Wet Bulb Globe Temperature

What is Wet Bulb Globe Temperature? How is it used?

   Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is one of the main ways to measure the temperature, humidity, and wind.  These three sources of information allow us to know the different precautions that we should be taking when we are outside exposed to this environment.  Within the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature tool, there are three components: natural wet bulb temperature, air temperature, and globe temperature.  These three measurements are combined using different equations, based on location, to give the overall Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reading.  When indoors, the individuals are not experiencing effects of radiation from the sun.  The equation for indoors only includes the natural wet bulb temperature and the globe temperature.  When outdoors, the individuals are being exposed to the sun.  That calculation involves all three of the readings from the tool.  Many different companies base their break times, equipment worn, and exposure time on this Wet Bulb Globe Temperature.  The information that is gathered from this reading allows the company to keep their workers in a safe and healthy environment.  Not only is this tool used in the workplace, but it is also used for sports and other physical actives that take place outside.  The overall number calculated after measurements are taken is compared to an index that lets the workers know if they will experience adverse health affects from their current environment.  The environment is always changing, so it's important to make sure that readings are being taken throughout the day to ensure safety throughout the work period. 

What are the different concerns with hot and cold stress?

   Heat is not the only thing that can have a damaging affect on the human body.  Cold is just as dangerous, if not worse.  In severely hot situations, the body can be at risk for heat stress.  There are many different types of heat stress, including dehydration, fainting, cramps, heat stroke, and heat rash.  When using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, the risk of these health affects from heat can be reduced drastically.  Along with head stress, cold stress can also have life long affects on the body.  Different types of cold stress include hypothermia and frostbite.  Both of these health affects can be deadly if they aren't treated in time.  Knowing the environment that you are putting your body in is very important to ensuring health and safety for many more years.  New technology with tools, like the one mentioned above, are ways that allow us to be more aware of the stresses our body is being put through.  

Sources:

  Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature Monitoring 

     http://ksi.uconn.edu/prevention/wet-bulb-globe-temperature-monitoring/

  Extreme Hot or Cold Temperature Conditions 

     http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/hot_cold.html

  Health and Safety Executive

     http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/heatstress/measuring/wetbulb.htm