Iso 7243 PDF
Iso 7243 PDF
Iso 7243 PDF
Abstract: This paper presents heat stress Standard ISO 7243, which is based upon the wet bulb
globe temperature index (WBGT), and considers its suitability for use worldwide. The origins of
the WBGT index are considered and how it is used in ISO 7243 and across the world as a simple
index for monitoring and assessing hot environments. The standard (and index) has validity, reliability
and usability. It is limited in application by consideration of estimating metabolic heat and the
effects of clothing. Use of the standard also requires interpretation in terms of how it is used.
Management systems, involving risk assessments, that take account of context and culture, are
required to ensure successful use of the standard and global applicability. For use outdoors, a WBGT
equation that includes solar absorptivity is recommended. A clothed WBGT is proposed to account
for the effects of clothing. It is concluded that as a simple assessment method, ISO 7243 has face
validity and within limits is applicable worldwide.
Key words: ISO 7243, Standards, Heat stress, WBGT, Clothing, Hot environments
Introduction
In 1957, Yaglou and Minard1) reported on their study into
the control of heat casualties at military training centres in
the USA. The purpose of the study was to define the
conditions under which heat injury may occur in basic and
advanced trainees and to develop safe limits for physical
exertion in the heat that will control casualties. The
mechanism they chose to control heat casualties was through
a simple heat stress index called the Wet Bulb Globe
Temperature (WBGT). This index is now used across the
globe to control heat stress in many contexts including
military, industrial, domestic, sporting and commercial
applications.
The WBGT is also used in national (e.g. UK, China, Japan,
USA, Australia etc) regional (e.g. European) and international
(ISO) Standards.
ISO 7243 Hot environments - Estimation of the heat stress
on working man, based on the WBGT-index (wet bulb globe
temperature), is the accepted international standard that
provides a simple method for the assessment and control of
369
370
Ken PARSONS
371
Fig. 2. Organisation and use of ISO Standards concerned with human thermal
environments.
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Ken PARSONS
Metabolic rate
(Wm2)
Work phase
(min)
Resting M < 65
65 < M < 130
130 < M < 200
200 < M < 260
M > 260
33
30
28
25 (26)*
23 (25)*
The values given have been established allowing for a maximum rectal
temperature of 38C for the persons concerned.
*: Figures in brackets refer to sensible air movement.
060
6090
90150
150180
25
23
23
30
30
33
30
28
tr
(C)
Pa
(kpa)
v
(ms1)
Clo
(Clo)
Act
(Wm2)
30
30
30
30
50
30
30
60
3
3
3
3
0.15
0.05
0.20
0.30
0.6
0.6
0.6
1.0
100
58
100
150
060
6090
90150
150180
WBGT reference
*: WBGT=WBGTank+2WBGTabd+WBGThd
4
Work phase
(min)
WBGT*
373
060
6090
90150
150180
Overall
tsk
(C)
35.5
34.6
34.6
35.7
-
Predicted values
w
sw
(ND)
(gh1)
0.93
0.30
0.57
1.00
0.82
553
83
213
566
382
Duration limited
exposure
(min)
423
480
480
45
480
water loss
no limit
no limit
body temperature
no limit
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Ken PARSONS
Table 5. Estimated increases in metabolic rate due to wearing PPE (from BS 7963)7)
Increase in metabolic rate due to wearing PPE Wm-2
PPE Item
Resting
Low
metabolic rate
Moderate
metabolic rate
High
metabolic rate
Very high
metabolic rate
0
0
5
10
10
20
15
30
20
40
10
20
30
40
20
40
60
80
10
30
60
95
125
10
20
30
40
10
25
50
80
100
15
35
75
115
155
375
Work-rest regimen
Continuous work
75% work+25% rest; each hour
50% work+50% rest; each hour
25% work+75% rest; each hour
Work load
Light
Moderate
Heavy
30.0
30.6
31.4
32.2
26.7
28.0
29.4
31.1
25.0
25.9
27.9
30.0
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rain. Speculatively and in principle the clothed WBGT
described above, could be left in the rain when, in the absence
of sun, the wet bulb and globe temperature would be similar
and simulate the soaked worker. In direct sunlight and varied
clothing across the world (from white to black often for
religious purposes) the WBGT equation that takes account
of the solar absorptivity of clothing would provide a more
accurate assessment than the current estimate based upon
normal (green) clothing presented in ISO 7243 (equation
(6) above).
An additional issue is the variation in weather conditions.
