Strategy of analysis and interpretation of thermal working conditions.

This paper proposes a strategy for the management of heat problems at the workplace. This includes three steps of analysis: the first aims at recognizing the problem and classifying it under one of the categories--comfort, discomfort but no health risk, or health risk either in the long term or in the short term. The second is designed to evaluate the magnitude of the problem and to optimize the choice of solutions. The interpretation of the data is based on analytical indices: the PMV-PPD indices for heat discomfort conditions and the Required Sweat Rate index for heat stress conditions. The third step involves an in-depth analysis of the situation: this will be undertaken only if a major problem of heat stress has been detected at the previous stage and providing technical solutions cannot be immediately implemented. The advantages and possible limitations of this step-by-step approach are outlined and its cost effectiveness is discussed in the perspective of a true management of health and safety at work.