Under what dry-bulb temperature should a heat stress survey be conducted?

The correct answer, indicating that a heat stress survey should be conducted at a dry-bulb temperature of 100 °F, aligns with guidelines aimed at identifying potential heat-related illnesses among personnel. Conducting a survey at this temperature is essential because the risk of heat stress significantly increases as temperatures rise.

At 100 °F, the body's ability to cool itself through sweating becomes less effective, leading to a higher likelihood of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat stroke. This threshold serves as a critical point for assessing environmental conditions and implementing preventive measures to safeguard health and performance in hot work environments.

Choosing to conduct a heat stress survey at lower temperatures, such as 75 °F, 90 °F, or even 80 °F, may overlook the serious risks present as temperatures approach or exceed 100 °F, where the body struggles to maintain a safe internal temperature. Thus, the decision to focus on the 100 °F benchmark is supported by safety protocols that prioritize personnel welfare in high-heat situations.