The Predicted Heat Strain Mobile Application: It’s here and it’s FREE!
- By Ross Di Corleto
- 13/07/2016
- 39 Comments
The University of Queensland project to develop a mobile phone application based on ISO 7933 Predicted Heat Strain is complete.
Rational heat stress indices have been shown to provide a more accurate assessment of heat stress scenarios than many of the simpler and more commonly used empirical indices such as Effective Temperature (ET) and Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT). A key advantage is that the rational indices also provide an avenue for the health professional to assess potential heat strain using additional parameters as well as evaluate potential controls. Despite this they have not been as readily accepted and utilised. One of the barriers has been their complexity and the numerous calculations associated with their use, requiring access to a computer.
In order to address this issue, a project has been undertaken at The University of Queensland to develop and evaluate a mobile phone application based on the ISO standard 7933 Predicted Heat Strain. This freely available application allows investigators to input a number of parameters associated with the environment, task and individual to evaluate the work scenario’s potential risks and controls without requiring access to a computer. Based on the input data, the app uses a number of algorithms to produce predicted core body temperature and water loss graphs and reports. It is envisaged that the app will become a useful tool for the practicing occupational health and safety professional in the investigation and control of heat stress in the field. Once only accessible to academics or with the purchase of expensive equipment, this free app will take heat stress assessment for the health & safety professional to another level.
The App is now available in the Apple App Store. Just search for “PHS” and look for the icon seen at the top of this blog. Unfortunately the app is currently not available in Android format due to some recent system changes. It is hoped that the issue will be addressed in the near future.
Below is a downloadable copy of the PHS App user guide.
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Please email me when app is available for windows phone
Will do Peter. We are working on it.
Congratulations Ross, this is a great idea and I cant wait to see it on other platforms.
Wow! That’s really impressive and can’t wait to have the App on Android
We are working on it, stay tuned, possibly early 2017.
Ross, you are a star. Thank you, this is very useful. Kind regards, Rwth.
Hello Rwth,
Thank you. Always pleased to hear feedback and even more so that the information is useful
Ross
Does this app work on android? or windows phone?
Unfortunately at this early stage we have only developed it for the Apple IOS system and were waiting to see what the demand would be. The response has been excellent so we will now look into the alternative platforms hopefully early in the new year depending on funding availability.
This is awesome thank you for your work and making it freely available.
Can’t wait for it to be on android. Will promote it throughout my worksite as a hsr
Very keen to use, but I need it on an android platform. Looking forward to its release. Well done. Graeme
Well Done UQ….great work!
Broad reaching across the population, technologically current and instantly informative.
Looking forward to Android supported!
this app is a great and much needed tool of any trade working in tropical areas long long or short short inside or out . hows it going for android . BRAVO !!! GREAT WORK ross
All going well, Android & Windows versions should be available in six weeks:)
Any update on the Android version at all? Really keen to look at how we may be able to use this.
Hello Tony, Android and Windows versions of PHS are complete and currently going through final some hands on testing before they are released
Great work UQ! Im an Aussie (alumni UQ) and now based in USA. I cant see the PHS app on the USA app store (apple)? Is it only available in Australia?
Took me a while to track this down. It is available globally but in the US try PHS thermal in the search. This worked in Canada so could be the same in US.
Hi, is this available for Android yet? Thanks
Week of the 15th January, assuming all goes to plan
Is the Android version available? I would like to try this, but I not found the app on play store.
All going well, the week of the 15th January
Hi Ross, is an Android version available yet?
Hello Mark,
the Android version has just completed testing and looks like the release date will be the week of the 15th January. Took longer than expected.
Regards
Ross
Hi Ross,
I just came across your website by chance and what the privilege too. I am pleased but not at all surprised to see another generous presentation of information that is very professional, backed up with science and verified through your dedication and passion.
PS. Well done on the PHS app too, long needed in the industry.
With my very best regards
Masod
Thanks Masoud,
your comments are appreciated
Ross
App crashes every time I try to use it.
I’ve installed it on a Samsung Galaxy A5 phone and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 tablet, both with Android 7.0.
No difference.
Thanks Frans, I will pass on to the developer and see what they can do
Great idea, but the app crashesr every time I use it. Samsung & Nokia Android
Hello Joy,
It appears the app has been playing up recently in the Android version (IOS still OK). Developers have been notified and are currently working on it. Will let you know as soon as it is fixed.
Hello
The mobile PHS app, is there similar computer based program?
Thank you
There is one version available via the purchase of a commercial instrument called the Heat Shield monitor, there is also access to another version available via the Lund University website at http://www.eat.lth.se/termisk_miljoe/english/tools/ There is also some additional work being done on a version similar to the app with similar graphics but it will not be available until the end of this year.
You can find a computer based program in the following link: http://www.famelab.gr/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/FAME-Lab-PHS.zip
Published by Ioannou et al in 2019
https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/indhealth/advpub/0/advpub_2018-0216/_article
Thank you John, this is much appreciated.
Regards
Ross
Absolutely fantastic work on the App. It has really simplified our determination of Heat Strain on our employees and made numerous people lives so much better.
Just one little issue, I cannot get the report email to work, it just comes up with ERROR! Report e-mail cannot be configured.
Thanks again to all who toiled.
Hello Harry, appreciate the feedback. Great to hear the app is getting used and is useful.
Your issue was passed onto the developers and should be fixed very soon in the next update.
Regards
Ross
Hi,
I am interested in the heat strain App. Would you send me a link to it please?
Many thanks
Laurie
Hello Laurie,
Below is a link to the iOS version for apple phones & ipads.
https://apps.apple.com/au/app/phs/id1148768952
Well done job by the blogger, this is really informative, i have also shared to others, your analysis is very good and you have written everything in detail.