O-372 Thermal Responses and Clothing Insulation in Extreme Indoor Cold Condition

Introduction Several health effects are associated with exposure to cold in indoor workplaces (chronic health problems and cooling injuries). Clothing is the most common measure to control the cold exposure in indoor workplaces. Freeze drying is used for food preservation including coffee production (temperatures between -40ºC -60ºC). This paper presents the experience of 9 workers in extreme cold store(freeze drying coffee company) to evaluate the thermal responses and thermal insulation of clothing. Methods Nine young subjects volunteered for the study. Air temperature in cold storage was -43ºC and air velocity (0.5m/s to 2m/s). Rectal temperature and skin temperatures (13 sites) were measured continuously. Health questionnaire about cold experience, Thermal sensation, Thermal comfort, local and general physical exertion, Musculoskeletal symptoms and discomfort questionnaire, were apply to workers. Results Rectal temperature remained stable during the 8 hours in all subjects, but important differences were found in extremities. All skin temperatures during the working hours were significantly lower compared with resting hours. The subjects rated their thermal sensation lower from the first hour in cold condition. General and local thermal comfort were more uncomfortable in Cold compared with N (P<0.05) Discussion & Conclusion The cold protective overall has sufficient thermal insulation for 8h about at -10°C and for 1h about at -30°C when activity level is low. When activity level is medium, thermal insulation of the overall gives protection against cold for 8h about at -30°C and for 1h about at -50°C. By adding more protection on extremities, the performance level will be higher in colder ambient temperatures.