Workers' exposure to occupational heat during manual coffee harvesting / Exposição de trabalhadores ao calor ocupacional durante a colheita manual do cafeeiro

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the occupational exposure of workers to heat during manual harvesting of coffee. The case study was conducted between May to August. Occupational heat in coffee plantations was evaluated using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) method and the metabolic rate. The WBGT was obtained using the TGD 400 thermal stress meter. The determined WBGT values ​​were compared to two standards: the Occupational Hygiene Standard (NHO) 06 and Regulatory Norm (NR) 09. For acclimatized workers, the exposure limit was not exceeded at any time during the evaluated period. Fornon-acclimatized workers, the exposure limit was not exceeded only in July.

RESUMO: O presente trabalhado teve como objetivo avaliar a exposição ocupacional de trabalhadores ao calor durante a colheita manual do cafeeiro. O estudo de caso foi desenvolvido entre os meses de maio a agosto. Avaliou-se o calor ocupacional em lavoura cafeeira através do método do Índice Bulbo Úmido Termômetro de Globo (IBUTG) e taxa metabólica. O IBUTG foi obtido utilizando o medidor de estresse térmico TGD 400. Os valores do IBUTG determinados foram comparados com duas normativas: Norma de Higiene Ocupacional (NHO) 06 e Norma Regulamentadora (NR) 09. Para trabalhadores aclimatizados o limite de exposição não foi superado em nenhum momento do período avaliado. Em relação aos trabalhadores não aclimatizados o limite de exposição não foi superado apenas em julho.

Exposure of workers to occupational heat during the application of phytosanitary products in coffee crop / Exposição de trabalhadores ao calor ocupacional durante a aplicação de produtos fitossanitários na cultura do cafeeiro

During the application of phytosanitary products in coffee trees, workers may be exposed to temperatures that could compromise their health. Exposure to occupational heat can lead to progressive dehydration, cramps, exhaustion and the possibility of thermal shock. Thus, knowing the levels of occupational heat that workers are exposed becomes important. This study aimed to evaluate workers' occupational exposure to heat during the application of phytosanitary products with manual costal pump in the coffee crops. The case study was developed at the IFSULDEMINAS school farm - Campus Inconfidentes in the months of September and October 2017. The occupational heat in the coffee crop was evaluated using the WBGTAVERAGE method, using TGD 400 thermal stress meter. The WBGT values found were compared to the exposure limits of NR 15 for the purposes of insalubrity classification and with NHO 06 for acclimatized and non-acclimatized workers. The results showed that the WBGT found is below the tolerance limit of NR 15, for the month of September. In October, the tolerance limit was exceeded in the period from 11:00 a.m. to 2:59 p.m., considering a continuous heavy activity and rest in the workplace, and the activity considered unhealthy. Considering the criteria of the NHO 06 it was observed that the limits of occupational exposure were exceeded in the month of October, for acclimatized and non-acclimatized workers. In September the occupational exposure limit of NHO 06 was exceeded only for non-acclimated workers. Therefore, the workers should be submitted to acclimatization during the phytosanitary application activity in the month of October.

Durante a aplicação de produtos fitossanitários no cafeeiro os trabalhadores podem estar expostos a temperaturas capazes de comprometer sua saúde. Exposição ao calor ocupacional pode levar a desidratação progressiva, câimbras, exaustão e possibilidade de choque térmico. Desta forma, conhecer os níveis de calor ocupacional que os trabalhadores estão expostos torna-se importante. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a exposição ocupacional ao calor de trabalhadores durante a aplicação de produtos fitossanitários com bomba costal manual na cultura do cafeeiro. O estudo de caso foi desenvolvido na fazenda-escola do IFSULDEMINAS ­ Campus Inconfidentes nos meses de setembro e outubro de 2017. Avaliou-se o calor ocupacional em lavoura cafeeira através do método do IBUTGMÉDIO, utilizando medidor de estresse térmico TGD 400. Os valores do IBUTG encontrados foram comparados aos limites de exposição da NR 15 para fins de classificação de insalubridade e com a NHO 06 para trabalhadores aclimatizados e não aclimatizados. Os resultados demostraram que o IBUTG encontrado está abaixo do limite de tolerância da NR15, para o mês de setembro. No mês de outubro o limite de tolerância foi ultrapassado no período das 11:00 às 14:59h, considerando uma atividade pesada contínua e descanso no próprio local de trabalho, sendo a atividade considerada insalubre. Ao considerarmos os critérios da NHO 06 observou-se que os limites de exposição ocupacional foram ultrapassados no mês de outubro, para trabalhadores aclimatizados e não aclimatizados. Em setembro o limite de exposição ocupacional da NHO 06 foi superado somente para trabalhadores não aclimatizados. Portanto os trabalhadores devem ser submetidos à aclimatização durante a atividade de aplicação de fitossanitários no mês de outubro.

