Thermal Comfort Studies: Productivity Measurements in Workplaces

The Importance of Thermal Comfort in Working Environments...

Thermal comfort describes how comfortable an individual feels under the conditions of temperature, humidity and air mobility in their environment. Providing thermal comfort in workplaces is a critical element that directly affects both employee health and work productivity. An ideal level of thermal comfort increases employee concentration and reduces work accidents and stress levels.

What is Thermal Comfort?

Thermal comfort is the feeling of comfort created by the balance of factors such as temperature, humidity, airflow and insulation of the clothes worn in an individual's working environment. Ensuring thermal comfort in the workplace environment plays an important role in the physical and mental performance of employees.

Factors Affecting Thermal Comfort:

1. Environmental Factors:
• Air Temperature: The temperature of the working environment should be within the ideal range.
• Humidity: High humidity prevents heat loss through perspiration, while low humidity can cause dry skin.
• Air Flow: The right amount of air movement creates a feeling of freshness, while excessive airflow can cause discomfort.
• Radiant Temperature: The temperature of surrounding surfaces affects the thermal comfort felt by individuals.
2. Individual Factors:
• Clothing Insulation: Thermal properties of the clothing worn.
• Physical Activity Level: The mobility of workers directly affects body temperature.

Why are Thermal Comfort Studies Important?

1. Employee Health:

• Extremely hot or cold environments can cause health problems by straining the thermoregulation system of employees.
• Cold environments can cause muscle tension and circulatory problems, while hot environments can lead to dehydration and heat stress.

2. Productivity:

• A comfortable thermal environment improves worker concentration and productivity.
• Inappropriate thermal conditions can lead to distraction and an increased likelihood of making mistakes.

3. Work Safety:

• Low or high temperatures can increase work accidents. For example, excessive heat increases the risk of falling on slippery surfaces.

Measurements Applied in Thermal Comfort Studies

Thermal comfort analyses are performed using advanced instruments to measure the environmental conditions to which workers are exposed.

1. Temperature Measurement:

• Measurements such as air temperature, dry bulb temperature (DBT) and wet bulb temperature (WBT) are taken.

2. Humidity Measurement:

• The relative humidity of the environment is measured with a hygrometer. The ideal humidity is in the range of 40-60%.

3. Air Flow:

• The speed of the air flow is determined with the anemometer device.

4. Radiant Temperature:

• Measurements are made for the temperature of the surrounding surfaces.

5. Thermal Comfort Index (PMV-PPD):

• PMV (Predicted Mean Vote): Estimates the thermal comfort levels of employees.
• PPD (Predicted Dissatisfaction Rate): Indicates how many employees are dissatisfied with the environment.

Nanolab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Thermal Comfort Studies. We also provide services on Vibration Exposure.

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