The evaluation of workplaces subjected to heat stress: can ISO 7933 (1989) adequately describe heat strain in industrial workplaces?
The International Standard ISO 7933 (1989) Hot environments--Analytical determination and interpretation of thermal stress using calculation of required sweat rate has been proposed for the evaluation of climatic stress within the European system of CEN standards. Comparison of results of studies performed in climatic chambers and those in the field with the predictions of ISO 7933 show that there are considerable problems in using this index in practice. In its present state of development, ISO 7933 seems to be rather a step towards a useable index for evaluating climatic conditions rather than an established climatic index which is applicable in practice. Within the CEN standards, the deficiencies of ISO 7933 are reflected mainly by a restriction of the limits of application within EN 12 515 (1997) which is based on ISO 7933.
Kampmann
B
B
Institut für Arbeitswissenschaften, RAG Aktiengesellschaft, Dortmund, Wengeplatz 1, Germany.
Piekarski
C
C
D001273:Atmosphere Exposure Chambers; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D018882:Heat Stress Disorders; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016272:Occupational Health; D013546:Sweating; D017132:Workplace