Mitigation of the thermal environment in the laundry area in the drying section of the Ambato General Teaching Hospital

Abstract

In the present study, mitigation measures were established for the thermal environment in the laundry area, drying section evaluating and analyzing risks to which the Ambato General Hospital operators are exposed during their working hours. This research began with a qualitative evaluation using the matrix of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (INSHT), where risk is assessed based on parameters. The NTP 330 standard was also used, which evaluates the risks in a quantitative way. Based on these tools, the matrix proposed by the Ministry of Labor was filled out. As a result of the tools, measures that counteract the risk with a higher level of criticality are considered, this was done using the good practices established by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NTP 322: WBGT and NTP 74 Method: Fagner method. Once the measurements were made, a WBGT index of 31.02 ° C and 100% dissatisfied people were obtained. It was demonstrated that workers are exposed to thermal stress and thermal discomfort, for which a measure was proposed that considers the redistribution of the area of the drying section of the laundry area ensuring an adequate environment for workers to perform their tasks in the best way.