INDUSTRIAL VENTILATION AND

HEAT STRESS
 5. VENTILATION AND HEAT STRESS:

5.1 Purpose of Ventilation and Heat Control.

Effects of bad ventilation and effects of good ventilation.

5.2 Thermal Environment and Measurement of temperature,

humidity and air movement.

5.3 Physiology of heat regulatory systems.

5.3.1 Heat stress and thermo regulation. Indices of heat stress.

5.3.2 Thermal comfort. Thermal limits for comfort and efficiency.

5.3.3 Control of heat stress.

 What is Ventilation!

“Ventilation is defined as the process of supplying air

to, or removing air from, any space by natural or
mechanical means”
Industrial Ventilation at different angles!

 Environmental engineer/Safety officer’s view:

The design and application of equipment for providing the
necessary conditions for maintaining the efficiency, health and
safety of the workers

 Industrial hygienist’s view:

The control of emissions and the control of exposures

 Mechanical engineer’s view:

The control of the environment with air flow. This can be
achieved by replacement of contaminated air with clean air
 Purpose of Industrial Ventilation.

 To maintain an adequate oxygen supply in the work area.

 To control hazardous concentrations of toxic materials in the
air.
 To remove any undesirable odors from a given area.
 To control temperature and humidity.
 To remove undesirable contaminants at their source before they
enter the work place air.

Purpose can also be referred as :

 To create a comfortable environment in the plant i.E.
The HVAC system
 To replace air exhausted from the plant i.E. The replacement
system
 Types of Industrial Ventilation.
 Natural or General Ventilation (air
entering and leaving openings such as
windows, doors, roof ventilators as well as
through cracks and crevices of a building)

 Dilution Ventilation (reduces the

concentration of the contaminant by mixing
the contaminated air with clean,
uncontaminated air)

 Local Exhaust Ventilation (captures

contaminates at or very near the source and
exhausts them outside)

 Industrial Air conditioning (e.g. HVAC &

comfort ventilation)
WORK PLACE INVESTIGATION GUIDELINES

 EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE INTERVIEWS

 WALKAROUND INSPECTION

 WORK-LOAD ASSESSMENT

Light work: up to 200 kcal/hour

Medium work: 200-350 kcal/hour

Heavy work: 350-500 kcal/hour

(Average Metabolic Rate of total time span) 

 OTHER THERMAL STRESS INDICES

The Effective Temperature index (ET) combines the

temperature, the humidity of the air, and air velocity. This index has
been used extensively in the field of comfort ventilation and air-
conditioning. ET remains a useful measurement technique in mines
and other places where humidity is high and radiant heat is low. 

The Heat-Stress Index (HSI) considers all environmental

factors and work rate, it is not completely satisfactory for
determining an individual worker's heat stress and is also difficult to
use. 
 SAMPLING METHODS

 BODY TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS

 ENVIRONMENTAL MEASUREMENTS.

 WET BULB GLOBE TEMPERATURE INDEX

WBGT = 0.7NWB + 0.3GT (for Indoor)
WBGT = 0.7NWB + 0.2GT + 0.1DB (for outdoor)
where:    WBGT  =Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index
 NWB  = Nature Wet-Bulb Temperature
 DB = Dry-Bulb Temperature
 GT  = Globe Temperature 
Thermal and Thermal comfort limit for
comfort & Efficiency
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and
Air-conditioning Engineers

 ASHRAE Std. 62-1989 (Ventilation for acceptable IAQ) CO2 of

1000 ppm

 ASHRAE Std. 55-1981 (Thermal comfort – Temperature) 22.7 0

C to 26.1 0 C (w) & 20.5 0 C to 23.8 0 C (s)

