A New Outdoor Environmental Heat Index (Oehi) As a Simple and Applicable Heat Stress Index for Evaluation of Outdoor Workers Publisher



Golbabaei F¹ ; Heidari H² ; Shamsipour A³ ; Forushani AR⁴ ; Gaeini A⁵ Show Affiliations
Source: Urban Climate Published:2019

Abstract

Several indices were introduced for assessment of heat stress worldwide many of which developed in the North American or European countries and may encounter some restrictions when utilized in countries with different climates such as developing countries. Moreover, only a few of them can demonstrate the actual thermal condition, comprehensively. Accordingly, the main purpose of this study was to develop an Outdoor Environmental Heat Index (OEHI), which not only to be able to cover the important personal and environmental parameters affecting to heat stress and well correspond to created heat strain, but also can be used generally wherever of the Iran country and other countries with similar climates. The final presented index, OEHI, was modeled based on air temperature and air enthalpy. These parameters are part of the common metrological data reported daily by each weather station, so the index can be easily reported daily for public awareness of heat situation. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.