Sensitive population groups must be protected from excess indoor temperatures in hot weather

Long periods of heat in summer cause overheating in indoor areas and various health hazards especially for sensitive population groups, including people with chronic diseases, the elderly, people with disabilities and small children. Heat waves may increase excess mortality and significantly deteriorate the physical condition of social welfare and healthcare patients and customers.

According to the action limits laid down in the Decree on Health-related Conditions of Housing and Other Residential Buildings and Qualification Requirements for Third-party Experts, room temperatures in service housing, residential services for the elderly and other similar facilities cannot exceed 30 °C during summer. In apartments, children’s daycare services, educational institutions and other similar facilities, the corresponding limit is 32 °C.  Temperatures should be lower than the current action limits, especially in facilities with sensitive population groups, to prevent any health hazards caused by heat. The room temperature should already be lowered before the action limit is at the risk of being exceeded.

As part of self-monitoring, operators should monitor room temperatures in their facilities and prevent any overheating through mechanical cooling, sun shades, blinds or fans.

During heat periods, municipal health protection authorities may be required to conduct targeted condition and self-monitoring supervision in facilities with sensitive population groups based on risks. 

Further information:

Titta Manninen, Senior Officer, +358 295 209 398