Evaluation of the thermal comfort conditions of healthcare workers in radiational areas

This study was carried out in order to evaluate the thermal comfort conditions of health workers working in radiation oncology, nuclear medicine and radiology clinics in the hospital building, in terms of occupational health and safety. In this context, objective and subjective measurements were made in the clinics of 3 hospitals in Trabzon during the hot and cold climate periods. In order to determine the thermal comfort parameters such as indoor temperature, relative humidity, average radiant temperature and air flow rate, measurements were made with a thermal comfort device by an accredited institution. We used the 7-point thermal sensation scale, PMV and PPD index method developed by Fanger to evaluate thermal comfort conditions. Analytical evaluation and interpretation were made according to ASHRAE 55-2010 and TS EN ISO 7730-2005 regional thermal comfort criteria. A thermal comfort questionnaire consisting of demographic, overtime, and thermal sensation scale questions was applied to healthcare professionals (doctor, nurse, health physicist, technician). In our field study, objective and subjective measurements were made simultaneously. Mean values of physical measurements and subjective data were compared with the literature. Analyzes were performed with SPSS version 26 of statistics. The research has shown that there is a difference between the perceived thermal comfort (AMV) and the measured thermal comfort (PMV), the health workers have different strategies against thermal changes, the perception of thermal comfort varies according to the type of task and personal characteristics.