Thermal Comfort

Why do we have thermal comfort guidelines?

Working in hot or cold conditions without adequate control measures can create a number of adverse health effects ranging from discomfort to serious illness. Under the OH&S Act 2000 the University of Wollongong has a responsibility to provide a safe place to work and study for staff and students. These guidelines on working in hot or cold conditions are to provide a means of ensuring that supervisors and employees are aware of risks associated with working in these environments and associated strategies to minimise the risk of injury.

What is thermal comfort?

Thermal discomfort is not a medical condition. It is the discomfort experienced by most people when it is hot or cold. Most concerns that arise from working in heat are due to heat discomfort.

Download the Thermal Comfort Guidelines [PDF-122Kb]

Need more information? Please call the OH&S Unit on extension 3931.