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Posted By Stuart Nagle
I have recently been involved in discussing the temperature inside cabs on FLTs employed both inside a hot factory environment and outside the factory ( in the yard) in the recent hot conditions.
External use is not so much a problem as the very large FLTs have air conditioning fitted, however the small FLTs used inside the factory (A hot humid atmosphere manufacturing pre cast concrete items) are only fitted with blower fans on the heaters that can be set to cold air, are a cause of consternation.
Whilst the blowers blow air air into the cab, it comes from the hot humid factory air generally and it is felt by the drivers that air conditioning should be fitted.
The fitting of air conditioning however has been investigated and it is stated to have been quoted at £5000 to £6000 per FLT !!!! The management regard this cost as unresonable and the problem continues (and will likely do so again next summer!!)
Comments and/or ideas/solutions etc welcomed...
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Posted By Gavin Barr
In most cases, air conditioning will work well in a FLT, however because of the gasses used air con. in very warm conditions it will not work correctly even with the correct and continued maintenance. The hot temeratures in the last few weeks caused mainy office air con. systems to fail. If the FLT is remaining in the hot environment the air con. will continue to fail at extra expense to the company.
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Posted By john r sharp
Stuart
May seem a little simplistic, but can you increase the speed of the fans in the FLTs, to produce a stream of cooler air. Most people sitting in a reasonable flow will feel cooler- also increase the amount of fliud that is available.
John
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Posted By Shane Johnston
Remmember that the upper temp simply needs to be reasonable, and this is qualified by the "so far as is reasonably practicable" in the Act. £5-6K may or may not be reasonably practicable for your organisation, but for mine this would not be possible.
However, recognising that working in these hot environments could increase the potential for an accident, you could reduce the risk by negotiating an earlier start to the day (say 6am), and allowing extra "cool down breaks" during the day for individuals undertaking work in harzardous areas. Obviously this will revert to normal once the weather cools down.
Shane Johnston
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Stuart
By air con, are you referring to both temperature and humidity control? If so, would dehumidification be a cheaper alternative?
As the body needs to sweat to keep cool, dry air, even if warm, will feel more comfortable as the drivers' sweat will be able to evaporate more readily.
Paul
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Posted By Stuart Nagle
Thank you to those who have responded to the request for assistance/ideas on resolving this issue.
For information:
It is not viable to increase speed of fans without replacing the units (too high cost)
The atmosphere in the factory is very humid so sweating is not a problem!!
We have not suffered air con breakdowns in any FLTs fitted with such
The main problem is that working in these conditions may be 'uncomfortable' hot, sweaty etc...
Once again. Thank you for your thoughts...
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