Validation of Heat Stress Indices at Oil Terminals in Northern and Southern Iran

Abstract

Background and Objective: Heat stress is one of the major safety and health concern in the oil and gas industry. The main purpose of this study was to compare the heat stress of oil terminals in northern and southern Iran. In addition, two physiological parameters were utilized in order to validate these indices. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 130 employees working at two oil terminals in Iran (i.e., Kharg and Neka). Initially, heat stress indices including Hang Seng Index (HIS), Allow Exposure Time (AET), WetBulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), and Predicted Four Hour Sweat Rate (P4SR) were measured in this study. Subsequently, the oral and tympanic temperature of the participants were taken in order to validate the mentioned indices using Pearson correlation test. The data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 22). Results: The results showed a significant correlation between the heat stress indices of the indoor workplace in Kharg, Iran, and physiological parameters (P 0.05). Conclusion: According to the results, WBGT and AET are valid indices to assess heat stress in oil terminals. In addition, it was revealed that the heat stress in indoor workplace in Kharg oil terminal was higher than that in Neka oil terminal.

Keywords

• analytical indices
• experimental indices
• heat stress index
• oil terminals