Assessment of thermal exposure level among construction workers in UAE usingWBGT HSI and TWL indices

摘要

The study aimed to assess the heat stress of the construction workers in the United ArabEmirates (UAE), using Wet Bulb Globe temperature (WBGT) index, whereas also computing Heatstress index (HSI), and Thermal Work Limit (TWL) for comparison. Portable Area Heat StressMonitor (HS-32) was used for measuring WBGToutdoor, Dry Bulb Temperature, Natural Wet BulbTemperature, Globe Temperature in°C, and Relative humidity. The outcomes demonstrated thatthe WBGT exceeded the recommended Threshold Limit Value (TLV) and that workers are at riskof heat stress. According to HSI, only fit acclimatized young workers can tolerate work inthis site, and workers should be selected by medical examination. As per TWL, the site waslabeled as Acclimatization Zone implying that no un-acclimatized worker should work hereand working alone should be avoided. The construction workers lie at a high or medium riskof heat stress. The contribution of the radiant heat load was very high compared withmetabolic load and convective load. Furthermore, WBGT, HSI, and TWL are suitable to assessthermal stress in construction environments. Scheduling of the work earlier or later(after sunset) along with breaks for rest on cool shaded areas are recommended.