 ASHRAE Std. 55-1981 (Thermal comfort – Humidity) 20 to 60 %

 TLV® WBGT values in ċ (ACGIH 2011) for
Acclimatized workers
Allocation of Light work Moderate Heavy work Very
work in a work heavy
cycle of work work
and recovery
75 to 100% 31.0 28.0 - -
50 to 75% 31.0 29.0 27.5 -
25 to 50% 32.0 30.0 29.0 28.0
0 to 25% 32.5 31.5 30.5 30
Example of Sitting with Sustained Intense arm & Very
work light manual moderate hand trunk work, intense
classification work hands & arm work, carrying, activity at
or hands & moderate arm & shoveling, fast to
arms, leg work, manual sawing, maximum
driving, moderate arm & pushing & pace.
standing trunk work, light pulling heavy
with some pushing or loads, & walking
light arm pulling, normal at fast speed.
work, walking.
occasional
walking.
 WBGT values Action limit in ċ (ACGIH 2011)
Allocation of Light work Moderate Heavy work Very
work in a work heavy
cycle of work work
and recovery
75 to 100% 28.0 25.0 - -
50 to 75% 28.5 26.0 24.0 -
25 to 50% 29.5 27.0 25.5 24.5
0 to 25% 30.0 29.0 28.0 27.0
 Heat Regulation in Human
 Thermoregulation is the ability of an organism to keep
its body temperature  within certain boundaries, even
when the surrounding temperature is very different.
 This process is one aspect of homeostasis, a dynamic
state of stability between an animal's internal environment
and its external environment
 If the body is unable to maintain a normal temperature
range and it increases significantly above normal, a
condition known as hyperthermia occurs.
 Hyperthermia occurs when the body is exposed to
constant temperatures of approximately 55 °C and any
prolonged exposure (longer than a few hours) at this
temperature and up to around75 °C death is almost
inevitable.
 The opposite condition, when body temperature decreases
below normal levels, is known as hypothermia.
 Whereas an organism that thermoregulates is one that
keeps its core body temperature within certain limits,
 Thermo conformer is subject to changes in body
temperature according to changes in the temperature
outside of its body at a certain temperature.
 since heat production and heat loss vary considerably
in different parts of the body, although the circulation
of the blood tends to bring about a mean temperature
of the internal parts.
 Hence it is important to identify the parts of the body that
most closely reflect the temperature of the internal
organs. Also, for such results to be comparable, the
measurements must be conducted under comparable
conditions.
 The rectum has traditionally been considered to
reflect most accurately the temperature of internal
parts, or in some cases of sex or species,
uterus or bladder.
 More often the temperature is taken in
 There are four avenues of heat loss: convection, conduction, radiation,
and evaporation.

 If skin temperature is greater than that of the surroundings, the body can
lose heat by radiation and conduction.

 But if the temperature of the surroundings is greater than that of the skin,
the body actually gains heat by radiation and conduction. In such
conditions, the only means by which the body can rid itself of heat is by
evaporation. So when the surrounding temperature is higher than the skin
temperature, anything that prevents adequate evaporation will cause
the internal body temperature to rise. (for exam..During sports activities,
evaporation becomes the main avenue of heat loss. Humidity affects
thermoregulation by limiting sweat evaporation and thus heat loss).

 Vasodilation and sweating are the primary modes by which humans

attempt to lose excess body heat.

 The brain creates much heat through the countless reactions which occur.
Even the process of thought creates heat. The head has a complex system
of blood vessels, which keeps the brain from overheating by bringing
blood to the thin skin on the head, allowing heat to escape.
In hot conditions:

 Eccrine sweat glands under the skin secrete sweat (a fluid

containing mostly water with some dissolved ions) which travels up the
sweat duct, through the sweat pore and onto the surface of the skin.
This causes heat loss via evaporative cooling; however, a lot of
essential water is lost.

 The hairs on the skin lie flat, preventing heat from being trapped
by the layer of still air between the hairs. This is caused by tiny muscles
under the surface of the skin called arrector pili muscles relaxing so
that their attached hair follicles are not erect. These flat hairs increase
the flow of air next to the skin increasing heat loss by convection.

 When environmental temperature is above core body temperature,

sweating is the only physiological way for humans to lose heat.

