Association between occupational heat exposures with physiological changes among palm oil mill workers

Mohd Said, Nur Izzate (2012) Association between occupational heat exposures with physiological changes among palm oil mill workers. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text fpsk4 2012 37 (1).pdf Download (29MB)

Abstract

Summary: Objective: A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the heat exposure and its effect to physiological changes among palm oil mill workers in Johor. Methodology: Seventy four workers from the crude oil production were selected as respondents. Workers who met inclusive criteria were selected by simple random sampling. Variables measured were the environmental temperature (WBGTin), relative humidity, metabolic workload, body core temperature, blood pressure and heart rate. Questempo34 Thermal Environmental Monitor was used to measure the environmental temperature in DC (WBGTin). OMRON Blood Pressure Monitor Model T3 was used to measure blood pressure and heart rate while body core temperature was measures by OMRON MC-5l0 Gentle Temperature Ear Thermometer. Interviews using questionnaires were used to determine respondents' background, history of risk factor in heat exposure and other information related to heat stress. Result: Result showed that the mean environmental (WBGTin) in palm oil mill 1 is 30.60 DC while in palm oil mill 2 was 30.78 DC. These production workers were exposed to heat during their working hour in different sections such as sterilizer, press, kernel, oil room, boiler and engine room. The average time of monitoring was 2 hours for intermittent exposure and 8 hours duration for overall exposure. There was significant difference between heat exposure and physiological changes before shift and after 2 hours (p<O.OOl) and after working for 8 hours respectively. The average heart rate was in range 83 - 90 bpm indicating that there is no excessive physiological demand. The mean of body core temperature (36.03 ± 0.25 DC) and heart rate (87.39 ± 1.69 bpm) after 8 hours indicated a good body control of exposure. Five out six work sections monitored had temperatures greater than 28 DC (ACGIH TL V). Conclusion: The workers were exposed to moderate heat stress during the study period. However, body core temperature, blood pressure and heart rate did not reach unacceptable level of physiological reactions. Keywords : Heat stress, heart rate measurements, blood pressure, palm oil mill industry, physiological changes

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	22 Nov 2022 06:22
Last Modified:	16 Feb 2023 00:19
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/183

Actions (login required)

View Item