| Publication Date |
1977 |
| Personal Author |
Kronoveter, K. J.; Thoburn, T.; Carlson, W. S. |
| Page Count |
17 |
| Abstract |
Exposures to heat stress were investigated at the Dearborn Specialty Foundry, Ford Motor Company (SIC-3465) in Dearborn, Michigan on July 15, 1977. The survey was requested by the Area Director, Detroit Area Office, OSHA following the death of a machine operator from heat stroke. The Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) and Heat Stress Index (HSI) were calculated for the work station. An operator was observed throughout the work shift and work activity, down time, lunch and relief breaks, energy expenditure, oral temperature, heart rates, blood pressure, and sweat and weight loss were recorded. The WBGT index ranged from 89 to 99 and the HSI ranged from 50 to 98 for the observed operator. A temperature rise of 1.8 degree F occurred during the work shift, and sweat loss was 2.89 liters. The worker's pulse rate increased and blood pressure decreased. The WBGT, HS Indexes, and physiological factors were all at the maximum tolerable ranges established by the American Conference of Government and Industrial Hygienists. The authors conclude that severe thermal insult occurs to some employees and that the work is extremely stressful. The authors recommend that the company strengthen its employee education program for work in hot environments and implement a physiological monitoring program and a heat stress alert program. |
| Keywords |
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| Source Agency |
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| NTIS Subject Category |
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| Corporate Authors |
National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH. Hazard Evaluations and Technical Assistance Branch. |
| Document Type |
Technical Report |
| NTIS Issue Number |
198211 |
