To help you effectively measure and manage this risk, professionals in the field rely on three key parameters: Heat Index (HI), Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Thermal Work Limit (TWL). We'll show you how these can serve as powerful tools in your toolkit to proactively mitigate heat stress and ensure a safer, more productive workplace.
Heat Stress Key Metrics
Understanding and managing heat stress on-site starts with accurate measurement. The human body's ability to regulate its temperature is influenced by a range of environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, wind, and even the type of clothing a worker is wearing. The key is using the right metrics to get a complete picture of the risk.
Heat Index (HI)
Think of Heat Index (HI) as a baseline. It provides a simple, foundational measurement of heat stress by combining air temperature with relative humidity. In essence, it tells you what the ambient conditions feel like to the human body, providing a quick reference point for how conditions will affect your team.Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
Taking it a step further, the Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) is a more specialised and widely adopted heat stress index. It provides a comprehensive risk assessment by factoring in not just temperature and humidity, but also wind speed and solar radiation. This makes it an essential tool for guiding exposure limits and managing on-site heat risk.Thermal Work Limit (TWL)
For the most comprehensive heat stress measurement, the Thermal Work Limit (TWL) takes all the data points of WBGT and adds even more, including atmospheric pressure and clothing type. By considering these additional variables, a TWL reading can provide dynamic work-rest schedules, giving you precise, data-driven recommendations to ensure your team's safety and maintain compliance throughout the workday.By moving from a simple baseline like the Heat Index to more comprehensive metrics like WBGT and TWL, you gain a powerful, data-driven perspective on heat risk. The right tools can simplify the process of gathering and acting on this critical data, ensuring your team is always protected.
WBGT Heat Stress Meter | IC800036
The IC800036 is an ideal entry-level solution for measuring heat stress. This easy-to-use WBGT meter is built for simplicity and reliability, allowing for quick, on-the-spot readings with a fast 15-second response time. It's a popular choice for everything from worksite baseline comparisons to recreational sports and community events, proving that a comprehensive heat stress tool doesn't have to be complicated or expensive.
Other features,
- Simple to use hand held unit with intuative interface
- 15 second response / sampling time
- Adjustable WGBT alarm threshold, with audible alarm
Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress WBGT Meter | IC-0854ORA
When your work demands a more robust and feature-rich solution, the Kestrel IC-0854ORA delivers. This powerful meter is designed for on-site use, measuring both WBGT and TWL to give you a more in-depth overview of heat stress factors in the field. Built with durability in mind, its scratch and breakage resistant window ensures it can handle tough worksite conditions. A dual-colour backlight, with both white and red options for night viewing, makes it a reliable tool at any hour.
Other features,
- Data logging, record roughly 10,000 data points
- Built tough, with a scratch and breakage resistant window
- Highly intuative menu navigation, making measurement easier
Scarlet Heat Stress Detector | IC-TWL-1S
For the most precise and detailed analysis, the IC-TWL-1S takes heat stress measurement one step further. While measuring both WBGT and TWL like similar meters, its unique design includes an optimised globe that considers Mean Radiant Temperature (MRT). This provides a clearer insight into how the surrounding environment affects a person's ability to cool down, offering a more complete picture of radiant heat exchange on site.
Other features,
- Data logging, record data with a configurable sample rate
- Colourful LCD backlight, simple and easily shows current TWL value risk with countdown to recommended rest intervals
- Sensor protection, temperature and humidity sensors are well protected by a replaceable polypropylene solid shield
TWL-1SV Online Heat Stress Weather Station | IC-TWL-1SV
For the ultimate proactive heat stress solution, the IC-TWL-1SV monitors all three key metrics: HI, WBGT, and TWL. With its real-time connectivity to the Scarlet Cloud portal and app allows various stakeholders to remotely access on-site data and heat stress trends. Instant alerts can be pushed directly to smart devices via the app or email, ensuring proactive safety measures are taken immediately.
Other features,
- Easily integrated to previous systems, RS232 / Modbus connectivity allows for ease of integration to pre exisitng systems
- Remote access to data, access heat stress trends and on site data via the scarlet web portal
- Instant heat alerts via email, browser or push notifications smart devices ensuring proactive safety measures