Heat Stress Standard for Hot Work Environments in Japan

Abstract

Threshold limit values (TLVs) are intended to protect workers from the severest effects of thermal stress and to establish the exposures to heat in working conditions. Earlier, acute heat strokes often occurred as a result of working in hot environments in Japan. However, acute heat strokes recently sometimes occurred in outdoor work environments such as industrial constructions and agriculture. Seasonal variations in weather are significant and the climatic conditions vary. The criteria are mainly set for working in mines, factories, and so on. WBGT is a useful evaluation index for hot environments; however, it is not commonly used for work practices. WBGT could be calculated and should be commonly used as a standard during summer. Japan mainly has a very hot and humid climate during summer. With regard to the thermal standard for offices, humidity also creates a problem in the indoor thermal conditions. Therefore, it is better to decide the TLVs of the thermal conditions according to seasons and activity levels. Inadequate thermal stress may cause discomfort and adversely affect the performance, safety, and harm to health. Further, thermal factors in the work environment must be measured and evaluated under light workload conditions like desk work for safety and work efficiency.