Question
Also, in the conclusions, determine the following: A worker is employed by the Acme Manufacturing which has a plant located in Birmingham, Alabama. This plant is a foundry which produces iron castings for a variety of customers. You are asked to evaluate potential heat stress conditions for workers who pour molten iron (2800 degrees F) into sand molds to form castings. The plant supplies the workers with woven cotton long sleeve coveralls to wear on the job. The work rate for these employees can be considered moderate. Each hour each worker pours iron for 45 minutes and then is allowed to go to an air conditioned break area for 15 minutes. All the workers performing this job have done so for at least 6 months and are considered to be in good health and receive plenty of water during the work day. When you arrive at the plant, the outside temperature is 92 F. The environmental factors in the work area are shown below: DBT = 31C NWBT = 28 C GT = 36C Air velocity at the operator station = 200 fpm % relative humidity = 78% A. Based on this information, what is your assessment of the risk for heat stress/strain for these workers? You must explain your reasoning and it must be based on the information given. B. List at least 3 different specific recommendations which when implemented would reduce the risk. You must explain how each recommendation would result in a reduction of the risk.
Explanation / Answer
A)High levels of Heat stress are found in the steel industry especially at hot rolling area,casting platforms & near furnaces.Excessive heat strain in the workplace can lead to heat related illness from headache, nausea, vomiting to severe form of heat stroke, which if untreated can leads to death.
Greater than 115°F risk level=> Very High to Extreme => protective measures--Triggers even more aggressive protective measures
Air temperature is important in assessment of thermal stress as it affects the convection heat transfer from an
individual. Air temperature exceeding 35 °C can increase the heat load on the body.
B)
Close monitoring of core body temperature and pulse rate is essential.Shortening the work period in shifts to
avoid hyperthermia & intermittent rest in A/C room is suggested.
