Posted By Diane Thomason Dear all, Has anyone here done Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer measurements to determine heat stress / thermal comfort parameters? If so, where did you get the exact method from, and where did you get the equipment? (reading about it, it sounds a bit like a Heath Robinson set-up, and I don't see suppliers offering WBGT kits!) Is it useful to use this technique for "normal to uncomfortable" situations, or is it really only of use in extreme environments eher heat stress risk is high? In "normal to uncomfortable" situations (e.g. hot muggy day when people start complaining) would you say that just temperature and humidity measurements are enough? Thanks in advice for any advice from people who have experience in this.

Posted By Merv Newman Diane, if you really need to know the level of stress on a person exposed to high heat/humidity levels then you should consult an industrial health specialist. The only method I know of involves a rectal insertion for measurement of deep body temperatures. There are tables. (umm. strike that image) Some like it. Some don't. Strike that image too. Choose your candidates carefully. Avoiding discrimination against people broken down by age, race, religion or sex. But then there may well be other ideas developped since I last had to do this. (paper mill humidifier plant) Merv (and, today, we have 35°C and 80% humidity. Do I sound stressed ?) Maybe I need a drink. Yardarms anyone ?

Posted By Diane Thomason Thanks all, I think I've got the info I need, from yourselves and a direct reply. I like your suggestion Dave, of using home made kit! If we ever have to go there we may well do just that. Your reply made me laugh Merv... It was actually WBGT as it wet bulb globe thermometer I was refering to, not as in.... no, better not go there. Certainly there's no suggestion of heat stress risk that would justify measurements being made where le soleil ne brille pas (is that right?) Though actually knowledge of the technique might be useful... Phone rings. My office/workshop etc is soooooo hot, we souldn't have to work in these conditions, blah blah (whining noises) Me: Oh pooor you, is it really unbearable, are you reeeealy suffering? Yeeees, it really is terrible and blah blah whine Me: well, it's quite simple, we have a new policy, we need to do just a few simple tests which will tell us whether the conditions are unacceptable. If they are then you can go home and lie down, watch telly and drink cold drinks. Really? Great, what do you have to do? Me: Get consultant in to [censored], then depending on the results you could be sent home, then we invoice your section for the consultant's fees. ....splutter..... [censored] Me: it's really nothing to worry about, very straightforward, Fred had it done last Wednesday and his eyes have stopped watering already! and so on. Anyway thanks again to everyone.

Posted By Linda Westrupp Oh I'm so glad someone else remembers whirling hygrometers, they were so much fun. Although I do think perhaps we are both showing our age! I also remember the make your own in the field technique, things were so much less complicated then (or is it so much less accurate?!!!) Sorry heat setting in - brain disfunctional Linda