Evaluación de las condiciones térmicas ambientales del área de producción en una panadería en Cereté (Córdoba)

Este proyecto tiene como objetivo evaluar las condiciones de temperaturas en los trabajadores del área de producción en una panadería del municipio de Cereté, con el fin de determinar si los valores de exposición se encuentran dentro de los límites permisibles. El estudio está enmarcado dentro de la investigación cuantitativa y es de carácter descriptivo. Es una investigación de tipo transaccional, debido a que se realiza una sola observación en un periodo determinado. La población estuvo integrada por trabajadores del área de producción. El análisis e interpretación de los datos se realizó a través del Índice WBGT calculado con temperatura húmeda, temperatura de globo y temperatura seca, cuyo valor fue 30.69°C. En conclusión, la exposición a la temperatura del área de producción de la panadería supera los valores límites permisibles establecidos, 28°C, siendo un peligro potencial para la salud humana; no obstante, los trabajadores se encuentran aclimatados en dicha área. Finalmente, se recomiendan medidas de control con el propósito de mejorar las condiciones laborales de los trabajadores expuestos de la empresa.

This project aims to evaluate the temperature conditions of workers in the production area in a bakery in Cereté city in order to determine if the exposure values are within permissible limits. The study is framed within the quantitative research and it is descriptive. It is a transactional research because is performed one observation in a period of time. The population was composed of workers in the production area. The analysis and interpretation of the data was performed using the WBGT Index, it was calculated with wet bulb temperature, globe temperature, and dry temperature, the result was 30.69°C. In conclusion, exposure to the temperature of the production area of the bakery exceeds permissible limits values, 28°C, being a potential danger to human health; however workers are acclimated in this area. Finally control measures are recommended in order to improve the working conditions of workers exposed in the company.

Este projeto tem como objetivo avaliar as condições de temperatura nos trabalhadores da área de produção em uma padaria na cidade de Cereté, a fim de determinar se os valores de exposição estão dentro dos limites permitidos. O estudo está enquadrado dentro da pesquisa quantitativa e descritiva. É uma pesquisa transacional, porque uma única observação é feita em um determinado período. A população foi composta por trabalhadores da área de produção. A análise e interpretação dos dados foi realizada utilizando o índice WBGT calculado temperatura de bulbo úmido, temperatura de globo, temperatura seca, cujo valor foi de 30,69 ° C. Em conclusão, a exposição a valores padaria da área de produção temperatura excede os limites admissíveis, 28 ° C, com um potencial perigo para a saúde humana; No entanto, os trabalhadores estão aclimatados nesta área. Finalmente, as medidas de controlo são recomendados, a fim de melhorar as condições de trabalho dos trabalhadores expostos da empresa.

PROPOSAL OF NEW GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION OF HEAT DISORDERS DURING SPORTS AND DAILY ACTIVITIES BASED ON AGE, CLOTHING AND HEAT ACCLIMATIZATION / 体力科学

The guidelines for the prevention of heat disorders during sports activities were established 13 years ago in Japan. Since then, various studies on preventive measures against heat disorders have been done, yielding new knowledge about its prevention. It has been reported that the incidence of heat disorders is high in children and the elderly, and heat acclimatization and clothing are the factors involved in this disorder. We proposed to lower the WBGT (wet-bulb globe temperature) limit for warning (discontinuation of hard exercise) from “28°C or more” to “25°C or more” (corresponding to an ambient temperature of 28°C) for non-acclimatized persons, children, the elderly, and persons wearing clothes covering the entire body. We also indicated that heat disorders can occur due to unpredictable causes, because the mechanism is very complicated.

THE DANGER OF DEHYDRATION AND HEATSTROKE IN THE WALKING OF MIDDLE-AGED AND ELDERLY PERSONS IN THE SUMMER / 体力科学

In this study, the danger of dehydration and heatstroke in a walking event in the summer was examined. Subjects were 64 males, 11 females, and the average age was 62.3±7.8 years old. The following were measured before and after 25 km walking : body weight, blood pressure, heart rate, tympanic temperature, and fluid intake. WBGT in the walking event was 22.6℃ mean value. Time of the 25 km walking was 5 hours 45 minutes, and the number of steps were 36,570±2,741 steps. The body weight loss by the walking was 1.36±0.57 kg, 2.24±0.96%. This body weight loss rate increased with the age. The fluid intake was 1,327±608 g, and sweat loss was 2,621±740 g in the walking. The tympanic temperature after walking was 38.02±0.60℃, and increased 0.99±0.67℃ from before walking. In the walking of middle-aged and elderly persons in the summer, there is danger of dehydration and heatstroke, therefore enough water and salt intakes are necessary.

