A review of heat stress evaluation indices in extremely hot environments

Abstract

Selecting appropriate evaluation indices to evaluate extremely hot environments has become an urgent problem to ensure the safety of workers’ lives and improve labor productivity. The objective of this review is to compare relevant evaluation indices for assessing heat stress and to analyze the more effective ones applicable to the industrial environment by considering each one together. Based on extensive research on existing literature and relevant international standards, this paper introduces the definitions of heat stress and its influencing factors. Based on the actual needs of workers, analyze the existing heat stress indices from a practical standpoint, and summarize the definitions, advantages, and limitations of each index. As a result, this paper emphasizes that the relevant thresholds of thermal indices should be appropriately adjusted to suit different industrial environments. The hazards of extreme work environments can be reduced by developing new indices, charts, or related strategies. This review will provide a solid theoretical foundation for environmental control schemes for harsh working situations.