Abbreviated guidelines for heat stress exposure

Abstract

A wide array of recommendations, rules and research results have been arregated into a simplified set of decision criteria for estimating threshold levels of heat stress. The WBGT is used as a basis, with appropriate modification for metabolic heat generated during work, velocity of air movement, state of acclimatization, amount of clothing (e.g., shorts, jackets, coats, enclosed suits), age, obesity, and sex. When WBGT levels for the person-task-environment combination are exceeded, initiation of appropriate engineering and work practices are indicated.