Effects of Fencing Uniform on Thermoregulatory Responses During Exercise in Hot Environment: Practical Field Study and Laboratory Experiment / 体力科学

The effects of fencing uniforms (U) on thermoregulatory responses were analyzed in both practical field investigation (PFI) and laboratory experiment (LE) . In PFI, six fencers (college-aged) performed regular fencing practice wearing U and wearing a short-sleeved shirt and pants (T) in summer. Rectal temperature (Tr), chest skin temperature (Tch), mask temperature (Tmk), heart rate (HR) and sweat rate (SR) were measured during fencing practice. In LE, seven male college-aged subjects performed three sessions of 20-min cycling at light intensity (250 W/m<SUP>2</SUP>) in a room temperature maintained at 28 WBGT (wet bulb globe temperature) . Esophageal temperature (Tes), mean skin temperature (Tsk), mean body temperature (Tb), HR, and SR were measured during exercise wearing U and in a semi-nude condition (N) . In both PFI and LE, increases in Tch, Tsk, Tb, Tes, Tr and SR were significantly (p<0.001) greater when wearing U than when wearing T and N. In PFI, the maximal value of Tr correlated significantly with the maximal values of Tch (r=0.513, p<0.001) and SR (r=0.635, p<0.001) during practice wearing U and T. In LE, positive correlations between Tsk and Tes (r=0.797, p<0.001), and between Tb and SR (r=0.658, p<0.02) were found at the end of exercise wearing U and N. In PFI, although the Tsk decreased within a few minutes of a decrease in Tmk, a significant relationship between the decrease in Tmk and Tsk or Tr was not observed during fencing practice. These results demonstrate that when wearing U, a higher skin temperature induces core temperature elevation, and higher skin and core temperatures are associated with increases in SR and HR during exercise in a hot environment. Thus, wearing light clothing during exercise, and taking off the fencing jacket and mask during rest periods would be recommended to reduce the heat stress during fencing practice in hot environments.

A survey of ambient temperature, drinking, sweating and body temperature / 体力科学

In order to get basic data for preventing heat stroke accident during exercise in a hot environment, we analysed the relation between environmental temperature, and drinking and sweating. We also analyed the effect of water intake on body temperature regulation during exercise.<BR>The environmental temperature started to rise in April, reached the maximumin August, and then decreased. Water intake and sweating increased significantly with increase in WBGT, but there was no correlation between weight loss and WBGT. The rise in body temperature during exercise (0.52±0.080°C) was constant and independent of WBGT. The rise in oral temperature during exercise was affected by the water intake and it was significantly higher when water was not supplied than that with water supply (p<0.001) . Sweat rate was significantly greater when water was supplied than when it was not supplied (p<0.01) .<BR>The above results suggest that the amount of water intake increased with the increase in WBGT, which guarantees the increase in sweating and as a result maintenance of constant oral temperature.<BR>Therefore it is suggested that it is better to supply water during exercise to facilitate evaporative heat loss, which prevent rise in oral temperature.

Relationships between environmental temperature(WBGT) and body weight loss, fluid intake and sweat loss during physical exercise / 体力科学

The relationship between environmental conditions and water balance during training for baseball and American football was analyzed. The environmental conditions were assessed in terms of WBGT (wet-bulb globe temperature) based on NDB (natural dry-bulb temperature), NWB (natural wet-bulb temperature) and GT (globe temperature), as WBGT=0.7NWB+0.2GT+0.1NDB, <BR>During baseball training, a commercially available sports drink was provided <I>ad libitum</I>, whereas during American football training, the effect of free water intake was compared between tap-water and sports drink. The sweat rate and the amount of water consumption were significantly correlated with WBGT under each experimental condition. Body weight loss was 0.2% body wt./h during baseball training, whereas during American football training, body weight loss was 0.5%/h with tap-water and 0.4%/h with sports drink on average, revealing a significantly higher value for tap-water.<BR>These results indicate that both sweat loss and water intake during exercise increase with WBGT, and that body weight loss is maintained at a fairly constant level during exercise with free water intake, although the loss is significantly higher when tap-water is provided.

