Abstract

This paper describes the initial findings of research work to assess the impact of thermal conditions on the human capacity to do work. Heart rate is considered as a lead indicator of human energy consumption. A laboratory was set up where human volunteers performed standard work routines under controlled conditions. The heart rate of the volunteers was constantly monitored while the temperatures of the laboratory were varied between 5 degrees to 40 degrees centigrade. Data analysis from the initial sample of volunteers shows that the heart rate significantly increases with increase in temperature. The total heart beats which are also an indirect measure of human effort also increases with increase in temperature. Current sample data shows that the inflection points are around 10 degrees and 30 degrees centigrade. The human capacity to do work appears to dramatically drop after 30 degrees centigrade and becomes almost intolerable around 40 degrees centigrade. These initial insights are alarming enough for the industrial engineering practitioners to consider their impact in future workplace layouts and while setting up work standards. There are still many professions which require associates to physically work in open environment under varied thermal conditions and this research will have a significant impact on the way work standards for activities performed by these associates are established. The hypothesis has been statistically validated on the sample data so far and additional samples are leading to further insights.

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