Salāmat-i kār-i Īrān (Oct 2006)
Comparing the Heat Stress Index of HSI and WBGT in BakeryWorkplaces in Hamadan
Abstract
Background and aims Thermal stress is one of the important issues of physical stress in workplaces. Bakery workers that are one of widely population that under occupation heat stress. In this study, heat stress indexes consist of HSI and WBGT in worker positions in total of 88 bakeries in Hamadan city was assessed. Methods In this study 88 bakery workplace was considered. Measuring of air variables to obtain of HSI and WBGTheat stress indices was performed by axial fan anemometer, WBGTmeter and hygrometer made in CASELLA CompanyIn this study 88 bakery workplace was considered. Measuring of air variables to obtain of HSI and WBGTheat stress indices was performed by axial fan anemometer, WBGTmeter and hygrometer made in CASELLACompany. Results Results showed that the average HSI index (214.2 ± 43.7 %) and the average work experience were (28.57±1.97 C). Analyzing of results showed that Pearson's correlation of coefficient between HSI and WBGT was equal to 0.509. Depending of HSI to air velocity was considerable (r = -0.811) that was not expected. Conclusion Values of HSI index had a wide scatter in variances in study fields comparing of WBGTindex that had a minimal scatter, whereas those are measuring of variables and computing of indexes were same workplaces. Finally, although both heat indexes showed exceeded values form criteria, but calibration between HSI and WBGT in this study, showed that, the HSI index had any weakness.
