Health and safety measures for working in extremely hot environments

Abstract

Studies have been made on the effects of exposure to extremely hot environments on health, and control measures were carried out both in laboratory and in industrial environments. The results showed that the characteristics of the workplace in extremely hot environments, such as soaking pit crane operator cabin, first-aid repair for smelting furnace, were high temperature (above 40°C), and high radiant heat (5–15 cal/cm²/min). Workmen suffered from a very severe physiological strain, even heat stroke. The measures, such as heat resistant clothing, drink for heat resistance and air conditioning, which may efficiently reduce or even eliminate the physiological strain, and raise labor efficiency during over-exposure to extremely hot environments.

Keywords

extremely hot environment / protective clothing / flavoured drink / air conditioning