Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) of Work in The Car Garage, Somdet Municipality, Kalasin Province

Abstract

This research was a cross – sectional study. The objectives were to measure and assess the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT), heat index and workload in car garages by comparing them with standards, to compare WBGT between large and small car garages, and to study the effects of heat stress in the workplace on employees in car garages. Heat stress in the workplace was measured using a WBGT meter, with measurement methods in accordance with the standards of the management of occupational safety, health, and working environment concerning heat, lighting, and sound (B.E. 2559). The study was conducted during October to November 2018. The results showed that the large and small car garages had WBGT values of 28.68+0.70 ^๐C and 29.76+1.02 ^๐C respectively and heat index values of 34.68+1.08 ^๐C and 37.32+1.47 ^๐C respectively. The workload of employees in both car garage showed that the staff involved with engine maintenance and replacement of spare parts, car parts and assemblies had moderate workloads and the staff involved in knocking and breaking car parts had heavy workloads. The comparison of WBGT with the standard showed that the employees in all departments received WBGT levels not exceeding the standard. Comparison between garages showed that the small car garage had significantly higher WBGT than the large car garage (p-value < 0.05). Heat stress in the workplace affected both physical and psychological aspects of employees.