In the high-temperature environment of summer, the rubber workshop is prone to form a high-temperature and high-humidity environment due to factors such as heat generated by equipment operation, the characteristics of raw materials (such as rubber and vulcanizing agents), and the confined space. This not only affects the comfort of workers but may also cause equipment failure or safety hazards. The following are targeted summer cooling plans and precautions:
I. Practical Solutions for Cooling Off in Workshops
1. Hardware facility upgrade
Forced ventilation and air exchange
Install high-power industrial exhaust fans (at least one for every 50 square meters) on the top or side walls of the workshop, and work in conjunction with negative pressure fans to create air convection, expelling hot air and introducing fresh outdoor air. In high-temperature areas (such as around the vulcanizing machine), local axial flow fans should be added to directionally disperse the accumulated hot air.
When conditions permit, install environmental protection air conditioners (evaporative coolers), which are suitable for open workshops. They have high cooling efficiency and low energy consumption, and are especially suitable for the high-humidity environment of rubber workshops (avoiding the impact of condensation on equipment caused by ordinary air conditioners).
Local cooling equipment
Set up a post air supply and cooling system (such as a mobile cold air blower or directional air supply through air ducts) at the operation position to directly deliver cold air to the workers' operation points, reducing the local environmental temperature to below 33℃ (according to the national high-temperature operation limit standard).
Sprinkle water on the ground or lay cooling floor tiles to absorb heat through water evaporation and lower the surface temperature (be sure to avoid areas with electrical equipment).
Heat insulation protection
Install heat insulation cotton or protective covers on high-temperature equipment (such as vulcanizing tanks and extruders) to reduce radiant heat. The workshop roof is coated with reflective and heat-insulating paint to reduce the accumulation of heat caused by direct sunlight.
2. Management and System optimization
Staggered operation: Adjust shifts, scheduling heat-generating processes such as vulcanization and rubber compounding during the low-temperature periods in the morning and evening (such as 6:00-10:00, 18:00-22:00), and reduce high-intensity operations from 12:00 to 15:00 at noon, replacing them with equipment maintenance or light work.
High-frequency water replenishment and nutritional support: Multiple drinking water points are set up in the workshop, providing light salt water, mung bean soup, herbal tea, etc., to prevent workers from getting dehydrated. High-temperature subsidies are issued in accordance with regulations, and heatstroke prevention medicines (such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Water and cooling oil, etc.) are provided.
Working hours adjustment: When the workshop temperature exceeds 35℃, shorten the continuous working time and increase the frequency of rest (such as taking a 10-minute break every 40 minutes) to avoid heatstroke caused by prolonged high-temperature work.
Ii. Core Precautions for High-temperature Rubber Workshops
1. Personnel health protection
Heatstroke prevention: Check the condition of workers before they start work every day. Workers with underlying diseases such as hypertension and heart disease are prohibited from working in high-temperature positions. If symptoms such as dizziness and nausea are detected as early signs of heatstroke, immediately move to a cool place. In severe cases, seek medical attention promptly.
Personal protective equipment: Provide workers with breathable and sweat-absorbent cotton work clothes and avoid wearing heavy synthetic fiber clothing. When operating high-temperature equipment, wear heat-resistant gloves and goggles to prevent burns.
2. Equipment and production safety
Equipment heat dissipation maintenance: Regularly clean the heat dissipation ports of vulcanizing machines, motors and other equipment to prevent motor overload and burnout due to high temperatures. Check the cooling water pipelines (such as the extruder cooling system) to prevent blockage or leakage that may affect the cooling effect.
Storage of raw materials and finished products: Rubber raw materials (such as natural rubber and synthetic rubber) tend to soften and stick together when exposed to high temperatures. They should be stored in a cool and well-ventilated warehouse with the temperature controlled below 25℃. Finished hoses should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent accelerated aging.
Chemical safety: Chemicals such as vulcanizing agents and accelerators may release toxic gases at high temperatures. They should be sealed and stored in explosion-proof cabinets. Gas masks must be worn during operation, and local exhaust ventilation should be enhanced at the same time.
3. Fire safety
Rubber products are flammable in high-temperature environments. It is necessary to regularly check whether the fire-fighting facilities (fire extinguishers, fire hydrants) are in good condition and ensure that the evacuation routes are unobstructed. Smoking or the use of open flames is strictly prohibited in the workshop. When equipment is under maintenance, avoid generating sparks.
By combining "hardware cooling + management optimization + safety protection", it can not only effectively reduce the temperature in the workshop, but also ensure production safety and workers' health. It is especially suitable for the special environment of rubber workshops with high temperature, high humidity and multiple devices generating heat.