 Arteriolar vasodilation occurs. The smooth muscle walls of

the arterioles relax allowing increased blood flow through the
artery. This redirects blood into the superficial capillaries in the skin
increasing heat loss by convection and conduction.
Thermoregulation in hot and humid conditions:

 In general, humans appear physiologically well adapted to hot

dry conditions.  However, effective thermoregulation is
reduced in hot, humid environments.

 In hot-humid conditions, clothing can impede efficient

evaporation. In such environments, it helps to wear light
clothing such as cotton, that is pervious to sweat but
impervious to radiant heat from the sun.

 This minimizes the gaining of radiant heat, while allowing as

much evaporation to occur as the environment will allow.

 Clothing such as plastic fabrics that are impermeable to sweat

and thus do not facilitate heat loss through evaporation can
actually contribute to heat stress.
In cold conditions:

 Sweat stops being produced.

 The minute muscles under the surface of the skin called arrector pili
muscles (attached to an individual hair follicle) contract (piloerection), lifting
the hair follicle upright.

 This makes the hairs stand on end which acts as an insulating layer,
trapping heat.

 Arterioles carrying blood to superficial capillaries under the surface of the

skin can shrink (constrict), thereby rerouting blood away from the skin
and towards the warmer core of the body.

 This prevents blood from losing heat to the surroundings and also
prevents the core temperature dropping further. This process is called
vasoconstriction.

 It is impossible to prevent all heat loss from the blood, only to reduce it. In
extremely cold conditions excessive vasoconstriction leads to
numbness and pale skin. Frostbite only occurs when water within the cells
begins to freeze, this destroys the cell causing damage.
 HEAT

• With body temperature regulated at 37 C (98.6 F), and

skin temperature at perhaps 33 C (92 F) in winter and 35
C (95 F) in summer, the task of a heating and ventilating
system is not to heat the body, but to permit the body
heat to escape at a controlled rate.

• This follows because air temperature in the mid-20s C

(mid –70s F) make up the comfortable range for
humans.
 VENTILATION FOR HEAT CONTROL

History of heat stress

Steel industry
Glass industry
Mining industry
Paper industry

Heat load on a person

Metabolism
Conduction
Convection
Radiation
Evaporation
HEAT BALANCE AND EXCHANGE
delta s = (M – W) + C + R - E
delta s = change in body heat content
(M-W) = total metabolism – external work performed
C = convection heat exchange
R = radiative heat exchange
E =evaporative heat loss
C and R are positive if delta s increases in heat

Data required:
Measurement of metabolic heat production
Air temperature
Air water vapor pressure
Wind velocity
Mean radiant temperature
 METHODS OF HEAT EXCHANGE
 Convection

 Radiation
 Evaporation

 Convection:

C = 0.65 Va 0.6 (ta-tsk)

Where
C = convective heat exchange, Btu/h
Va = air velocity, fpm
ta = air temperature, F
tsk = mean weighted skin temperature, usually assumed to be 95 F
 METHODS OF HEAT EXCHANGE

Radiation

R = 15.0 (tw - tsk)

Where:
R = radiant heat exchange , Btu/hr
tw = mean radiant temperature,F
tsk = mean weighted skin temperature(usually 95 F)
 METHODS OF HEAT EXCHANGE

 Evaporation

E = 2.4Va0.6(ρsk - ρa)

Where:
E = evaporative heat loss, Btu/h
Va = air velocity, fpm
ρa = water vapor pressure of ambient air,mm Hg
ρsk= water vapor pressure on the skin, (assumed to
be 42 mm Hg at a 95 F skin temperature)
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the
body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body's temperature
rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable
to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to
106 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke
can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not
given.

