Reliable Industrial Measurement of Core Body Temperature

A new study on Heat Stress, Reliable Industrial Measurement of Core Body Temperature, commissioned by British Glass, aims to establish a consistent relationship between core body temperature and that of the tympanic membrane of the ear in order to identify a non-intrusive method of monitoring workers’ core body temperature.

Currently, the only reliable method for establishing an individual’s core body temperature has been the use of rectal thermometers or through the use of the temperature-sensitive intra-gastric-pill – neither of which are feasible in most industrial environments where the threat of Heat Stress can be a real concern.

The findings will provide employers with a valuable tool for measuring the extent of any heat stress/strain, confirming the effectiveness of existing control measures or enabling them to refine measures as necessary.

The study is being conducted by the Institute of Occupational Medicine Ltd (IOM) and is co-funded by IOSH and backed by HSE and a growing number of trade unions, trade federations and individual companies.

Participation in the study is free to any company with hot-work processes and monitoring exercises are conducted whilst individuals conduct their usual day-to-day activities – incurring minimal disruption to work activities.

To become involved with this study, or for more information, please contact Philip Marsh, UK Health & Safety Manager, at British Glass on 0114 290 1850 or by email p.marsh@britglass.co.uk

 

Notes to Editors

1. British Glass

The British Glass Manufacturers’ Confederation represents the interests of all sectors of the glass industry in the UK. Its main activity is in representing the industry at European, national and local level on a wide range of topical legislative issues. It also conducts independent research into all aspects of glass production and technology – www.britglass.org.uk

2. IOSH

IOSH is Europe’s leading body for health and safety professionals, with 32,000 members worldwide (including more than 12,500 Chartered Safety & Health Practitioners). The institute, founded in 1945, is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that sets professional standards, supports and develops members and provides authoritative advice and guidance on health and safety issues – www.iosh.co.uk

3. The Study

Taking a proactive approach, British Glass commissioned the study Reliable Industrial Measurement of Core Body Temperature to ensure the UK-wide safety of workers currently coming into the glass industry who are not as skilled as those who have been in the industry for many years and are used to the environment but who, for whatever reason, are currently leaving the industry eg retirement etc.

Individuals volunteering for the study are required to ingest a temperature-sensitive intra-gastric pill the evening before monitoring is conducted – which acts as a reliable control for the core body temperature. Further monitoring exercises will compare this temperature against that of the tympanic membrane and workplace.

Preliminary results are expected in Spring 2009.

4. Institute of Occupational Medicine

The IOM is a leading independent centre for research and consultancy services into occupational and environmental health issues with many years of research and experience regarding heat stress, in occupations ad diverse as coal mining and firefighting. This study is being carried out in collaboration with Optimal Performance Ltd who have extensive knowledge and experience of measuring and monitoring heat stress using the intra-gastric pill. The work is being led by Dr Richard Graveling.

5. Philip Marsh

Philip Marsh, since joining British Glass as Health & Safety Coordinator in August 2005, was promoted to UK Health & Safety Manager at the end of 2007. He oversees all aspects of the manufacturing sectors of the UK Glass Industry through consultation with members, working groups, stakeholder meetings and seminars. Philip has a background in biomedical science and has recently gained the NEBOSH Certificate.

6. Heat Stress

Heat Stress has already being highlighted by the HSE (GEIS1, 2003) as a potential problem within Glass and similar industries.