An Investigation of Thermal Comfort for Mold, Welding and Turning Technicians and the Effects on Performance in Naturally Ventilated Area

Year 2019, Volume: 23 Issue: 4, 559 - 568, 01.08.2019

Kemal Furkan Sökmen

https://doi.org/10.16984/saufenbilder.430811

Abstract

In
this study, thermal comfort measurements were made for mold, welding, and
turning technicians in naturally ventilated industrial establishments.
Metabolic rates were determined as 100 W/m2 for welding and turning
and 190 W/m2 for mold technicians. The clothing insulation factor was
calculated as 0.68 clo. The measurements were done  in 3 different
companies on 17-19 July 2017 during working hours without stop
working. In terms of PMV findings, it was determined that the thermal
comfort conditions are not met according to the ASHRAE standard. As for
the WBGT value, it was determined that there was heat pressure on
17.07.2017 and there was no heat pressure on 18.07.2018 on all
the employees. On 19.07.2017, it was determined that there was a heat pressure
after 13:00 for mold technicians and after 17:00 for welding and turning
technicians. Calculated PMV values were compared with the survey results
and  ıt was determined that results were compatible with values. It
was made firm that people who were overweight and obese felt their
working environment warmer than normal
weight worker. The performance loss ratios which are
dependent on ambient temperature were calculated and compared with the
literature and was determined that they are compatible.

Keywords

Ergonomics of thermal environment, employee performance, heat stress

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