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KMID : 1156220160420020092
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Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
2016 Volume.42 No. 2 p.92 ~ p.101
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Heat Stress Assessment and the Establishment of a Forecast System to Provide Thermophysiological Indices for Harbor Workers in Summer
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Hwang Mi-Kyoung
Yun Jin-Ah
Kim Hyun-Su
Kim Young-Jun
Lim Yeon-Ju
Lee Young-Mi
Kim Young-Nam
Yoon Eui-Kyung
Kim Yoo-Keun
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Abstract
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Objectives: Outdoor workers are exposed to thermally stressful work environments. In this study, heat stress indices for harbor workers in summer were calculated to evaluate thermal comfort based on a human heat balance model. These indices are Physiological Subjective Temperature (PST), Dehydration Risk (DhR), and Overheating Risk (OhR) according to respective stage of cargo work in a harbor. In addition, we constructed a forecast system to provide heat stress information.
Methods: Thermophysiological indices in this study were calculated using the MENEX model (i.e. the human heat balance model), which used as inputs the meteorological parameters, clothing insulation, and metabolic rate for each stage of cargo work in the harbor of Masan over the course of seven days, including a four-day heat wave. The forecast heat stress information constructed for Masan harbor was based on meteorological data supported by the Dong-Nae Forecast from the KMA (Korea Metrological Administration) and other input parameters.
Results: According to higher metabolic rate, thermophysiological indices showed a critical level. In particular, PST was evaluated as reaching the 'Very hot' or 'Hot' level during all seven days, despite the heat occurring over only four. It is important in a regard to consider the work environment conditions (i.e. labor intensity and clothing in harbor). On a webpage, the forecast thermophysiological indices show as infographics to be easily understand. This webpage is comprised of indices for both current conditions and the forecast, with brief guidance.
Conclusion: Thermophysiological indices show the risk level to health during a heat wave period. Heat stress information could help to protect the health of harbor workers. Further, this study could extend the applicability of these indices to a variety of outdoor workers in consideration of work environments.
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KEYWORD
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Forecast system, harbor, heat stress, human heat balance, thermophysiological model
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