[Use of a biophysical model to verify various methods for limiting the time of work activity at risk in thermal...

The Authors measure the environmental microclimatic parameters (dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, globe temperature, natural wet bulb, air speed, vapor pressure) in twenty working sites. Starting from the values obtained, they calculate the safe exposure times for works under unfavourable thermal conditions by means of three different methods (time weighted average WBGT, allowable exposure time-AET, required sweat rate index). Finally they verify the results obtained by application of a biophisical model proper to calculate the response of rectal temperature to changes in metabolic rate and environmental conditions.