deliverable 3.2b. : Decision algorithm for the heat stressed worker : numerical analysis

Authors : Dusan Fiala, Sarah Davey, Agnes Psikuta

Rationale

The aim of this study was to provide a validated numerical simulation model predicting body core temperatures of PPE wearers; support the development of the sought decision algorithms providing quantitative information on achievable accuracies of non-invasive body core temperature assessment methods and the required measurement accuracy and configuration of sensors.

Methods

In this part of Deliverable 3.2, the FPC-DMW numerical simulation model of a worker was used to simulate individual exposures and subjects investigated in the WP3 human trials. Besides environmental conditions, FPC-DMW accepts skin temperatures as well as micro-climatic conditions within the clothing as model input, so it can be used also in conjunction with sensors measuring skin temperatures and clothing’s micro-climatic conditions. FPC-DMW then predicts thermoregulatory responses and body core temperatures taking into account anthropometric and morphological body properties,  age, gender, fitness and acclimatisation states of the simulated individuals.

Results

The simulation results obtained in this study indicated that, when using skin temperature sensors from selected body sites, rectal temperature is predicted on average within 0.2°C root mean square deviation considering all exposed individuals (and 0.1°C for group-average responses) irrespective of the type of clothing worn, environmental conditions, presence or absence of high intensity sources, level or regimes of exercise, or personal characteristics.

Applicability and Conclusion

Based on the results achieved, it was concluded that the FPC-DMW model can be applied universally to predict PPE wearers’ body core temperatures with no need for specific adaptations to different exposure scenarios and/or personal circumstances.