Health-hazard evaluation report MHETA 87-295-1867, High Power Energy, Drennen, West Virginia

Technical Report · Tue Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6816416

Ferguson, R

In response to a request from the United Mine Workers of America, Local 8531, an evaluation was made of possible heat-stress conditions at the High Power Energy's No. 901 strip mine (SIC-1211), Drennen, West Virginia. A total of 94 heat-stress measurements was taken in 13 of the 16 rock and coal trucks to determine the wet bulb globe temperature time-weighted average (WBGT-TWA) for each truck. The WBGT-TWA ranged from 82.3 to 88.4/sup 0/F. The metabolic heat from the 13 drivers was estimated to be from 271 to 504 kilocalories/hour. In each of these trucks it was determined that a potentially hazardous heat-stress condition did exist. The recommended exposure limit for drivers of such trucks ranges from 77 to 83/sup 0/F. The measurements were taken at times of the day when it was expected maximum readings would be obtained. The author concludes that during hot, humid weather, truck drivers are exposed to potentially hazardous heat loads. The author recommends that air conditioning be provided in the trucks. Other recommendations include preplacement and periodic medical examinations, use of a heat stress monitor, provision of rest periods, starting the work day earlier, provision of adequate amounts of cool water, use of a buddy system, and training workers to recognize early signs of heat illness.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6816416
• Report Number(s): PB-88-221569/XAB; MHETA-87-295-1867
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
016000* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Health & Safety
552000 -- Public Health
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
BIOLOGICAL STRESS
BODY TEMPERATURE
COAL INDUSTRY
EVALUATION
FEDERAL REGION III
HAZARDS
HEALTH HAZARDS
HYPERTHERMIA
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INDUSTRY
MEDICINE
MINING
NORTH AMERICA
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
SURFACE MINING
TRUCKS
USA
VEHICLES
WEST VIRGINIA