Symptoms
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, Hallucinations, Chills, Throbbing
headache, High body, temperature, Confusion/dizziness, Slurred speech

First Aid
Take the following steps to treat a worker with heat stroke:
Move the sick worker to a cool shaded area.
Cool the worker using methods such as:
Soaking their clothes with water.
Spraying, sponging, or showering them with water.
Fanning their body.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of
the water and salt, usually through excessive sweating. Workers
most prone to heat exhaustion are those that are elderly, have
high blood pressure, and those working in a hot
environment.

Symptoms
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
Heavy sweating, Extreme weakness or fatigue, Dizziness,
confusion, Nausea
Clammy, moist skin, Pale or flushed complexion, Muscle cramps,
Slightly elevated body temperature, Fast and shallow breathing

First Aid
Treat a worker suffering from heat exhaustion with the following:
Have them rest in a cool, shaded or air-conditioned area.
Have them drink plenty of water or other cool, nonalcoholic
beverages.
Have them take a cool shower, bath, or sponge bath.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps usually affect workers who sweat a lot during
strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body's salt
and moisture levels. Low salt levels in muscles causes
painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of heat
exhaustion.

Symptoms
Muscle pain or spasms usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs.

First Aid
Workers with heat cramps should:
Stop all activity, and sit in a cool place.
Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
Do not return to strenuous work for a few hours after the
cramps subside because further exertion may lead to heat
exhaustion or heat stroke.
Seek medical attention if any of the following apply:
The worker has heart problems.
The worker is on a low-sodium diet.
The cramps do not subside within one hour.
Heat Rash
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating
during hot, humid weather.

Symptoms
Symptoms of heat rash include:
Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the
groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

First Aid
Workers experiencing heat rash should:
Try to work in a cooler, less humid environment when possible.
Keep the affected area dry.
Dusting powder may be used to increase comfort.
Control of Heat stress
ACCLIMATIZATION. 

FLUID REPLACEMENT.

ENGINEERING CONTROLS. 
a) General ventilation 
b) Air treatment/air cooling 

c) Air conditioning 
d) Local air cooling 
e) Heat conduction 
f) Simple engineering controls, such as shields, can be used
to reduce radiant heat
ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS AND WORK PRACTICES. 

• WORKER MONITORING PROGRAMS. 

• OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROLS.

a) Reduce the physical demands of work, e.g., excessive lifting or
digging with heavy objects;
b) Provide recovery areas, e.g., air-conditioned enclosures and
rooms;
c) Use shifts, e.g., early morning, cool part of the day, or night work;
d) Use intermittent rest periods with water breaks;
e) Use relief workers;
f) Use worker pacing; and
g) Assign extra workers and limit worker occupancy,
Recommendations for Employers:
Employers should take the following steps to protect workers from heat stress:
 Schedule maintenance and repair jobs in hot areas for cooler months.
 Schedule hot jobs for the cooler part of the day.
Acclimatize workers by exposing them for progressively longer periods to hot work
environments.
Reduce the physical demands of workers.
Use relief workers or assign extra workers for physically demanding jobs.
Provide cool water or liquids to workers. Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of
caffeine or sugar.
Provide rest periods with water breaks.
Provide cool areas for use during break periods.
Monitor workers who are at risk of heat stress.
Provide heat stress training that includes information about:
Worker risk
Prevention
Symptoms
The importance of monitoring yourself and coworkers for symptoms
Treatment
Personal protective equipment
Recommendations for Workers:
Workers should avoid exposure to extreme heat, sun exposure, and high humidity when
possible. When these exposures cannot be avoided, workers should take the following steps to
prevent heat stress:
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing such as cotton.
Avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing.
Gradually build up to heavy work.
Schedule heavy work during the coolest parts of day.
Take more breaks in extreme heat and humidity.
Take breaks in the shade or a cool area when possible.
Drink water frequently. Drink enough water that you never become thirsty. Approximately 1 cup
every 15-20 minutes.
Avoid alcohol, and drinks with large amounts of caffeine or sugar.
Be aware that protective clothing or personal protective equipment may increase the risk of heat
stress.
Monitor your physical condition and that of your coworkers.
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