Abstract

Heat stress (temperature, humidify, radiation, air velocity) is a problem in several companies in the textile sector, particularly in the summer, and may present a health hazard for workers. The equipment currently used to measure heat stress is expensive and fragile, and generates results that are difficult to interpret. An aluminum foundry and a joint sectoral association requested the IRSST to validate the feasibility of replacing current devices with the Botsball™device, which is less expensive, more robust and easier to use . Trials in climate-controlled chambers and validation both outdoors and in the workplace demonstrated the effectiveness of this tool in determining heat stress under various conditions. Its low cost, robustness, and ease of use will no doubt encourage many small companies to adopt it.