What instrument is used for assessing heat stress?

The instrument specifically designed for assessing heat stress is the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WGBT). This instrument integrates measurements from three different temperature readings: the dry bulb temperature, the wet bulb temperature, and the globe temperature. The combination of these measurements provides a comprehensive evaluation of environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and air movement, which are critical factors in assessing heat stress.

The WGBT is particularly useful because it accounts for the effects of both ambient temperature and humidity on the body's ability to cool itself through perspiration. In scenarios where heat stress is a concern, such as in occupational health settings or outdoor activities in hot climates, the WGBT gives a more accurate representation of the potential heat-related risks compared to other temperature-measuring devices.

This makes it more effective than a standard thermometer, which only measures air temperature, or a psychrometer, which primarily focuses on humidity. A hydrometer, on the other hand, measures the specific gravity of liquids and is not applicable in the context of assessing heat stress. Thus, the WGBT stands out as the most relevant instrument for evaluating heat stress conditions.