In particular in a clouded sky where the sun varies from
direct and full to absent behind a cloud then out again. A
judgement has to be made on what the mean WBGT will
be. This will be difficult to measure, especially as the WBGT
measuring instrument will have inertia and an unknown time
constant. It is often quoted that the globe temperature, for
example, takes 20 min to reach steady state with its
environment.
In extreme conditions throughout the world the WBGT
index must be used with careful interpretation. In desert
conditions the sun may be very strong and clothing
absorptivity will be particularly important. Reflected and
re-radiated radiation from the sand (ground and surrounding
surfaces) will also be important and will provide a longer
wavelength input into the globe thermometer temperature.
The air in the desert will however be dry and the wet bulb
temperature will be a sensitive measure of heat stress.
In northern hemisphere countries in summer, where there
is often direct uninterrupted (midnight sun) sunlight, WBGT
values may be low due to low air temperatures and low
humidity, but continuous due to constant solar radiation and
constant temperatures of surrounding surfaces which do not
cool at night. In desert conditions cool nights due to clear
skies should avoid high WBGT values.
In tropical conditions when overcast, around the monsoon
season, high humidity will be reflected in natural wet bulb
temperatures being close to air and globe temperatures and
hence the WBGT will reflect thermal stress in those
conditions.
For sporting events (such as marathon running and others)
WBGT will provide an index with face validity especially
as light clothing is worn and sportsmen and women will
sweat profusely. The very high levels of metabolic heat
production and relative air velocity on the runner, for
example, will mean that some interpretation of ISO 7243
will be required and management systems involving WBGT
values, risk assessment, re-hydration and other measures to
be put in place. If WBGT measures exceed limits then
Ken PARSONS
specific cooling measures will be required (e.g. cool showers,
shade and first aid support).
tr = (tg+273)4+
( )
1/4
0.25
(tgta)
273
...................................................... (7)
377
tr = (tg+273)4+
0.25
273
...................................................... (8)
For the standard globe, values of =0.95 and d =0.15 m
can be used.
McIntyre5) provides the following approximation for a
black globe of 0.15 m diameter and for tr within a few degrees
of ta (which may not be the case in radiation environments)
tr = tg+2.44 v (tgta) ............................................... (9)
so
tg = tr+2.44 v ta ................................................... (10)
1+2.44 v
Note that as v tends to zero, tg tends to tr
The natural wet bulb temperature provides a more complex
relationship between the environment and a completely
wetted cylinder of specified diameter. It will be affected by
all four basic parameters (ta, tr, rh, v) and will involve a
calculation of heat transfer between the sensor and the
environment that would lead to a steady state value. For
high air velocities > 3.5 ms1 this will be equivalent to an
aspirated wet bulb temperature.
For lower air velocities the natural wet bulb temperature
will be related to the rate of evaporation from the sensor as
well as any effects of convection and radiation. For a dry
sensor the temperature will be an average of air and radiant
temperatures weighted by the convective and radiative heat
transfer coefficients, respectively3). Heat loss by evaporation
will determine the thermal decrement (tatnw) and will be
related (by the evaporative heat transfer coefficient) to the
difference in the saturated vapour pressure at the natural
wet bulb surface and the partial vapour pressure in the
environment which is a basic parameter and measure of
humidity.
Conclusions
1. As a simple assessment method for determining heat
stress ISO 7243 has face validity, and within limits, is
applicable worldwide.
2. The standardisation of the equations for WBGT and
measuring instruments in ISO 7243 greatly enhances
reliability worldwide. Method of use and interpretation
of results allow variations in use that need to be
considered in terms of context and application.
3. Estimates of metabolic rate are important and are subject
to error, particularly if the adjustments are not made
for type of person and context of application.
4. Clothing is important in determining heat stress yet
little guidance is provided in the standard. The use of
absorptivity of clothing in the WBGT equation would
enhance validity for work in the sun.
5. Use of the proposed clothed WBGT would enhance
validity and should be investigated.
6. Any system of controlling health and safety in hot
environments should be embedded in management
systems, including training of operators, that can be
used effectively worldwide.
Discussion
References
The discussion of how suitable ISO 7243 is for use
worldwide depends upon interpretation of the scope of the
standard. As a simple index with face validity, experience
of use and normal conditions, the standard can be regarded
as fit for purpose. The limitations described may be
regarded as examples of where further expertise and more
detailed analysis is required. Theoretical derivations of the
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5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
Ken PARSONS
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