Heat Stress Monitoring

Regardless of whether you are working indoors or outdoors, working in hot and/or humid environments is not only uncomfortable but can lead to heat-related illnesses and can ultimately be fatal.

Causes and symptoms of heat stress

Heat stress occurs when an individual’s body temperature dangerously overheats due to prolonged exposure to hot or humid weather and the body’s inability to regulate its temperature generally through sweating.

Although heat stress is more prominent when working in outdoor environments such as mining, agriculture, refineries, and construction, it can often affect workers in indoor environments such as warehouses, boiler rooms and manufacturing plants too. Poorly ventilated areas, non-protective clothing, and hot areas (e.g., furnaces) can be common factors that result in heat stress.

The symptoms and signs of heat stress include:

Heat exhaustion – including dizziness, weakness, fatigue, vomiting, palpitations, and nausea
Cramps
Rashes
Heat stroke
Dark coloured urine
Profuse sweating or no sweating
Pale skin
Extreme thirst

Not everyone reacts to heat the same way, and this can be influenced by factors including general health, body weight, medical conditions, and age just to name a few.

Monitor heat stress to protect worker safety

Environmental heat stress is measured in terms of Thermal Work Limit (TWL) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) which takes into consideration radiant heat sources. TWL predicts the maximum level of work that can be carried out for the environmental conditions present at the worksite whilst WBGT is a measure of heat stress which takes into consideration radiant heat sources. Some solutions Air-Met Scientific provides for heat stress monitoring include:

Heat Stress Monitors – Discover the range of portable heat stress monitors supplied by trusted companies to provide a quick and accurate evaluation of heat stress environments. Heat stress monitors such as the QUESTemp QT-36 Portable Heat Stress Monitors are used to conduct a risk analysis of a job function or activity and assists in occupational heat stress management. It provides real-time readings for wet/dry bulb, WBGT indoor/outdoor and relative humidity.
Heat Stress Software – Heat stress software is essential for logging parameters, export and analyse data to gain crucial insights on environmental conditions.
Hydration Solutions - It is important for workers who are exposed to hot environments to keep hydrated while performing tasks to regulate body temperature and avoid heat stress. The Aqualyte Hydration Solution is a low sugar hypotonic fluid that prevents the effects of dehydration on health and performance.

Protect your workers from exposure to heat stress and stay compliant with Air-Met’s range of heat stress monitoring equipment and scientifically formulated hydration solutions.

For more information about how we can assist your heat stress monitoring program, contact one of our six locations across Australia today.

Does Air-Met Scientific hire heat stress monitors?

Yes, Air-Met Scientific does hire heat stress monitors, along with a range of other environmental and occupational monitoring equipment. We offer short-term and long-term rental options, as well as purchase options, to suit a variety of needs and budgets. We have several rental offices throughout Australia, including in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, and South Australia. Contact your local office for more information and stock availability.

What is a heat stress monitor?

A heat stress monitor is a device that measures the environmental factors that contribute to heat stress in the workplace or other settings. These devices are used to help employers and workers monitor and manage the risk of heat stress, which can occur when the body's natural cooling mechanisms are overwhelmed by heat and humidity.

Heat stress monitors typically measure a range of environmental parameters, including air temperature, humidity, and air movement, and may also incorporate information about the individual's physical activity level and clothing.

What is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature?

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a measure of the environmental conditions that contribute to heat stress. It takes into account the effects of temperature, humidity, and radiation from the sun on the human body. WBGT is commonly used in workplaces where employees are at risk of heat stress, such as outdoor workplaces, industrial settings, and sports events.

The WBGT is expressed in degrees Celsius (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) and provides an indication of the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and radiation on the body's ability to regulate its internal temperature. The higher the WBGT, the greater the risk of heat stress and associated heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

What is Thermal Work Limit (TWL)?

