Throughout the hot seasons of the year, it is common to hear the term thermal stress more often. But what is it all about? JGB brings it white clear for you! Thermal stress takes place when the body’s internal temperature is overloaded and is no longer ideal for its functioning. Thenceforth, nothing is more natural than the repercussions caused by stress, generating physical and mental changes in people. Generally speaking, any environment or circumstance that exposes our body to heat sources above 35ºC might cause significant changes in our life quality. Thus, excessive heat causes us to experience thermal stress or hyperthermia – and the choice of the term “stress” is no accident, as the phenomenon is capable of making people even more irritated.

            To deal with thermal stress in the work environment, our body has created defense mechanisms against excessive heat – such as peripheral vasodilation and the activation of sweat glands, however, the body is not always able to prevent thermal stress from occurring. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of the damage that

Effects of thermal stress on the work environment

The side effects usually include:

• Heat exhaustion;

• Dehydration;

• Cramps;

• Fatigue;

• Fainting;

• Low pressure;

• And even cardiac arrest, in extreme cases.

            As an example of the importance of preventing this disease, a study was carried out by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association, USA), which states that in the year 2017, 70% of the deaths that occurred in fighting fires were due to hyperthermia, that is, thermal stress.

            In this way, the importance of preventing thermal stress is increasingly evident. Therefore, the development of lighter and more breathable technologies, without giving up on protection levels, it is essential for manufacturers of Personal Protective Equipment. That is why JGB is committed to creating personal protective equipment that, in addition to preventing accidents, might also increase work productivity. It is a fact: having a correctly sized PPE may reduce the thermal stress of the user and make an activity stop being unhealthy.

Count on JGB!

Related legislation:

• NR 15 – Unhealthy Activities and Operations, Annex N ° 3 – Tolerance Limits for Heat Exposure

• NHO 06 – Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Heat