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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Home



OSHA-NIOSH HEAT SAFETY TOOL APP

OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App
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Related Pages

Key considerations for using the app
 * Heat index (HI) values were created for shady, light wind conditions, so
   exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.
 * The simplicity of the HI makes it a good option for many outdoor work
   environments (if no additional radiant heat sources are present, such as,
   fires or hot machinery). However, if you have the ability, NIOSH recommends
   using wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT)-based Recommended Exposure Limits
   (RELs) and Recommended Alert Limits (RALs) in hot environments.
 * Use of the HI or WBGT is important, but other factors such as strenuous
   physical activity also cause heat stress among workers. Employers should have
   a robust heat stress prevention program that ensures workers are protected.
 * NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) are
   considering new scientific data related to the HI levels, and considering how
   to best incorporate the evolving science. It is important to regularly
   download updates to ensure you are using the latest version of the app.

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool is a useful resource for planning outdoor work
activities based on how hot it feels throughout the day. It has a real-time heat
index and hourly forecasts specific to your location. It also provides
occupational safety and health recommendations from OSHA and NIOSH.

The OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool features:

 * A visual indicator of the current heat index and associated risk levels
   specific to your current geographical location
 * Precautionary recommendations specific to heat index-associated risk levels
 * An interactive, hourly forecast of heat index values, risk levels, and
   recommendations for planning outdoor work activities
 * Location, temperature, and humidity controls, which you can edit to calculate
   for different conditions
 * Signs and symptoms and first aid for heat-related illnesses





FAQS

What is the Heat Index?

The heat index is a measure of how hot it feels when relative humidity is taken
into account along with the actual air temperature. It is important to note
that, since heat index values were devised for shady, light wind conditions,
that exposure to full sunshine can increase heat index values by up to 15°F.

The National Weather Service uses the heat index values to issue heat alerts to
the general public. However, workers in hot environments experience heat stress
from a combination of environmental factors and metabolic heat from the tasks
they are performing. Therefore, OSHA-modified heat index cutoffs, used in the
app, create heat index-associated protective measure specifically for worksites.



When should I use the heat index?

The heat index and wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) are both used to measure
environmental temperature.  NIOSH recommends the use of wet bulb globe
temperature (WBGT) to determine the Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) for
acclimatized workers and the Recommended Alert Limits (RALs) for unacclimatized
workers in hot environments. However, we realize that workers and many small
businesses will not have access to the resources necessary to determine WBGT. 
In these cases using the heat index is a viable alternative. WBGT is determined
by measuring dry air temperature, humidity, and radiant energy; and used to
calculate a thermal load on the worker. While the literature provides plenty of
evidence regarding WBGT’s accuracy and common usage in industrial settings; the
simplicity of the heat index makes it a good option for many outdoor work
environments (as long as there are no additional radiant heat sources, such as,
fires or hot machinery).



Is monitoring the heat index enough to keep workers safe?

Use of the heat index (or WBGT) is important, but due to a variety of other
factors affecting risk, it cannot be solely relied upon to prevent heat stress
among workers. For example, employers should: (1) reduce workplace heat stress
by implementing engineering and work practice controls; (2) train workers before
hot outdoor work begins; (3) ensure that workers are acclimatized before they
work in a hot environment; (4) provide the means for appropriate hydration of
workers; (5) ensure and encourage workers to take appropriate rest breaks to
cool down and hydrate; and (6) give workers the opportunity to limit exposure to
direct sun or other radiant heat sources by providing shaded areas as needed.

The heat index can be used as a screening tool, so that supervisors and workers
can more easily recognize when additional preventive options should be
implemented. For example, as the heat index increases then more water and rest
breaks may become necessary. In addition, if conditions are of extreme risk,
then it may be necessary to reschedule non-essential work.



How do I use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool app?

This app provides recommendations to prevent heat-related illnesses and reduce
heat stress in outdoor workers based on local weather conditions used to
calculate the heat index.

Heat Index – If your location services is enabled, the temperature and humidity
data will automatically download and the current heat index will be displayed.
Beneath the calculated heat index is the associated “Precautions” button for the
risk level. By clicking on “Precautions”, you will arrive on a screen with risk
level-specific recommendations.

Hourly Heat Index Forecast – If you are interested in planning your work
activities for the entire shift around the heat index, there is an hourly
feature that will allow you to scroll through and determine the hottest hours of
the day along with the corresponding risk level and precautions.

Symptoms and First Aid – At the bottom of your app screen you will always have
easy access to heat-related illness symptoms and first aid.

More – The “More Tips” provides information about being prepared for
emergencies, training, acclimatization, hydration, monitoring workers for
heat-related illness, and breaks. There is also a list of risk factors
associated with heat-related illnesses.



How often is the app updated and are major adjustments to the app ever made?

Small technical adjustments are made throughout the year to meet new programming
standards set by the app store. Major adjustments or changes to the app function
and content may also occur as science around the heat index and the app’s usage
evolves.

NIOSH and OSHA are currently considering new scientific data related to the HI
levels, and considering how to best incorporate the evolving science.

It is important to regularly download updates to ensure you are using the latest
version of the app.

Is the app available in Spanish?

Yes, the app is available in Spanish. You will need to set your device language
to Spanish. Additional instructions are available within the app’s FAQs.

Additionally, users may switch between English and Spanish on many of the app’s
informational pages (such as, Signs & Symptoms, First Aid, Precautions) by
clicking on the “En Espanol” hyperlink in the upper corner of each page.


Last Reviewed: August 2, 2022
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homeWorkplace Safety and Health Topics
 * Heat Stressplus icon
   * Heat Related Illness
   * Recommendations
   * Acclimatization
   * PPE Heat Burden
   * HHE and FACE reports
   * Additional Resources

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