Peripheral temperature is an important physiological indicator, reflecting how the body responds to heat or cold based on skin surface data. In industrial environments, sudden changes in this metric can directly affect workers' health, productivity, and safety.
Why use risk scenarios with peripheral temperature triggers?
Thermal comfort is a subjective perception regulated by the autonomic nervous system. Exposure to high or low temperatures can compromise cognitive and physical performance and increase the risk of heat or cold-related illnesses. Peripheral temperature triggers allow early detection of dangerous changes and support preventive action.
Application areas
Where to use peripheral temperature triggers?
Confined spaces: thermal variation, low oxygen circulation, and high physical and mental demand raise thermal risk.
Extreme thermal conditions: blast furnaces, foundries, cold chambers — heat increases the need for heat dissipation, while cold reduces peripheral circulation during prolonged exposure.
Underground environments: high temperatures, CO₂ concentration, and intense physical effort intensify risks.
Outdoor areas with climate variation: direct sun or wind exposure may trigger thermal stress.
Initial parameters (default)
What values are recommended to start a risk scenario?
≈ 26°C (78.8°F): Safe peripheral temperature for most tasks
≥ 35°C (95°F): Attention threshold — may indicate thermal overload, dehydration, fatigue
≥ 41°C (105.8°F): High risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Requires immediate intervention
< 10°C (50°F): Risk of reduced peripheral circulation, drowsiness, and performance drop
Peripheral temperature can be continuously monitored with Dersalis sensors, offering a close approximation of real thermal comfort.
Safety actions
How to respond to abnormal peripheral temperature alerts?
≥ 41°C: high risk of thermal exhaustion. Stop the activity, hydrate and cool down the worker.
≥ 35°C: thermal overload. Recommend a short break with hydration and ventilation.
< 10°C: risk of hypothermia. Recommend active movement, thermal clothing, and ongoing supervision.
⚠ Core body temperature can reach 39°C (102.2°F) in just 25 minutes in extreme conditions. Quick response within 10 minutes is essential to prevent complications.
Risk Scenario on the platform
How to configure peripheral temperature triggers
During the scenario setup, select “Skin Temperature” as the main variable. Set min/max limits based on the task and environment.
Other examples here
Advantages
Detect workers operating outside thermal comfort zones
Increase attention and productivity in controlled environments
Enable preventive interventions based on physiological data
Continuously monitor risks in critical environments
References
Liu, Weiwei et al. (2011). “Evaluation of Calculation Methods of Mean Skin Temperature for Use in Thermal Comfort Study.” Building and Environment, 46(2), 478–88. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2010.08.011
Abellán-Aynés, O. et al. (2021). Effect of Heat Exposure on Heart Rate Variability. IJERPH, 18(11), 5934. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18115934
Cannady, R. et al. (2024). Wearable technology for occupational heat stress. Safety Science, 177, 106600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssci.2024.106600
Sunkpal, M. et al. (2018). Protecting mine workers in hot/humid environments. Safety and Health at Work, 9(2), 149–158. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.shaw.2017.06.011
Wil Son, T. et al. (2021). IoT-based heat stroke detection system. Procedia Computer Science, 192, 3686–3695. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procs.2021.09.142
Wu, G. et al. (2021). HRV as a thermal comfort biomarker in mining. IJERPH, 18(14), 7615. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147615
Yang, B. et al. (2022). Thermal and acoustic stress in deep underground workspaces. Building and Environment, 212, 108830. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2022.108830