Validation of a temperature-humidity index (Humidex) in evaluating heat stress at a tile factory in Iran
Akbar Barzegar1,2, Amin Babaei Pouya3, Amir Hossein Hashemian2
1Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
Background:
Several heat indices have been developed in industrial health, but each has its limitations.
Objective:
The objective of this article is to determine the validity and applicability of a temperature-humidity index, named Humidex compared with the Standard Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index (ISO 7243).
Method:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the summer of 2019, in a tile factory in the west of Iran. 59 measurements were performed in 8 different workstations. Environmental parameters including natural wet bulb temperature (Tnw), dry bulb temperature (Ta), globe bulb temperature (Tg), and heat stress (WBGT) were measured. Humidex was calculated according to an equation. SPSS software (version 16) was used for data analysis.
Results:
There was a high correlation between Humidex and WBGT in the estimation of heat stress (R=0.912, P<0.001). The Kappa Coefficient between Humidex and WBGT was 0.298, P=0.001.
Conclusion:
Humidex is highly correlated with WBGT. Humidex can be used instead of the WBGT index, especially in hot and humid environments.
Related Concept Videos
Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Thermal Stress
Responses to Heat and Cold Stress
Masonry in Cold and Hot Weather Conditions
Other key practices include keeping masonry units...
Hot Weather Concreting
Mitigating the heat increase in concrete can be economically achieved by shading aggregate stockpiles to prevent heating from solar radiation,...
Assessing Body Temperature - Axilla
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and put on clean gloves to maintain infection control and prevent cross-contamination.
Step 2: Prepare the patient by explaining the procedure to ensure understanding and cooperation. Ensure privacy, expose the axilla, and inform the patient that minimal movement is crucial for an accurate reading.
Step 3: Adjust the patient’s clothing to expose only the axilla. It minimizes...


