Ambient temperature is the outside surrounding temperature of a certain area. Also known as room temperature. The temperature at extreme levels, either hot or cold can affect the safe operation of equipment. The ambient temperature of fuel tanks is something that needs to be monitored because the ideal temperature for storage is around 50°C. Maintaining a safe temperature in workspaces can create stability and proper operating conditions for workers, especially when handling flammable liquids. OSHA requires temperature control for workspaces and even in outdoor areas, where heating systems might be required or protection of workers in cold temperatures.
Equipment that can be affected by extreme temperatures can be automotive, hydraulic, and electronic. Maintaining a proper ambient temperature is important for optimum equipment operation in most cases.
It is important for production and safety reasons to maintain proper working temperatures when possible.
OSHA has some interesting guidelines regarding Ambient Temperature.
Many people are exposed to heat on the job, in both indoor and outdoor heat environments. Operations involving high air temperatures, radiant heat sources (e.g., sunlight, hot exhaust), high humidity, direct physical contact with hot objects, or strenuous physical activities have a high potential for causing heat-related illness.
Indoor workplaces with hot conditions may include iron and steel foundries, brick-firing and ceramic plants, glass products facilities, electrical utilities (particularly boiler rooms), bakeries, commercial kitchens, laundries, chemical plants, material handling and distribution warehouses, and many other environments.
Outdoor workplaces with work in hot weather and direct sun, such as farm work, construction, oil and gas well operations, landscaping, emergency response operations, and hazardous waste site activities, also increase the risk of heat-related illness in exposed workers.
