Effect of occupational heat stress on physiological changes and heat related illness among workers from latex gloves manufacturing industry, Negeri Sembilan

Jalaludin, Amir Ashraf (2018) Effect of occupational heat stress on physiological changes and heat related illness among workers from latex gloves manufacturing industry, Negeri Sembilan. [Project Paper] (Submitted)

Text lp fpsk4 2018 34 FULL.pdf Download (61MB)

Abstract

Background: Latex gloves production workers have exposed to high level of temperature due to the nature of their work process. However, limited study has been conducted on potential health hazards of high temperature among these industrial workers. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of occupational heat stress on physiological changes and heat related illness among workers from latex gloves manufacturing industry. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at one specific latex gloves industry in Senawang, Negeri Sembilan. Total of workers (n 88) participated in this study. Adapted questionnaire, QUESTTemp° 36 Thermal Environmental Monitor (measure heat stress assessment (WBGTin)) and TSI Velocicalc® Air Velocity Meters (measure level of air velocity) were used. Meanwhile, OMRON MC-510 Gentle Temperature ear thermometer (measure core body temperature), POLAR Heart Rate FT60 (measure heart rate) and OMRON T3 Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor (measure blood pressure) were used in the physiological measurement. All these physiological parameters were taken in three different work shifts; before shift, after two hours working and after eight hours working. Results and Discussion: The average of WBGT in in latex gloves production was 33. 7 ° C, which has exceeded the Threshold Limit Value (TLV, >26 ° C). There was no significant correlation between WBGTm and air velocity {r=-0.013, p>0.05). The highest symptoms for prevalence of heat related illness among respondents were fatigue, dizziness and confusion (81.8%), followed by nausea, thirst, moist skin and felt cold and excessive sweating (80.7%), rash and reddish skin after heat exposure, muscle cramp, legs and hand discomfort (26.1 %), dry skin, high body temperature, stroke (9.1 %) and faint (6.8%). There were significantly difference in physiological changes (core body temperature, F=74.87, p<0.001); (blood pressure, F=37.47, p<0.001); (heart rate, F=25.17, p<0.001) between three different work shifts. Conclusions: The workers in latex gloves production were exposed to high level of heat stress. All three physiological parameters of respondents were significantly difference between three periods of time. The air velocity at most of work sections in production area were inadequate; however the results has shown that there was no significant correlation between WBGTm and air velocity. Measures such as engineering controls, administrative controls, training and monitoring of work should be emphasized in order to reduce the risk of heat stress at the workplace. Keywords: Occupational heat stress, latex gloves manufacturing industry, physiological changes

Item Type:	Project Paper
Faculty:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Science
Depositing User:	Ms Norafizah Radzuan
Date Deposited:	27 Nov 2024 02:52
Last Modified:	27 Nov 2024 02:52
URI:	http://psaspb.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/2267

Actions (login required)

View Item