Thermal Work Limit (TWL) is a measure of the environmental conditions that affect the human body's ability to dissipate heat, and is commonly used in workplaces where workers are exposed to high temperatures. The TWL is a more advanced heat stress index that takes into account not only the environmental conditions but also the physical demands of the work being performed, and is expressed in terms of the amount of work that can be performed before the body's core temperature reaches a critical level. TWL can be measured using devices such as the Scarlet Tech TWL-1S Heat Stress Monitor.

What is heat stress and who can it affect?

Heat stress is a condition that occurs when the body's natural cooling mechanisms are unable to cope with high temperatures, leading to an increase in body temperature and potentially harmful health effects. It can affect individuals of all ages and fitness levels, but certain groups of people may be more susceptible to its effects, including:

Outdoor workers
Indoor workers in hot environments
Athletes and sports players
People with chronic medical conditions
Older adults
Infants and young children

How can a heat stress monitor assist heat stress management in the workplace?

A heat stress monitor is a tool that can assist in managing heat stress in the workplace by providing real-time data on the environmental conditions that can contribute to heat stress. Here are some ways that a heat stress monitor can be used to support heat stress management in the workplace:

Identifying high-risk areas
Monitoring worker exposure
Setting exposure limits
Taking preventive action
Training and education

What is the difference between heat stress and heat stroke?

Heat stress and heat stroke are related conditions that can occur as a result of exposure to high temperatures and humidity, but they are not the same.

Heat stress refers to the physiological strain on the body that results from exposure to high temperatures and humidity. This can occur when the body's natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating and increased blood flow to the skin, are overwhelmed by the environmental conditions. If not managed properly, heat stress can progress to heat stroke.

Heat stroke, on the other hand, is a more severe and potentially life-threatening condition that can result from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Heat stroke occurs when the body's core temperature rises above 40°C and the body's natural cooling mechanisms fail to regulate body temperature. Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Can heat stress affect livestock such as cows and how does it affect them?

Yes, heat stress can affect livestock such as cows, particularly in hot and humid weather conditions. Like humans, cows are susceptible to the negative effects of high temperatures and humidity, and prolonged exposure to these conditions can cause a range of health problems and reduced productivity. Heat stress can affect livestock in several ways including:

Reduced feed intake
Reduce milk production in cows
Increase respiratory rate
Heat stroke
Decreased fertility

Does Air-Met Scientific sell electrolyte hydration solutions?

Yes, Air-Met Scientific sells a range of electrolyte hydration solutions that are designed to help prevent and manage dehydration and heat stress. These solutions are formulated to help replenish the body's electrolytes, which are important for maintaining fluid balance and regulating bodily functions, particularly during periods of high heat stress.

Are there industries in Australia that are most susceptible to heat stress?

Several industries in Australia are more susceptible to heat stress than others. Some of the industries that are particularly at risk include:

Agriculture: Workers in the agriculture industry are at a high risk of heat stress due to their exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures, particularly during the summer months.
Construction: Construction workers are often exposed to high temperatures and humidity, particularly in outdoor settings, and may be required to wear heavy or protective clothing that can increase their risk of heat stress.
Mining: Workers in the mining industry may work in hot, humid environments or be exposed to high temperatures due to the use of heavy machinery and equipment.
Manufacturing: Workers in the manufacturing industry may be exposed to high temperatures and humidity due to the use of machinery and equipment, as well as the production process itself.
Transport and logistics: Workers in the transport and logistics industry may be exposed to high temperatures and humidity due to the nature of their work, which often involves long periods of time spent in vehicles or loading and unloading goods in hot environments.
Emergency services: Emergency service workers, such as firefighters and paramedics, may be exposed to high temperatures and humidity during emergency situations or when wearing protective gear.

It is important for employers and workers in these industries to take steps to prevent and manage heat stress, such as providing access to shade and water, implementing cooling strategies, adjusting work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and providing appropriate training and education on heat stress prevention and management.

Heat Stress Monitoring