| Document ID (ISN) | 102863 |
| CIS number |
03-1865 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
Travail et bien-être |
| Year |
2002 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Vandenkieboom H. |
| Title |
Working under extreme heat conditions |
| Original title |
Travailler dans une chaleur extrême [in French] |
| Bibliographic information |
Dec. 2002, Vol.5, No.5, p.11-14. Illus. |
| Abstract |
This study of heat stress during the maintenance and repair of glass furnaces was carried out after several workers of a glass products manufacturer presented physical disorders (headaches and muscle cramps) following long and repetitive work at the furnaces. Internal heat load during work was determined by measuring pulse rate, body-core temperature and weight loss. External load was determined by measuring WGBT values and noiseand lighting levels. Results indicate that cardiac load limits were clearly exceeded (CLV>100%). Water losses were close to the limit values specified by the WHO, namely 5L per daily period of work. WBGT values ranged between 38.1 and 49.1°C (the legal limit value is 25°C). During certain tasks using pneumatic picks, noise values between 98 and 101db(A) were recorded. In certain cases, the lighting level was below the required minimum of 100lux. Furthermore, certain postures adopted by workers increase the risk of overload of the back and upper extremities. Several recommendations are made based on these findings. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
physical workload; maintenance and repair; heat stress assessment; glass industry; hot workplaces; industrial furnaces |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
lighting; Belgium; noise; body temperature; heat protective clothing; WBGT index; job study; heart rate monitoring; dehydration |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Belgium |
| Subject(s) |
Heating, ventilation and climate
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physical hazards
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Heat and cold
Glass, pottery and related materials
|
