Thermal suitability in industrial environment: a case study in a metallurgical industry

Work. 2014;49(3):445-53. doi: 10.3233/WOR-131719.

Abstract

Background: This article presents the results of an investigation into the thermal aspect of workplaces of the metallurgical branch of furniture manufacturing, looking for the number of dissatisfied people in the environment.

Objectives: This study aims to analyze the thermal suitability of a metallurgical industrial environment, from four interpretations of vote +1/-1 (slightly warm or slightly cool) on the thermal sensation range, reported by workers.

Methods: The methodological approach consists of quantitative research and a literature review set for this work, composed of spreadsheets and statistical processing of data. Data collection took place through the use of environmental variables measurement equipment and software for statistical assistance.

Results: The results indicate an average above 35% of workers dissatisfied with the environment, thus, portraying the lack of suitability.

Conclusions: It was noted, further, that, although average temperatures may be between 21°C to 28°C, workplace improvements can be made, so that the thermal sensations will be satisfactory.

Keywords: Thermal comfort; dissatisfied; metallurgical environment; thermal suitability.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Humans
  • Metallurgy*
  • Occupational Health*
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Temperature*
  • Workplace*