The exposure of maintenance workers to heat stress within ESKOM

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine if maintenance workers were exposed to temperatures above 30°C WBGT and to determine the effect of this on their bodies. Maintenance workers were used as the target group due to their job tasks in hot environments. Core body temperature was determined using a Questtemp II personal heat stress monitor. Measurements were taken before entering the hot environments and after exiting the hot environments. Body weight, blood pressure and heart rate were also measured before the workers entered the heat stress area and after they exit the area. A normal t-test was done to determine if there was any significant difference between the readings taken before and after entering the hot environment. All the measured parameters except for heart rate indicated a significant difference between readings taken before and after entering the hot environment with a P-value less than 0,05.

Environmental temperature was measured over a period of time in 3 different heat stress areas, by using the appropriate ISO 7243 method. The significant difference on the parameters, weight, core temperature and blood pressure confirmed that workers are exposed to hot environments. Although workers spend limited time in hot environments, precautions still needs to be taken to prevent any incidents resulting from exposure to hot environments. Appendix A, which is a Heat Stress management guideline, was developed to assist with the prevention of heat stress on Eskom maintenance workers. This guideline will assist by addressing factors such as weight loss and cardiovascular conditions of employees exposed to hot environments.