ABSTRACT
In today’s work environments there are a wide variety of temperatures, not only outdoor temperatures, but indoors, as well. Thermal stress can be a problem in indoor operations, such as boiler maintenance after a “shut down,” smelting operations, laundries and kitchens, foundries, brick ring and ceramic operations, and work in refrigerated rooms or freezers. Often times, the personal protective equipment used to protect employees from one type of injury can create additional hazards from thermal stress. Thermal stress should be considered when selecting the appropriate personal protective equipment and to determine work/rest cycles.
