A Pilot Study Of Heat Stress Risk Evaluation While Wearing Personal Protective Equipment Suit In A Tropical Climate
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Date
2022-07-23
Authors
Aini Syazwina, Ahmad Khaizi
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
PPE is made of an impermeable material that healthcare workers put on to
protect themselves from the transmission of viruses, particularly during pandemics such
as SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19. It can be a significant contributor to heat stress since
the insulating effect of the clothing is essential for maintaining thermal comfort. The
climate in Malaysia is hot and humid, and the average annual temperature can reach up
to 25.4°C. As a result, it will cause heat stress to occur more quickly. The objective was
to assess the level of heat stress when wearing PPE in a tropical climate using PSI. Two
males participated in this pilot study, in which their body temperature and heart rate
were measured while they engaged in activities while wearing PPE. The activities
comprised standing, walking on a treadmill at a speed of 0.5 m/s and writing on a
computer, walking on a treadmill at a speed of 1.5 m/s, and walking slowly around the
court. These activities were included in three different studies; control and intervention
in indoor and outdoor working conditions. The participants' maximum body
temperature was measured at 37.8°C, their heart rates ranged from 150 to 160 beats per
minute, and they experienced moderate level of heat stress while carrying out work of
moderate intensity exercises. Future research must analyse the physiological responses
when PPE is worn in a tropical climate using a climatic chamber and precise equipment.