BS 7963:2000

Committees responsible
Foreword
Introduction
1 Scope
2 Normative references
3 Terms and definitions
4 PPE and heat balance
5 Analysis of work situations
6 The individual
Annex A (informative) Application of the measurement methods
                      given in BS EN 27243:1994 and BS EN
                      12515:1997 to workers wearing PPE
Annex B (informative) Worked examples
Annex C (informative) Examples of clothing worn and
                      corresponding thermal insulation
                      values
Annex D (informative) Theory behind modifications to BS EN
                      12515:1997 for workers wearing PPE
Bibliography
Figure 1 - Routes of heat loss from the body
Table 1 - Examples of metabolic rates for typical industrial
          activities
Table 2 - Estimated increases in metabolic rate due to
          wearing PPE
Table 3 - Body coverage of garments (from BS ISO 9920:1995)
Table A.1 - Correction factors to be applied to BS EN
            27243:1994 WBGT reference values when PPE is worn
            (from ACGIH, 1990 [1])
Table B.1 - Thermal insulation of clothing ensemble
Table B.2 - Calculation of proportion of the body covered
Table C.1 - Intrinsic thermal insulation values for typical
            clothing and footwear
Table C.2 - Typical thermal insulation values of clothing
            ensembles

Gives a guide to assessing the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) on heat stress and its consequences for possible heat-related health problems (heat strain).

This British Standard gives guidance on assessing the effects of personal protective equipment (PPE) on heat stress and its consequences for possible heat-related health problems (heat strain). This standard gives guidance on the application of the methods for measuring heat stress given in BS EN 12515:1997 and BS EN 27243:1994 to workers wearing PPE. NOTE 1 The conditions in which BS EN 12515:1997 and BS EN 27243:1994 are applicable (as outlined in the scope of each of these standards) are not extended by this British Standard. NOTE 2 Guidance on the application of the methods given in BS EN 12515:1997 and BS EN 27243:1994 to measurement of heat stress in workers wearing PPE is given in annex A and worked examples are given in annex B. Examples of the thermal insulation values of clothing are given in annex C. The theory behind the modifications to the method given in BS EN 12515:1997 for workers wearing PPE is given in annex D. This British Standard is intended for use by all who: have a responsibility for the health and safety of workers wearing PPE in situations which could lead to heat strain; advise those with this responsibility; provide information to those with this responsibility. This British Standard applies to all PPE, which includes clothing worn in the workplace to protect the wearer. It does not consider special thermal protective clothing (e.g. water-cooled suits, ventilated suits, heated clothing) because the effect of these items requires special consideration. It does not apply to heat stress in hypo- or hyperbaric environments, or when the body is immersed in water. This British Standard is not concerned with thermal comfort. Methods for assessing thermal comfort are given in BS EN ISO 7730 and BS ISO 10551. This British Standard applies to workers wearing PPE in cool and moderate thermal environments, as well as hot environments, as wearing PPE can contribute to heat stress even in cool or moderate thermal environments.