Ergonomic Parameters based Assessment of the Suitability of PersonalProtective Equipment Kit for Power Sprayer Operations: A Case Study ofMango Orchard in Konkan Region, India

Arun Waghmode; Vijay V. Aware; Prashant U. Shahare; Mahesh L. Jadhav

doi:10.52151/jae2024611.1833

Authors

Arun Waghmode DBSKKV Author
Vijay V. Aware College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra-415712, India Author
Prashant U. Shahare College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra-415712, India Author
Mahesh L. Jadhav College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Ratnagiri, Maharashtra-415712, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.52151/jae2024611.1833

Keywords:

Power sprayer, Personal protective equipment, Apron, Heart Rate, wearing comfort

Abstract

The comparative ergonomic evaluation of six different personal protective equipment (PPE) kits was carried out with six male subjects. The study was carried out in mango orchard with power sprayer. The mean age, body mass and stature of the subjects were 34.5 (±6.7) years, 61.0 (±8.2) kg and 1.64 (±0.05) m, respectively. The aprons of six PPE kits used were made from the different materials viz., polyester, cotton polyester, polypropylene, water proof polyester, cotton C₁ level (highly absorbent having up to 40% solvent penetration) fabric and cotton C₂ level (highly repellent having up to 5% solvent penetration). The result showed that the energy grade of work was ‘light’ with all PPE kits. The wearing comfort for P6 PPE kit consisting of cotton C₂ level fabric apron was 7.5 indicating ‘very comfortable’. The temperature difference between inside and outside of PPE kit made from cotton C₂ level was 4.9^ο C. The effect of six different PPE kits was significantly (p<0.01) different for working heart rate, work pulse, energy expenditure rate, maximum oxygen consumption (% VO_2max), wearing comfort rating and % rise in temperature. Considering the effect on different ergonomic parameters, P₆ PPE kit consisting of apron made from C₂ level cotton fabric (200 GSM) was found ergonomically suitable for pesticide spraying in mango orchard. This study provides valuable insight for selection of the appropriate PPE kit for pesticide application in the mango orchards in Konkan Region, India.

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