Base Wet Bulb monitors heat risks

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MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. --  Alabama summers can be rough on even the most seasoned Southerner. With the long days of sunshine and the suffocating humidity, it is easy to suffer from heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke. The Air Force's Critical Days of Summer Campaign, which begins today, is designed to help Airmen stay safe in the heat.

Part of staying safe is knowing the conditions. Thanks to the 42nd Aeromedical-Dental Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight monitoring the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, Airmen at Maxwell and Gunter know the risks before they head out to exercise or work.

The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature is a calculation that takes into account temperature, humidity, wind speed and radian heat. It factors all the conditions into one value, a heat category.

The heat categories 1 through 5 are indicated with flag conditions. The flag conditions or heat category determine recommended work-rest cycles.

Flag Conditions

White flag (78 to 81.9) - Normal activity for people accustomed to climate; extremely intense physical exertion may cause heat stroke for people who aren't. No limits on light and moderate work; heavy work 40 minutes, rest 20 minutes.

Green flag (82 to 84.9) - Normal activity for those accustomed to the climate; people who aren't should use discretion in planning intense physical activity. No limit on light work; moderate work 50 minutes, rest 10; heavy work 30 minutes, rest 30.

Yellow flag (85 to 87.9) - People accustomed to the climate should use caution in planning intense physical activity; those who aren't should curtail strenuous activities. No limit on light work; moderate work 40 minutes, rest 20; heavy work 30 minutes, rest 30.

Red flag (88 to 89.9) - Those accustomed to the climate should curtail strenuous exercise and limit conditioning for periods not exceeding six hours; people who aren't should terminate all physical conditioning. No limit on light work; moderate work 30 minutes, rest 30; heavy work 20 minutes, rest 50.

Black flag (90 and above) - Light work 50 minutes, rest 10; moderate work 20 minutes, rest 40; heavy work 10 minutes, rest 50.

Questions concerning the WBGT or heat stress can be addressed to the Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight at 953-5848.

Article courtesy of the 42nd Aeromedical-Dental Squadron Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight