CENTRE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY

FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES

BACHELOR IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH AND SAFETY (HONS.)

ENV 650

AIR QUALITY AND HEALTH

LAB REPORT 2

HEAT STRESS MEASURES BY USING WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE

(WBGT)

NAME STUDENT ID GROUP

YUSRINA AFIFA BINTI MUHAMAD 2020899132 HS243 7D

YUSOFF

PREPARED FOR

DR. NOOR HAZIQAH BTE KAMALUDIN

DATE OF SUBMISSION

20TH JANUARY 2023

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

No. Content Pages

1.0 Introduction 2

2.0 Objectives 3

3.0 Result and Discussion 4

4.0 Recommendation and Conclusion 8

References 9

Appendices 10

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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Heat stress is an occupational hazard that associated with wide range of health-related
illnesses such as heat cramps and heat exhaustion. It is one of the most harmful physical
pollutants in the work environment, which is less studied among various harmful agents
(Mohammadian et al., 2019). Heat damage can develop once the body is unable to maintain
homeostasis between the heat that is captured and that is lost. Consequently, contribute to
health impairment such as cramps, exhaustion, rashes and heat fatigue. Many internal factors,
including age, physical body condition, pre-existing medical illnesses, and medication usage,
may contribute to the dangers of heat stress (Dehghan H., Mortzavi S. B., Jafari M. J., &
Maracy M. R. 2015).

Therefore, wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is a gold standard for assessing the
environmental heat stress during the physical activity. According to Wang et al. (2013), heat
stress in the work environments can be evaluated through measurement of environmental
parameters and effects toward human body by using WBGT index. The measurements
include the dry-bulb (DB) temperature, natural wet-bulb (NWB) temperature, and the globe
temperature (GT) besides relative humidity, and air velocity to assess the heat stress at
working area. As mentioned by Mohammadian et al., (2019), this index has been introduced
as a global standard and is applied to control the heat stress in many working environments. It
also has been recommended by the International Standard Organization (ISO 7243) for the
rapid assessment of hot environments.

The DB temperature measures the ambient temperature, while NWB temperature is

used to measure sweat's effectiveness in cooling the body. It records the ambient
temperature, however reflects the influence of humidity and air movement. High humidity and
low air movement result in an elevated wet-bulb (WB) temperature. Meanwhile the GT
measures the radiant energy from direct sunlight or other sources (e.g., machinery and hot
structures near the workplace). Therefore, in order to obtain Wet Bulb Globe Temperature
(WBGT) Index at outdoor environments, the equation below can be used to calculate the
index, respectively.
WBGTout = 0.7 Tnwb + 0.2 T g + 0.1 Tdb
Where:
 WBGT = Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index

 Tnwb = Natural Wet-Bulb Temperature

 Tdb = Dry-Bulb Temperature

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  Tg = Globe Temperature

2.0 OBJECTIVES

2.1 To measure the outdoor WBGT index at UiTM Puncak Alam.

2.2 To determine potential environmental conditions that contribute to WBGT index at
UiTM Puncak Alam.
2.3 To identify the level of heat stress at the subjected place and suggest appropriate
occupational safety and health measures.

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3.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

An assessment to measure the WBGT index has been conducted at UiTM Puncak
Alam at coordinates 3.200191, 101.446697, as shown on the google map (Appendix 1). The
assessment been carried out by using the 3MTM QUESTempº 36 Heat Stress Monitor Data
Logging Kit QT36 (shown in Appendix 2). The instrument has been set up 1.1 meters above
the floor level, since this height represented the center of gravity for the human body (Farjami,
2020). Besides, in which it is a maximum level of heat stress, and in area exposed with direct
sunlight. The instrument set up of monitoring assessment as shown in Appendix 3. The
reading was recorded for an hour with 5 minutes time interval, started from 10.27 a.m. to
11.27 a.m. The results were recorded as showed in the following Table 3.0 below:

Table 3.0 Results of WBGT sampling for 1 hour (5 minutes interval).

Time Globe Relative
Wet Bulb Dry Bulb Air Flow WBGTo Humidity
(a.m/ Bulb Humidity,
(°C) (°C) (m/s) (°C) Index (°C)
hr) (°C) (%)

10.32 28.3 29.1 0.3 37.3 84 30.2 40

10.37 28.4 29.5 0.2 38.6 77 30.6 40

10.42 28.2 29.4 0.3 37.7 72 30.2 39

10.47 28.3 30.3 0.3 41.5 67 31.1 41

10.52 28.3 30.4 0.3 41.8 64 31.2 41

10.57 28.4 31.2 0.2 43.5 61 31.7 40

11.02 28.2 31.5 0.3 42.5 60 31.4 40

11.07 27.5 31.0 0.3 41.4 57 30.6 36

11.12 27.4 30.9 0.3 42.1 56 30.7 36

11.17 27.7 31.7 0.3 42.6 57 31.0 41

11.22 28.1 32.0 0.3 42.2 58 31.3 43

11.27 27.7 31.4 0.3 43.5 56 31.2 39

Average 28.0 30.7 0.3 41.2 64.1 31.0 39.7

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 Table above illustrates the readings for heat stress assessment recorded at the
subjected area. The results from WBGT instrument were automatically calculated for outdoor
setting area, and directly displayed on screen of the instrument. The assessment was carried
out on daylight (hot, dim and slightly windy).

