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Bioenvironmental beats the heat

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Zachiah Roberson
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  While Grand Forks is famed for its harsh winters, summer temperatures can also be hazardous. To help keep Airmen safe, the 319th Medical Group's Bioenvironmental Engineering flight is on the job, tracking the heat index using Wet Bulb Globe Temperature readings.

The heat index, found in Air Force Pamphlet 48-151, page 28, details precautions to help prevent heat related incidents, and should be available in every work center.

WBGT devices are machines designed to act as a benchmark showing how a normal person's body would react to the weather, said Tech Sgt. Linda Ochs, NCOIC of Bioenvironmental Engineering. She said it measures humidity, radiant heat (heat emitted from an object), and dry heat. It is placed outside and closely monitored throughout the day.

The chart details what temperature (in Fahrenheit) is connected to what flag condition, the work/rest cycle for that flag, and how much water should be consumed every hour.

Flag colors are determined by the temperature in Fahrenheit of the day:

No flag: less than 79.9 F
Green: 80-84.9 F
Yellow: 85-87.9 F
Red: 88-89.9 F
Black: 90 F

The work/rest cycles are used as a guideline to interchange work times with resting times necessary to avoid a heat related injury.

"It's up to the supervisors if they want to use the rest cycle," said Tech Sgt. Jennifer Kingsley, bioenvironmental engineering technician. "But you shouldn't try to push through anything if you are feeling any effects from the heat."

Acclimatization is also a key part of the heat chart. If someone is acclimatized, their body is accustomed to the weather in the area they live in. It takes approximately 10-14 days to become acclimatized to an area, said Kingsley.

The chart also explains how to read the table during times of emergencies or exercises that require a different type of uniform. When uniforms such as MOP gear (Mission Oriented Protective Posture) and other constricting gear is worn, then the chart will have to be altered slightly.

"These factors on the chart can change consistently which all depends on the person or the area, so be cautious," said Kingsley.