is exposed to an air flow, the air temperature is
5) biological hazards. measured on the side that is exposed to such air
flow [6].
The tests include conducting analysis of all
elements of the working environment so as to give Airflow velocity is the average velocity of air at
a single score for the performed tests. As a rule, the place where a person is exposed to it. Average
the tests are carried out under conditions when refers to space and time. Speed ​​variations that
all technological facilities (equipment operation, occur during the period of more than three
installation of air conditioning, ventilation, etc.), minutes are treated as different air velocities.
which are specifically mentioned in the expert
finding, are operating.  Employer’s Obligations Concerning Thermal
Comfort and Testing Procedures
How an employee would feel at his/her job
The employer is responsible to reduce or
depends on microclimate parameters and their
eliminate the risk of thermal discomfort among
relationship, which can have very significant
employees. If there is a sign that the disease may
impact on the performance, but also on the
occur as a result of thermal environment, the
overall health and physical condition of the
employer shall implement appropriate controls
workers.  Inadequate microclimate parameters
to manage risks, and to provide thermal comfort
lead to increased workers’ fatigue, stress and
at the workplace.
cause various health problems, and the continuing
In accordance with the above mentioned, within
effects of the serious occupational diseases. The
implementation of the Law, the employer has the
allowed values ​​of microclimate parameters in the
obligation to introduce measures and to take over
working and auxiliary facilities are regulated by
responsible duties based on complete results. The
the Regulation on preventive measures for safe
procedure of examining microclimate parameters
and healthy work in the workplace [4].
can be performed in several stages. The first stage
The methodology for the measurement and is related to becoming familiar with the working
evaluation of the microclimatic conditions is place characteristics, all its specifications as well
defined by the international standard ISO 7730, as specifications of the technological process.
which determines the method for the prediction After that, the next phase includes measuring
of thermal comfort and the discomfort degree and processing parameters, comparing obtained
to which humans are exposed in thermal parameters with the prescribed standards, as
environments [5]. This International Standard has well as making appropriate conclusions and
been developed in conjunction with ASHRAE performing all necessary activities.
Standard 55 and it is one of a series of ISO During the work hours the temperature in
documents that specify methods for measuring the working and auxiliary facilities must be
and determining conditions in moderate and appropriate, depending of the working methods
extreme thermal environments.  and activities, as well as physical exertion of

REPORTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2013 415

THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
the employees, except in work places where
the temperature is caused by the technological
process.
The time average represents the average of the
values measured in three minute periods with 18
time intervals at least. However, the measurement
period can be prolonged up to 15 minutes. The
average temperature is valid for all measurement
spots. The average for time and space is the same
as the one for air temperature, except that the
time average is taken only for periods up to three
minutes. The speed variations which appear in
the period longer than three minutes, are treated
as several different air flow speeds.
When it comes to a location of the measurement
spot, the measuring is performed in residential
zones, where the employees spend most of their
time. Such locations can be work places or sitting
places, depending on the space functionality.
If the residence cannot be estimated, then
the locations of the measurement spots are
determined as follows:
(а) In the centre of the room or zone.
(б) 1.0 meters from the center of every wall
in the room. However, in case of exterior
walls with windows, the measuring location
should be 1.0 meter inside of the centre of
the largest window.
The measurement is performed on locations
which have the most extreme values of technical
parameters such as: close to the windows,
diffuse slot, angles and input. Humidity should
be specified only in one spot in each room,
on condition that there are no large humidity
variations. Otherwise, humidity should be
measured in all previously described locations.
Height of a measurement spot from the floor
–The measurement of the air temperature and
air velocity is performed at heights of 0.1 m, 0.6
m and 1.1 m for decreasing physical activities
in pre-defined locations. The measurements for
constant physical activities are performed at
heights of 0.1 m, 1.1 m and 1.7 m. The temperature
in the sitting zone is measured at the height of
416
Sandra Stanković, Miona Boričić
0.6 m, and for the standing zone is measured at
height of 1.1 m. Humidity is measured at any
height of the residence, and it is performed only
once if necessary. Otherwise, measurements are
performed at height of 0.6 m for the sitting zone
and 1.1 m for the standing zone.
Measuring time – in order to determine
the temperature in an unstable environment,
the difference in temperature is used, and it
represents the difference between maximum
and minimum temperature measured during the
same cycle, divided by the time in minutes. Such
measurements are performed every five minutes
or less, for two hours minimum. The measuring
period for determining the average air velocity in
any location is three minutes.
The measuring of microclimate parameters:
temperature, relative humidity and air velocity, is
performed with adequate devices like ALMEMO
2590, with upgraded probe for temperature
measurement and relative humidity such as
FH A646-E1C and probes for air velocity
measurement such as FV 915-S120.
If the performed measurements indicate that
the obtained results are not in accordance with
the prescribed standards, the employer has the
obligation to take responsible activities, such as:
placing insulation in the working environment,
enabling cooling / heating systems using air,
prescribing appropriate dress code, introducing
a formal system in order to limit exposure, for
example, flexible position, possibility of rotation,
providing enough breaks so that employees could
refresh and warm / cool and other [7].
REPORTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2013
 THERMAL COMFORT AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE
Sandra Stanković, Miona Boričić WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Conclusion measures implemented, such as shortening the

The microclimate of a working environment exposure, rationalizing regime of work and
is essential for the development of heat stress, rest, hygiene safeguards (hydro procedure and
so it is important to follow the practice for the nutrition) and the use of personal protective
evaluation of possible effects on the body of the equipment (protection clothing).
workers. Interaction factors ( air temperature,
humidity, air pollution) are complex. Therefore,
it is necessary that minimum microclimatic
conditions be defined in the working
environment and organizational protection

References
1. A. Boričić, D. Blagojevic, B. Milutinovic, N. Bogdanovic, Measurement parameters of the working
environment, Higher Technical School in Nis, Nis, Serbia, 2012., page. 2-6
2. J. Hodolič, M. Stevic, I. Budak., Dj. Vukelic, Measurement and control of pollution, Faculty of
Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia, 2007., page 36-37
3. Regulations on the review and testing of equipment for operation and testing of working environment,
“Official Gazette of RS”, no. 94/06 and 108/06 
4.Regulation on preventive measures for safe and healthy work in the workplace, “Official Gazette
of RS”, no. 21/09 
5. Standard EN ISO 7730: 2008 - Ergonomics of the thermal environment - Analytical determination
and interpretation of thermal comfort using calculation of the PMV and PPD indices and local
comfort criteria 
6. ASHRAE Standard 55: 2004 - Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy
7. Health and Safety Executive, http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/thermal/managers.htm

REPORTING FOR SUSTAINABILITY 2013 417