The PHS application analyses and interprets thermal risk using calculations of predicted heat strain. The application applies predicted heat strain formula outlined in ISO 7933:2004 Ergonomics of the thermal environment, to provide a graphical illustration and summary of predicted heat strain based on user entered data. The application may also be used to analyse methods of reducing or managing thermal risk associated with a task or environment. However, the application is to be used as a guide only. It does not provide safe/ unsafe working limits. A number of factors are not included in this assessment, such as: employee health conditions and the use of high level PPE (impermeable suits). There are limitations to the predicted heat strain calculations, once you approach the defined parameters outlined in Table A.1 within ISO 7933:2004.

For more information about the application and to access a downloadable user guide for the application visit the Website at http://ergonomics.uq.edu.au/PHS/index.html.

The development of this application was funded via a joint study between The University of Queensland, Faculty of Science and Rio Tinto.