Joseph (Hoot) Candler Coachman II Bryce Allan Korner Zane Gaither Rajan Khanna
Aviation mechanics work in a dynamically complex environment and are exposed to various occupational hazards. Heat exposure in aviation maintenance facilities in the space coast area can show signific..
Aviation mechanics work in a dynamically complex environment and are exposed to various occupational hazards. Heat exposure in aviation maintenance facilities in the space coast area can show significant hazards to workers due to the hot climate and work heat load. This study assesses heat stress on aviation mechanics workers at ERAU fleet maintenance hangar in Daytona Beach, FL. The objective is to propound innovative engineering hazards control of thermal hazards associated with aviation maintenance work. The WBGT was measured by a heat stress monitor at the ERAU fleet maintenance hangar. The measurements were obtained between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM EST. The WBGT average collected from the hanger was 81.8 ± 0.11°F. Based on the ACGIH screening criteria for TLV for heat stress, the workload of metabolic rate at 415 Watts and 81.8 ± 0.11°F WBGTeff, was exceeding the ACGIH TLV (81.5 °F) indicating that ERAU aviation mechanics are under heat-related illness risk. The ACGIH action limit for a heavy workload at 82°F is to have work/rest regimen of 50% work, 50% rest, each hour. Hence, engineering control can be implemented to prevent heat-related injuries, provide maximum comfort, and consequently enhance the productivity of aviation mechanics.