Air Con Issues

[gee4]

Done that - reads between 21-22 degrees, however there are other factors which have to be considered.

Basically air temperature alone is neither a valid nor an accurate indicator of thermal comfort in the workplace so that argument will not stand - air velocity and humidity must also be considered as well a persons own physical characteristics eg. age, height, size, fitness level and sex.

Don't worry I'm armed with enough information if the results are not favourable.

[gee4]

I had a bit of an impromptu chat yesterday with the boss of the technican who has been carrying out the testing at my desk.  Informal as it was at the close of business yesterday, it seems I am going to have a battle on my hands.

Firstly whilst most airconditioned buildings are managed in the same way, my company manages their system on a much more stricter basis given we are a factory and have a production area.  That said it will therefore have an impact on employees as some will feel hot and some will feel cold.

Long story short, it seems the cool air I am feeling (not a draught I am told!) is 18 degrees which I find totally bizarre given that I was extremely cold on a few occasions this week.  I was shown a graph measuring the temperature last Friday which indicates it is sitting between 21-22 degrees - again bizarre.  However no reading could be taken from the measuring device on my desk for this past week so they will have to leave it with me for another few days.

Whilst I have to accept what the readings are showing, the powers that be have to accept how I as an individual am feeling during my 8 hour day in this environment.  As I had mentioned in an earlier posting, I knew the results would be in their favour and until I have a formal meeting with facilities and HR, I am at a loss as to what to do.

[gee4]

Well isn't it amazing the things that can be done if you complain long and hard enough.

I am informed that over the weekend, vents and airflow were altered on my side of the building.  It is clearly a different ambiance than that of recent weeks and NO cold air blowing in my face.  We shall see how long that lasts.

However I had to laugh.  The guy who informed me of the changes said they would of course continue to monitor the system this week, but since it affected a big area he would let me know if there were any complaints about it being too warm - hilarious!

For info I was at the theatre on Friday evening where the aircon caused so much discomfort even the staff were complaining.  Thankfully by the end of the interval it was turned off.

[peaches2160]

Be sure to drop a note to the Facilities guys who have closed the vents and let them know it is more comfortable now.  You get more flies with honey and they will remember you were appreciative next time you need assistance.  i hope it stays comfortable in there. 

[gee4]

Well I think I'll wait until the end of the week to see if it stays constant - best not to jump the gun too soon!  

* * *

I have just been informed that the adjusted conditions yesterday were causing problems for others, so the system has been tweaked again and will continue to be monitored.

[JessW]

 

Gee

I bet the people who are now complaining are ones who previously had heaters on under their desks, thus causing the aircon to blow out additional cold air in your directions!

Good luck!

Jess

[gee4]

Jess you are so right, and this is one of the factors that was discussed recently.

If this company were strict on the things that mattered instead of the things that don't, we might be a much happier bunch.

[gee4]

End of day update...

Don't let anyone tell you that aircon in a building cannot be adjusted.  Apparently the air normally flows into this building at 100%.  Yesterday it was shut off to 50% causing the atmosphere to be "stuffy".  Today it was opened up to 75% making it much fresher.

Watch this space...