Footnote
(Note 1) WBGT is a heat index focusing on the exchange of heat between the human body and the outside air (heat balance), and incorporates three factors that have a significant impact on the heat balance of the human body: ①humidity, ②thermal environment of the surrounding area, including solar radiation and radiant heat, ③air temperature.
(Note 2) NETIS registration number: KT-220185-A Technical name: Environmental monitoring cloud "SisMil" (https://www.oakis.co.jp/news/2023/20230213_1.html) .
(Note 3) As of September 2022.
(Note 4) JIS B 7922: Japanese Industrial Standard, established to maintain the reliability and accuracy of electronic WBGT index meters.
(Note 5) LoRa: One of the wireless communication standards that covers a wide area with low power consumption.
(Note 6) JIS Z 8504: Japanese Industrial Standard (revised in April 2021), which specifies WBGT reference values based on conditions including the content of the work and the working environment.
SisMil: Cloud-Based System for Heat Stroke Prevention
OAK INFORMATION SYSTEM CORPORATION
| Publication date | October 24, 2022 (Posted on May 17, 2023) |
|---|---|
| Sector | Human Health / Industrial and economic activities |
Company Overview
OAK INFORMATION SYSTEM CORPORATION is an IT company formed through the merger of two information-related subsidiaries of Obayashi Corporation in October 2002. Since then, we have grown into a versatile group of engineers who support Obayashi Group's information infrastructure. Our services include comprehensive solutions ranging from system planning and conceptualization to development, operation, and maintenance in line with the latest developments in the construction business and technology.
Climate Change Impacts
With the recent rise in temperature due to global warming, the risk of heat stroke is increasing every year. Since a delayed response to heat stroke can be fatal, it is important to have early detection and communication in a working environment where the risk of heat stroke is high. To properly determine the risk of heat stroke, it is crucial to use the "heat index (WBGT) (Note 1)" at the appropriate time and continue to monitor the situation, considering predetermined reference values such as activity level, amount of clothing, and heat acclimatization. Furthermore, having multiple means of communication to employees and workers is essential to reduce the risk of heat stroke.
Adaptation Initiatives
We offer SisMil (Note 2), a cloud-based system that allows for comprehensive management of various environmental measurement values, including WBGT. SisMil is currently in use at over 1,200 construction sites (Note 3), as well as in factories, distribution warehouses, sports facilities, and schools. SisMil offers the following four key features:
(1) JIS-compliant Measurement System
The hardware device is composed of a base unit (gateway) and an extension unit (sensor), both of which are compliant with the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS B 7922 (Note 4) (refer to Fig. 1). The extension unit periodically transmits the automatically measured data (temperature, humidity, black-bulb temperature) to the base unit via LoRa radio (Note 5). The base unit then transmits the received data to the cloud system using LTE or wired LAN (Ethernet). The cloud system calculates and manages the WBGT based on the received data (refer to Fig. 2).
(2) Comprehensive Management of Measured Data
The cloud system enables the comprehensive management of measured data collected from multiple locations, allowing for the checking of WBGT and hazard levels on a smartphone or tablet. The cloud management functions (refer to Fig. 3) are as follows:
- ① Management of measurement at multiple locations
- ② Color-coded display of WBGT and degree of excess compared to the reference value for each extension unit (measured location)
- ③
・Setting of conditions corresponding to JIS Z 8504 (Note 6) (physical work intensity, heat acclimation, type of clothing, with or without hood)
・Selection of WBGT guidelines for each extension unit (guidelines for workers/daily life/exercise) - ④
・Automatic setting of WBGT reference values based on the settings in ③
・Delivery of alert e-mails according to conditions
・Download function for measured results (CSV, EXCEL)
・Active/Inactive monitoring function (extension unit): delivery of monitoring notification e-mails when the unit has not operated for a certain period of time.
(3) Different Methods for WBGT Hazard Notifications
There is an e-mail distribution function, and the system can also be linked to a signage (refer to Fig. 4) or a laminated indicator to notify users who do not use the cloud system.
(4) Possible to Connect to CO2 Concentration and Other Sensors
SisMil can also connect to other sensor devices to manage environmental indices other than WBGT, such as CO2 concentration.
Effects / Expected Benefits
It is expected that SisMil will contribute to the prevention of heat stroke by identifying the degree of danger in accordance with the conditions at the measured location and encouraging preventive actions in response to changes in conditions. The automatic measurement and comprehensive management by the cloud system will lead to less manpower required for measurement and tallying.
Using the download function of the measured results, it is possible to analyze WBGT and reflect it in action plans (e.g., avoiding activities during the time of day when it is expected to be dangerous).
