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Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) in Heat Safety
Individual Susceptibility
WBGT assesses environmental heat stress but does not account for all factors affecting individual susceptibility to heat-related illnesses. Personal risk factors such as age, medical conditions and acclimatization levels impact response to heat and are not measured by WBGT. The ACGIH recommends incorporating individual health evaluations into the heat stress management plan, such as assessing workers for personal risk factors and adjusting exposure limits.
Multifaceted Approach
Given the limitations of WBGT, the ACGIH recommends combining WBGT with measures such as physiological monitoring, personal risk assessments and adaptive management practices. Conducting regular health screenings and monitoring workers’ physiological responses to heat can provide a better understanding of heat stress risks. Additionally, technological solutions such as wearable sensors provide real-time data on workers’ conditions.
Adherence to Guidelines
Adhering to ACGIH guidelines for WBGT usage enables organizations to protect workers, enhance productivity and maintain safety by following WBGT recommendations and implementing comprehensive heat stress management programs with training, emergency preparedness and continuous improvement practices.
Conclusion
The challenges and limitations of WBGT highlight the importance of a holistic approach to heat stress management. Organizations can create a safer and more productive work environment by combining WBGT readings with individual health assessments, adaptive practices and advanced technologies. Following ACGIH standards and guidelines helps ensure regulatory compliance and demonstrates a commitment to worker safety and well-being.
This article originally appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
About the Authors
Zack Braun, CEO of SlateSafety, co-founded the company during his studies at Georgia Tech in 2016, securing over $4M in funding from NSG, DoD, and DHS through 7 SBIRs, while advancing real-time worker safety technology, driven by his passion for impactful wearable and IoT applications.
CDR Donald D. Elswick (USN - ret), CIH, CSP, CHMM, CIT, has more than 30 years of EHS experience including advanced leadership roles with the ACGIH, AIHA and ASSP. His email address is [email protected].