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 4.9ο 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 (% VO2max), 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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