Evaluation of occupational and environmental exposure to heat stress based on WBGT index in an industrialunit in Ahvaz city

Background: Heat is one of the most important physical harmful factors in many work environments. Outdoorworkers are exposed to heat from solar radiation and the atmospheric conditions, in addition to the heat fromthe working process, which is worse by global warming. The purpose of this study was to evaluate heat stressbased on wet bulb globe temperature index in an industrial unit in Ahvaz city.Material and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer season and in hotweather conditions in Ahvaz city. Measuring the Wet Bulb Globe temperature index at different times, wasdone by using WBGT meter device. Before the measurement, the device was placed in the measurementlocation and at the hottest time of the day for 15 minutes to adapt. And then the obtained numbers wereread. Finally, the measurement results with occupational contact limits of pathogenic agents of the Iran healthministry and the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard were compared.Results: The index value for some businesses and measuring stations was more than allowed. In somemeasurement stations, the work could continue continuously and in some places it was necessary to observethe work and rest schedule.Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that employment in the mentioned industry is considered ahealth threatening factor for its workers due to the occupational and environmental exposure of its employeesto heat. Therefore, it is necessary to plan thermal protection and necessary intervention measures to reduceexposure to thermal stress.

Evaluation of occupational and environmental exposure to heat stress based on WBGT index in an industrialunit in Ahvaz city Keywords:

Heat Stress Disorder , Wet Bulb Globe Temperature , Occupational and environmental Exposure