For example, if the work is in direct sunlight, then the WBGT instrument should be in the sun. The WBGT instrument should be placed close to the work location. A black globe thermometer to measure radiant heat.A natural wet bulb thermometer to measure the potential for evaporative cooling.A dry bulb thermometer to measure the ambient air temperature.WBGT devices contain three different thermometers: OSHA recommends the use of wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) monitor to measure workplace environmental heat. In most situations, wind helps workers cool off.Īn environmental heat assessment should account for all of these factors. Radiant heat from sunlight or artificial heat sources such as furnaces.High relative humidity makes it difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating. Four factors contribute to heat stress in workers: Environmental HeatĮnvironmental heat is more than just temperature. Sports physiologists recognize that heat-related illness may occur, surprisingly, at low to moderate temperatures, including below 65☏ when workload is very heavy (Armstrong 2007). Remember: Physical labor increases the heat experienced by workers. They should know that workers may experience heat stress at temperatures much lower than public heat advisories. Employers should be aware of any heat advisories from the National Weather Service. This step allows employers to determine if the work conditions are too hot. To determine workers' total heat stress, employers must assess both of the above heat sources.Įmployers should compare the total heat stress to published occupational heat guidance. Metabolic heat, generated by the body, is related to workload (physical activity).Environmental heat is produced by warm or hot surroundings.Two heat sources contribute to the risk of heat-related illness. Heat-related illness prevention starts by determining if a heat hazard is present in the workplace. You should consider the above factors when evaluating heat stress risk to workers. Common values given for categories of work are included in the table on Workload. Workload considerations are described at length in the OSHA Technical Manual.
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