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Document ID (ISN)73960
CIS number 99-2033
ISSN - Serial title 0169-8141 - International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Year 1999
Convention or series no.
Author(s) Bernard T.E., Cross R.R.
Title Heat stress management: Case study in an aluminum smelter
Bibliographic information Mar. 1999, Vol.23, No.5-6, p.609-620. Illus. 23 ref.
Abstract Environmental data were collected in an aluminium smelter and used to develop a prediction model for WBGT levels at target locations in potrooms based on the temperature and humidity of air entering the potrooms at a representative (reference) location. The WBGT prediction in combination with metabolic rate and a task analysis was implemented in a spreadsheet scheme for heat stress evaluation of different jobs. Heat stress guidelines were developed to manage the risk of heat-related disorders. The guidelines mapped out policy, responsibilities and activities, and included environmental thresholds at the reference location for administrative controls and personal protection. The current level of heat stress was broadcast through the potrooms so that appropriate actions could be taken. The success of the guidelines was seen in the reduction of heat-related disorders and overall injuries. Topics: aluminium industry; climatic measurement; exposure evaluation; heat load; heat stress assessment; heat stress indices; heat transfer; hot workplaces; humidity measurement; mathematical models; prediction formulae; refining; smelting plants; threshold limit values; WBGT index.
Descriptors (primary) aluminium industry; heat stress assessment; hot workplaces; smelting plants
Descriptors (secondary) threshold limit values; climatic measurement; heat load; heat stress indices; WBGT index; heat transfer; humidity measurement; mathematical models; prediction formulae; refining; exposure evaluation
Document type D - Periodical articles
Country / State or ProvinceUSA
Subject(s) Heating, ventilation and climate
Broad subject area(s) Physical hazards
Browse category(ies) Smelting and refining operations
Heat and cold