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE (WBGT) AND BODY WEIGHT LOSS, FLUID INTAKE AND SWEAT LOSS DURING PHYSICAL EXERCISE / 体力科学

The relationship between environmental conditions and water balance during training for baseball and American football was analyzed. The environmental conditions were assessed in terms of WBGT (wet-bulb globe temperature) based on NDB (natural dry-bulb temperature), NWB (natural wet-bulb temperature) and GT (globe temperature), as WBGT=0.7NWB+0.2GT+0.1NDB, <BR>During baseball training, a commercially available sports drink was provided <I>ad libitum</I>, whereas during American football training, the effect of free water intake was compared between tap-water and sports drink. The sweat rate and the amount of water consumption were significantly correlated with WBGT under each experimental condition. Body weight loss was 0.2% body wt./h during baseball training, whereas during American football training, body weight loss was 0.5%/h with tap-water and 0.4%/h with sports drink on average, revealing a significantly higher value for tap-water.<BR>These results indicate that both sweat loss and water intake during exercise increase with WBGT, and that body weight loss is maintained at a fairly constant level during exercise with free water intake, although the loss is significantly higher when tap-water is provided.

The relation between environmental conditions and the occurrence of exertional heat disorders during physical activity / 体力科学

Deaths and morbidity due to heat disorders during physical activity were gleaned from newspaper reports between 1970 and 1990. The environmental temperatures (dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity) recorded at the closest meteorological observatory at the time of occurrence were used to calculate the wet-bulb temperature and WBGT (wet-bulb globe temperature), and the relationship between heat disorders and environmental temperature was analyzed.<BR>During the 21-year period, 108 cases of heat disorders (91 deaths and 477 casualties) were reported in newspapers. Of the 91 deaths, 9 were in females and 82 were in males, and mean ages were 23.3 years, females and 19.0 years, males.<BR>It was possible to record the environmental conditions at the time of the heat disorder in 99 cases. The results indicated that almost all disorders occurred at ranges higher than 25.5°C, dry-bulb temperature, and 20.0°C, wet-bulb temperature, 40% relative humidity, and 24.0°C, WBGT. The mean WBGT was 28°C at physiological intensities less than 12-RMR (Relative Metabolic Rate) and 25.8°C at RMR higher than 15.<BR>The seasonal distribution was from April to November. In cases observed in April, May and November, abrupt rises in WBGT in the 1.2-3.4°C range were observed on the day of occurrence in comparison with the previous day, suggesting that the degree of heat acclimatization is olso an important factor in preventing heat disorders.

Physiological evaluation of WBGT index during exercise in heat / 体力科学

Six male subjects were exposed to combined stress of heat and exercise, and their heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen uptake, skin temperature, esophageal temperature and body weight were measured. These observations were repeated 12 times for each subject under 4 levels of WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) : 22, 26, 30, 32.5°C at rest and at 2 levels of exercise intensity : 150 W/m<SUP>2</SUP> (Ex. 150W) and 250 W/m<SUP>2</SUP> (Ex. 250 W) . The results obtained were as follows:<BR>1. Significant differences were found in heart rate, oxygen pulse and rate pressure product at 32.5t WBGT and Ex. 150 W and at 30 and 32.5t WBGT and Ex. 250W compared with those at 22t WBGT.<BR>2. Significant increases in esophageal temperature were observed at 32.5°C WBGT and Ex. 150 W and at 30 and 32.5t WBGT and Ex. 250 W.<BR>3. The body weight loss at 26, 30 and 32.5 C WBGT was significantly higher than that at 22°C WBGT for both Ex. 150 W and 250 W.<BR>4. These results suggest that there is a risk of heat exhaustion at WBGT higher than 30-32.5°C under mild exercise and above 26-30°C WBGT at a moderate exercise level. The upper limit for moderate exercise (Ex. 250W) is suggested to be 30°C WBGT.

Environmental temperature of an athletic field in Japan and comparison between wet bulb temperature and WBGT(wet bulb globe temperature) / 体力科学

Indexes to prevent heat casualties have been reported by many investigators based on different temperature scales including wet bulb temperature, wet bulb globe temperature, dry bulb temperature and so on. In this report, environmental temperature of an athletic field in Tokyo area was monitored in summer of 1981 to 1985, using natural wetbulb temperature (NWB), natural drybulb temperature (NDB), globe temperature (GT) and air velocity (A. V.) and WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index) was calculated, from NWB, GT and NDB on the result.<BR>The highest temperature observed was 33.2°C in WBGT, 28.0°C in NWB and 37.5°C in GT. Highly significant correlations were obtained between WBGT and other parameters, than for A. V.<BR>Based on the regression equation between WBGT and NWB, preventive measures for athletes in hot conditions were compared.