Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Devices

January 17, 2014 Guest Blogger Comments

Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) devices like the Kestrel 5400 Heat Stress Tracker can help football teams, members of the military, and others who work or train outdoors stay safe while training in hot, humid conditions. Wet bulb globe temperature devices measure heat, humidity, wind, and solar radiation information that can be used to determine how long a practice session can safely be and what type of equipment should be used. Using the readings that a wet bulb globe temperature provides makes it much easier to protect individuals from heat-related illnesses such as dehydration and heatstroke. Dangerous and even fatal heat-related illnesses can be prevented with proper tracking and measuring of conditions by coaches out in the field.

Currently, the standard for measuring environmental heat stress is the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index. Using wet bulb globe temperature equipment like the Kestrel 5400 handheld meter, and other heat stress monitoring devices, is one way for schools, medical staff, coaches, and others to accurately monitor the WBGT index in order to make more informed decisions about practices. Recent research on the effects of heat on athletes found that there is a dramatic increase in the number of exertion-related injuries once the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature reaches a level of 82 degrees. Staying on top of conditions and being aware of when the environment is too unsafe to practice in can help to reduce the number of heat-related illnesses and can help prevent death and injuries due to overexertion.

Using Wet Bub Globe Temperature Equipment

Using wet bulb globe temperature equipment makes it easy to know when conditions are unsafe for those who exert themselves outdoors. Knowing when players need increased resting periods, hydration breaks or modifications to equipment is critical to keeping individuals safe, and products like the Kestrel 5400 can help. The Kestrel 5400 is a powerful, handheld wet bulb globe temperature device that not only helps to keep players safe when practicing outdoors but also helps coaches plan practice sessions around the weather. When the WBGT starts getting close to 82 degrees, coaches and administrative staff know that it’s time to give more breaks, reduce practice sessions or even move the practice indoors into an air-conditioned gym when conditions become unsafe. By staying on top of the situation and always staying informed about the conditions that players are training in, schools can help to protect students both on and off the field, with accurate weather information that is both useful and worthwhile.

Training and playing sports outdoors is difficult enough without having to worry about whether or not players are safe. A wet bulb globe temperature device gives coaches and staff peace of mind that they are tracking the correct information and doing everything possible to keep kids safe when they are out on the practice field this summer.

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