Prediction and comparison of monthly indoor heat stress (WBGT and PHS) for RMG production spaces in Dhaka, Bangladesh

In recent years, due to lack of considerations of indoor thermal condition as well as increasing global temperature has led to rapid increase of heatstroke patients at workplaces. In such context predicting overheated environment is becoming an imperative for the industry. From field monitoring, it was observed that production spaces in Readymade Garments (RMG) were adversely impacted by excessively hot indoor environments, and yet thousands of workers toiling away their days doing production work-in these spaces. Such excessive indoor temperatures, much higher than the worker's normal body temperature, have an adverse impact on physiological conditions potentially leading health risks. In this study, whole year heat stress prediction for RMG workers has been analyzed by simulations using Energy Plus© and Open Studio©. Field monitoring of local RMG factories was conducted with data loggers for in-situ assessment. Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Predicted Heat Strain (PHS) model criteria for the factory workers were examined. It was found that WBGT and PHS reached higher than comfortable levels between the months of May-August. The level of PHS was observed to reach values up to 53-60% higher than the average meteorological values, and the rest of the conditions remained moderate.