Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Undergraduate

Project Type

group

Campus

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Joseph (Hoot) C Coachman II, Senior Bryce Korner, Senior Zane Gaither, Senior Rajan Khanna, Senior

Lead Presenter's Name

Joseph (Hoot) C. Coachman II

Lead Presenter's College

DB College of Aviation

Faculty Mentor Name

Dr. Ali Aljaroudi, PhD

Abstract

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.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

No

Share

COinS
 

Effect of Heat Stress Among Aviation Maintenance Workers at ERAU

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.

 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.