The wet-bulb temperature (WBT) recorded was 28 °C, below the average body
temperature that is 37°C. However, the normal body temperature could vary ranging between
36.1°C and 37.2°C or more. Chen & Chen (2022) explained that a WBT value of less than
35°C is required for young and healthy adult, to completely eliminate heat stress in high
humidity. As WBT is used to express the ability of the human skin to evaporate. It reflects the
temperature and humidity at which the human body can cool. The body is less able to cool
itself if the air around it gets hotter and more humid. As a result, the outcome for this an hour
monitoring is acceptable and safe. Nonetheless, the WBT reading should not exceed 35°C for
extended periods, the dissipation of heat from the human body is inhibited. Sherwood (2018)
and Reiners (2021) shared similar perspectives that a prolonged period of WBT > 35°C is
unsafe for humans as some humans may die within a few hours.  

The weather factors also determine the reading on the wet and dry bulbs. As the
average WBGT was 31°C which indicated high risk of excessive heat stress to be occurred to
acclimatized workers who work at the location area, in moderate (25 – 100% labour), heavy
(0-100%), and extremely heavy (0-100%) of their work tasks. Table 3.1 below indicated the
level of risk associated with undertaking activity at the sampling point during sampling period.

Table 3.1 Risk Rating Table for Heat Stress

% Work Light Moderate Heavy Very Heavy

75 - 100 28.0 – 25.0 – 28.0 - -
31.0
50 - 75 28.5 – 26.0 – 29.0 24.0 – -
31.0 27.5
25 - 50 29.5 – 27.0 – 30.0 25.5 – 24.5 – 28.0
32.0 29.0
0 - 25 30.0 – 29.0 – 31.5 28.0 – 27.0 – 30.0
32.5 30.5

The table above showed the risk rating by means the yellow colour indicated light
activity in which the working percentage of the working-rest is between 0 to 100% and
moderate activity with 0 to 25% working-rest have a medium threat of exposure to heat stress.

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Meanwhile, any activity that's relatively heavy, or veritably heavy indicated with red colours is
at high threat of inordinate exposure to heat stress. For medium threat, the perpetration of
general control measures similar to drinking water, tone- limitation to heat exposure, and pre-
placement medical screening are recommended while for high risk required extension analysis
to determine heat strain, signs, and symptoms and also perpetration of job-specific control
along with all general controls.  These factors can be laterally measured with basic worker
data similar to successive workdays, shift duration, and pre-work assessments similar to
urine-specific gravity to assess hydration state (Notley S. R., Flouris A. D., & Kenny G. P.,
2019).

The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Guidelines on Heat Stress
Management at Workplace (2016), provide information on hazard recognition, estimation,
prevention, and treatment for heat stress at work. It is the guidelines that be utilized in
Malaysia for managing heat stress. The WBGT assessment approach for heat stress is also
addressed in the guidelines. Using Tables 3.2, 3.3, and 3.4, respectively, the calculations of
clothing adjustment factors, metabolic rate, and work-rest regime screening criteria for TLV
and action limit should be taken into consideration once the WBGT is measured.

Table 3.2 Clothing adjustment factors from TLV s and BEIs

Clothing-Adjustment Factors for Some Clothing Ensembles

Clothing Type Addition to WBGT (oC)
Work clothes (long sleeve shirt and pants) 0
Cloth (woven material) coveralls 0

Double-layer woven clothing 3

SMS polypropylene coveralls 0.5

Polyolefin coveralls 1

Limited-use vapor-barrier coveralls 11

Source: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2015)

As stated in Table 3.2, clothing restrained the effect of heat stress on heat strain via
thermal insulation (Icl), that subsequently affect the heat transmission via radiation and
conduction. Besides, the water vapour permeability (Imst) affects heat loss by evaporation.
For instance, when wearing polyolefin coveralls, 1 oC-WBGT should be added to the ambient
environment reading (ACGIH, 2015).

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Table 3.3 Metabolic Rate of Employees by Job Category

Metabolic Rate of Employees by Job Category

Work Category Metabolic Rate Examples
Rest 115 W Sitting
Light 180 W Sitting with light manual work with hands or hands
and arms and driving.
Standing with some light arm work and occasional
walking.

Moderate 300 W Sustained moderate hand and arm work, moderate

arm and leg work, moderate arm and trunk work,
or light pushing and pulling. Normal walking.
Moderate lifting.

Heavy 415 W Intense arm and trunk work, carrying, shovelling,

manual sawing, pushing, and pulling heavy loads,
and walking at a fast pace. Heavy materials
handling.
Very Heavy 520 W Very intense activity at fast to maximum pace.

