All cases
Safety

"35 degrees in the office? You'll have to cope."

In summer it gets extremely hot at work, and nothing happens.

ASR A3.5 / § 3a ArbStättV / § 28a JArbSchG

It depends …
There is no "too hot to work" day off — but action should be taken from 26 °C and must be from 30 °C.
There is no right to a heat day off. The technical rule for workplaces ASR A3.5 sets thresholds, however: in work rooms the air temperature should not exceed 26 °C. Above 26 °C measures should, above 30 °C must be taken — e.g. blinds, ventilating in the morning, flexitime, relaxed dress rules and drinks. Above 35 °C, a room is not suitable as a work room without special measures (air showers, cooling breaks, heat protection clothing). For young people and pregnant women a special risk assessment applies. If there is a concrete health hazard, you may stop working at that spot and must report it immediately.

What the law says

ASR A3.5 – Room temperature
Air temperature in work rooms should not exceed +26 °C; above +30 °C effective measures must be taken, above +35 °C the room is not suitable as a work room without technical or organisational measures.
§ 3a ArbStättV – Setting up and operating
The employer must ensure that workplaces are operated in such a way that they pose no hazards to safety and health.

What you can do

  1. Measure the temperature and note readings with the time.
  2. Suggest concrete measures: start earlier, fan, drinks, blinds.
  3. If you feel dizzy or sick: stop working, tell someone, first aid.
  4. With a works council: it co-determines health protection.
Email template for your trainer

More cases: Safety