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Document ID (ISN)66883
CIS number 96-990
ISSN - Serial title 0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health
Year 1993
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Charuel C., Mercier-Gallay M., Stoklov M., Romazini S., Perdrix A.
Title Environmental stresses and strains in an extreme situation - The repair of electrometallurgy furnaces
Bibliographic information 1993, Vol.65, No.4, p.253-258. Illus. 24 ref.
Abstract During the replacement of an electrode element from a 20MW continuous casting furnace, excessive temperatures and CO levels were found. The wet bulb globe temperature in the furnace centre was 55°C. In the furnace periphery the WBGT measured 34°C. These temperatures did not change significantly during the 6h of replacement work. The mean CO levels of 110 to 145ppm in the furnace centre exceeded the exposure limit. The average pulse rate was measured at 150/min. It reached 65 to 83% of the maximum theoretical rate. The protective clothing worn by the workers was found to provide no protection against radiant heat and did not allow evaporation. It is recommended that this kind of repair work be limited to 2h and that an insulated floor be used to limit thermal radiation. Recommendations for periodical medical examinations are presented.
Descriptors (primary) conditions of exposure; carbon monoxide; harmful substances; dangerous work; hot workplaces; repair work; electric melting furnaces; pulse rate; furnace repairs
Descriptors (secondary) heat load; industrial furnaces; exposure evaluation; foundries; periodic medical examinations; basic metal industries; medical supervision
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceFrance
Subject(s) Heating, ventilation and climate
Broad subject area(s) Physical hazards
Browse category(ies) Cardiovascular diseases
Heat and cold
Carbon monoxide
Inorganic substances
Confined spaces