Assessment of physical workload in boiler operations.
The use of boiler wood-fired is fairly common equipment utilized in steam generation for energy production in small industries. The boiler activities are considered dangerous and heavy, mainly due to risks of explosions and the lack of mechanization of the process. This study assessed the burden of physical labor that operators of boilers are subjected during the workday. Assessment of these conditions was carried out through quantitative and qualitative measurements. A heart rate monitor, a wet-bulb globe thermometer (WBGT), a tape-measure and a digital infrared camera were the instruments used to collect the quantitative data. The Nordic Questionnaire and the Painful Areas Diagram were used to relate the health problems of the boiler operator with activity. With study, was concluded that the boiler activity may cause pains in the body of intensity different, muscle fatigue and diseases due to excessive weight and the exposure to heat. The research contributed to improve the boiler operator's workplace and working conditions.
Ergonomic Laboratory--Forest Engineering Department, Federal University of Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil. valeriaufv2001@yahoo.com.br
Valéria Antônia Justino
VA
Rodrigues
Camila Soares
CS
Braga
Julio César Costa
JC
Campos
Amaury Paulo de
AP
Souza
Luciano José
LJ
Minette
Guilherme Luciano
GL
Sensato
Angelo Casali de
AC
Moraes
Emília Pio da
EP
Silva
D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil; D006804:Ergonomics; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D017770:Lifting; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016272:Occupational Health; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005082:Physical Exertion / Q000502:physiology; D011210:Power Plants; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016526:Workload