Department of Environmental Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Ind Health. 2020 Apr 2;58(2):170-181. doi: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0259. Epub 2019 Jul 13.
The study aimed to assess the heat stress of the construction workers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), using Wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT) index, whereas also computing Heat stress index (HSI), and Thermal Work Limit (TWL) for comparison. Portable Area Heat Stress Monitor (HS-32) was used for measuring WBGToutdoor, Dry Bulb Temperature, Natural Wet Bulb Temperature, Globe Temperature in°C, and Relative humidity. The outcomes demonstrated that the WBGT exceeded the recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and that workers are at risk of heat stress. According to HSI, only fit acclimatized young workers can tolerate work in this site, and workers should be selected by medical examination. As per TWL, the site was labeled as Acclimatization Zone implying that no un-acclimatized worker should work here and working alone should be avoided. The construction workers lie at a high or medium risk of heat stress. The contribution of the radiant heat load was very high compared with metabolic load and convective load. Furthermore, WBGT, HSI, and TWL are suitable to assess thermal stress in construction environments. Scheduling of the work earlier or later (after sunset) along with breaks for rest on cool shaded areas are recommended.
本研究旨在使用湿球黑球温度（WBGT）指数评估阿拉伯联合酋长国（阿联酋）建筑工人的热应激情况，同时计算热应激指数（HSI）和热工限（TWL）进行比较。使用便携式区域热应激监测器（HS-32）测量 WBGToutdoor、干球温度、自然湿球温度、°C 球温度和相对湿度。结果表明，WBGT 超过了推荐的阈值限值（TLV），工人有热应激的风险。根据 HSI，只有适合的、适应环境的年轻工人才能在该地点耐受工作，工人应通过体检选择。根据 TWL，该地点被标记为适应区，这意味着没有未适应环境的工人应该在这里工作，应避免单独工作。建筑工人面临高或中等的热应激风险。与代谢负荷和对流负荷相比，辐射热负荷的贡献非常高。此外，WBGT、HSI 和 TWL 适用于评估建筑环境中的热应激。建议提前或推迟（日落之后）安排工作，并在凉爽的阴凉处休息。
