Determinación del nivel de estrés térmico por calor en los productores de ladrillo artesanal del cantón Catamayo

Abstract

Abstract: The present research study is motivated by the need to identify the level of thermal stress to which the personnel in charge of the production of artisanal brick are exposed in the Catamayo canton. For this, the WBGT (Wet Bulb Globe Temperature) index has been used. which considers factors such as radiant temperature, wet bulb temperature, dry bulb temperature, globe temperature and relative air humidity. By means of the description of working conditions, calculation of metabolic expenditure and the index of thermal insulation of clothing, the level of thermal stress has been determined in the workers. The results obtained indicate that the working conditions in the producers handmade brick are not suitable, due to factors such as air circulation and the amount relative humidity typical of the area. Furthermore, it has been observed that workers have a average metabolic expenditure of 160W/m2 per activity performed, with an average WBGT index of 26.7 °C. These values ​​confirm the presence of thermal stress in workers.