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Evaluation of thermal overload in boiler operators
Camila Soares Braga1, Valéria Antônia Justino Rodrigues, Julio César Costa Campos
1Ergonomic Laboratory-Forest Engineering Department, Federal University of Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Work (Reading, Mass.)
|February 10, 2012
Summary
Boiler operators in Brazilian educational institutions face health risks from excessive heat exposure. This study found thermal overload conditions during boiler operations, highlighting the need for improved working environments.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Science
- Energy Engineering
Background:
- Educational institutions in Brazil have high energy demands, often met by wood-fired boilers.
- Boiler operation poses significant health risks to operators due to heat exposure and operational hazards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the thermal environment conditions for operators in a B category boiler at a Brazilian Higher Education Institution.
- To assess the risk of heat stress in the workplace.
Main Methods:
- Utilized WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) meters, anemometers, and infrared thermometers to collect environmental data.
- Employed questionnaires to gather information on temperature, humidity, and air velocity.
- Focused on a B category boiler in the Zona da Mata Mineira region.
Main Results:
- The study identified thermal overload conditions during the evaluated period.
- Collected data on key environmental factors including ambient temperature, globe temperature, relative humidity, and air velocity.
Conclusions:
- The thermal conditions during boiler operation present a risk of heat stress to operators.
- Recommendations for improving the thermal environment and operator safety are implied.
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