Heat Stress among Traffic Police Officers at North Khartoum Locality, Sudan

Thermal stress is an important factor in many work situations, it can seriously affect the health and productivity of the individual. Underlying the effects of thermal environment are the feelings of discomfort and physiological responses to heat. Sudan is subject to severe thermal conditions during the summer months. One of the most direct outcomes of excessive exposure to heat is a rise in core body temperature. Aims The aim of this study was to evaluate thermal stress based on the WBGT index among Traffic Police Officers at North Khartoum Locality. Material and Methods This is across sectional study conducted in April 2013. The data on thermal stress was collected using a heat stress monitor (Heat Stress Meter HT30, Made in China) with digital read out was used, Wet Bulb Globe Temperature was chosen to represent the thermal environment. The study cover 17 workstations and 18 traffic police officers at main road cross at North Khartoum Locality. The outdoor scale was used in this research, as the jobs studied were located outdoors. Results WBGT values at the five sites ranged from 23.15to 26.40 C with values 26.40 C being consistently recorded, particularly at site five. Heat stress exceeded the national and international recommended limits based on the WBGT index in 33.3 % of cases of workstations, 88.9 % of Police Traffic Officers have Knowledge of health effects of hot environment, Frist aid for heat-related disorders training among Police Traffic Officers was 38.9 %. Conclusion All Traffic Police Officers (33.3 %) were under heat stress risk because WBGT above 25 C. Frist aid for heat-related disorders training among Police Traffic Officers was low. Our findings indicate that the majority of Police Traffic Officers 88.9 % have Knowledge of health effects of hot environment.