Monitoring Heat Conditions
Monitoring heat conditions is essential to protecting workers from heat-related illnesses. It allows for real-time adjustments to work-rest schedules, hydration strategies, and control measures — such as shade, ventilation, or task rotation — based on actual hazards at the jobsite.
The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) provides a comprehensive view of environmental stress, helping you tailor your prevention program to the full range of conditions workers may encounter. The Heat Index, while simpler and less precise, still serves as a valuable early-warning tool.
The employer can select which heat metric to use. This choice will determine the initial and high heat triggers to be applied.
Outdoor Monitoring Methods
The employer must monitor heat conditions at outdoor work areas.
Monitoring Methods
- Track Local Heat Index: Use local heat index forecasts provided by the National Weather Service or other reputable sources.
- Measure Heat Index: Measure the combined effect of air temperature and humidity to assess how hot it feels.
- Measure Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT): Measure temperature, humidity, radiant heat, and air movement to get a comprehensive view of heat stress conditions.
Frequency
- Regularly monitor the heat conditions throughout the day, especially during peak heat hours.
- Increase monitoring frequency during heat waves or unusually hot periods.
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4-6. What does the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) measure?
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