Examples & Applications: Environmental Hazards and Temperature Extremes
Calculations demonstrating the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index, and case studies on heat stroke intervention and cold stress.
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) Calculations
Basic WBGT Outdoor Calculation
A construction crew is pouring concrete in direct sunlight. A safety officer takes the following readings: Natural Wet Bulb Temperature () = (indicates high humidity). Black Globe Temperature () = (indicates intense solar radiation). Dry Bulb Temperature () = (actual air temp). Calculate the outdoor WBGT.
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Intermediate Indoor WBGT Calculation
A welding crew is working inside an unventilated steel tank. There is no direct solar radiation, but the arc generates heat. Readings: , . Calculate the indoor WBGT.
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Advanced Wind Chill Index (WCI) Application
An ironworker is erecting steel at an air temperature of () with a steady wind speed of 30 mph on the top floor of a high-rise. The National Weather Service Wind Chill formula yields an equivalent temperature of (). Determine the primary hazard and required controls.
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Case Studies: Heat Stroke and Acclimatization
Case Study 1: The Failure of Acclimatization
A contractor in Arizona hires a new worker who recently moved from Alaska. On the first day of work in July (), the worker is assigned to continuously haul 80-pound bags of cement. By 2:00 PM, the worker stops sweating, their skin becomes hot and dry, they become severely confused, and they collapse into a seizure.
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Case Study 2: Water vs. Electrolytes
During a massive summer concrete pour, a crew drinks gallons of plain water throughout the 12-hour shift. Late in the day, several workers begin experiencing incredibly painful, debilitating muscle spasms in their legs and abdomen, forcing work to halt.
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