Source: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2015)

Table 3.4 Screening criteria for TLV and action limit from TLV s and BEIs

Screening criteria for TLV and AL

Screening TLV Screening AL
% Work Light Moderate HeavyVery Light Moderate Heavy Very
Heavy Heavy
75 - 100 31.0 28.0 - - 28.0 25.0 - -
50 - 75 31.0 29.0 27.5 - 28.5 26.0 24.0 -
25 - 50 32.0 30.0 29.0 28.0 29.5 27.0 25.5 24.5
0 - 25 32.5 31.5 30.5 30.0 30.0 29.0 28.0 27.0
Source: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (2015)

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 RECOMMENDATION

As resulted from the assessment, it proved that WBGT able to provide measures
and suitable in both indoor and outdoor environmental heat stress. It can be used as
preventive measures during working in the heat. Besides, if any modification implemented in
work, the risk of heat stress at the new working environment can be assess by using WBGT
and include together with work rest ratios, length of activity, hydration break and equipment
to be worn. Since the temperature fluctuate differently by location, people’s response to the
heat may vary by the geographical structure.

The calculation of the indices, brought in accordance with the safety standards, has
allowed us to assess the degree of risk to heat stress subjected to workers. In order to
reduce this risk, appropriate clothing is needed. As the WBGT Index is based on a person
wearing a uniform, that is, a light shirt, and trousers. Even clothing items such as overalls will
reduce heat exchange. Furthermore, the exposure times with the heat condition need to
monitor and health and safety training should also be provided.

CONCLUSION

Heat stress is a significant health risk, and WBGT offers an established metric for
estimating heat stress risks in indoor and outdoor environments. The consequences of
occupational heat stress not only affected health and safety that also consequently reduce
working productivity and social well-being. Nunfam et al. (2018) found that workers’
awareness on occupational heat stress are vary, and due to differences in societal effects,
affected workers’ productivity, health and welfare. Furthermore, in terms of diseases related,
heat stress is influenced by a variety of variables, including age, gender, and pre-existing
medical disorders, which results in varying degrees of sensitivity among those engaging in
the same activity at the same time and location. Therefore, the WBGT index is a tool used to
gauge how much heat stress an active person may experience. The index is particularly
helpful in determining what tasks and workloads are safe to perform under the given
circumstances.

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Results and calculation:
This section presents the Tabulated data from the lab together with calculations to obtain
Time-
Weighted Average (TWA) for Metabolic Rate and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
Index
Results and calculation:
This section presents the Tabulated data from the lab together with calculations to obtain
Time-
Weighted Average (TWA) for Metabolic Rate and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT)
Index

REFERENCE

Chen, H. Y., & Chen, C. C. (2022). An Empirical Equation for Wet-Bulb Temperature Using
Air Temperature and Relative Humidity. Atmosphere, 13(11), 1765.

Dehghan, H., Mortzavi, S. B., Jafari, M. J., & Maracy, M. R. (2015). Development and
validation of a questionnaire for preliminary assessment of heat stress at
workplace. Journal of research in health sciences, 15(3), 175-181.

Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) (2016). Guidelines On Heat

Stress Management at Workplace. 52. Retrieved from
https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/legislation/guidelines/industrial-hygiene-
1/2017-guidelines-heat-stress-management-at-workplace/file

Farjami, A. (2020). How are the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer components affected by
the microclimatic environment?

Mohammadian, F., Sahl Abadi, A. S., Giahi, O., Khoubi, J., Zarei, A. A., Boghsani, G. T.,
& Abbaspour, S. (2019). Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Heat Stress and
Physiological Responses of Workers in the Rolling Industry. The Open Public
Health Journal, 12(1), 114–120. https://doi.org/10.2174/1874944501912010114

Notley, S. R., Flouris, A. D., & Kenny, G. P. (2019). Occupational heat stress
management: Does one size fit all? American journal of industrial medicine,
62(12), 1017-1023.

Nunfam, V. F., Adusei-Asante, K., Van Etten, E. J., Oosthuizen, J., & Frimpong, K.
(2018). Social impacts of occupational heat stress and adaptation strategies of
workers: A narrative synthesis of the literature. Science of the total environment,
643, 1542- 1552.

Reiners, P. W. (2021, July 18). Wet bulb temperature: The crucial weather concept that
actually tells us when heat becomes lethal. Salon.

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 https://www.salon.com/2021/07/18/wet-bulb-temperature-climate-change/

Sherwood, S. C. (2018). How important is humidity in heat stress? Journal of

Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 123(21), 11-808.

Wang, F., Gao, C., Kuklane, K., & Holmér, I. (2013). Effects of various protective clothing
and thermal environments on heat strain of unacclimated men: the PHS (predicted
heat strain) model revisited. Industrial health, 2012-0073.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1. The sampling location for heat stress assessment

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Appendix 2. 3MTM QUESTemp° 36 Heat Stress Monitor Data Logging Kit QT 36 device
used during the assessment

Appendix 3: 3MTM QUESTemp° 36 Heat Stress Monitor Data Logging Kit QT 36 was set
up on chair as its stand.

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