Course Overview

Thermal environments can have a significant impact on worker health, safety and performance. The OHTA502 Thermal Environment course provides delegates with an understanding of the factors that influence heat and cold stress in the workplace and the methods used to assess and manage thermal risks.

This internationally recognised course examines the interaction between the worker, the environment and the task being performed. Delegates will develop an understanding of the principles used by occupational hygienists to evaluate thermal environments, identify potential health risks and recommend appropriate control measures. The knowledge gained is widely applied across industries where workers are exposed to challenging environmental conditions.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course delegates should be able to:

1. Explain the principles of human thermal balance.
2. Understand how the body responds to heat and cold exposure.
3. Identify factors that contribute to thermal stress in the workplace.
4. Describe the health effects associated with heat and cold exposure.
5. Understand commonly used thermal assessment techniques and indices.
6. Interpret thermal environment monitoring data.
7. Evaluate thermal risks and recommend appropriate control measures.
8. Apply occupational hygiene principles to the management of thermal environments.

Delegates who successfully achieve these outcomes will be better equipped to assess thermal risks and contribute to the development of effective workplace programs that protect worker health, safety and wellbeing.

Course Format

This five-day instructor-led course combines theoretical instruction, practical examples, calculations and interactive discussions to develop a comprehensive understanding of thermal environment assessment and management.

Learning is structured to progressively build knowledge and confidence, enabling delegates to understand both the scientific principles of thermal stress and their practical application within occupational hygiene programmes. Emphasis is placed on linking assessment results to workplace decision-making and risk management.

Course Content

The course examines the principles and practices used to assess and manage heat and cold exposures in occupational settings.

Topics include:

1. Human thermal balance
2. Physiology of heat and cold stress
3. Environmental factors influencing thermal comfort and thermal stress
4. Heat-related illnesses and health effects
5. Cold-related illnesses and health effects
6. Thermal environment measurement techniques
7. Thermal indices and assessment methods
8. Interpretation of thermal monitoring data
9. Risk assessment methodologies
10. Engineering and administrative control measures
11. Personal protective equipment considerations
12. Thermal environment management programs

These topics provide the essential knowledge framework used by occupational hygiene professionals to evaluate thermal environments, protect workers from heat and cold stress, and support effective workplace health risk management.