Occupational Hot Exposures: Body Physiology and An Approach to Numerical Assessment

Abstract

This paper summarizes the factors which influence the energy exchange processes between an individual and his surroundings and the mechanisms by which the body attempts to maintain itself in a heat balance situation. Thereafter, the important physiological reactions to hot working conditions are described and, on this basis, a numerical assessment procedure is proposed. Examples are given of the use of this method in investigating the possibility of heat stress and estimating the time for which an acclimatized worker can safely be exposed in such circumstances. An increase in the permissible exposure time through a manipulation of the environmental parameters is also considered.