Chapter Four: Temperature, Ventilation, Noise and Lighting 4.1. Introduction In this section we look at four types of physical hazards in more detail: • temperature; • ventilation; • noise; • lighting. All have an impact on workers’ health and safety in garment factories and require a variety of control mechanisms. 4.2. Temperature Some workers face extremes of temperature as part of their daily work. In Cambodia, many workers face hot, humid conditions – few, however, experience cold working environments (cold store workers; some computer operators etc.) [see Figure 5).
Figure 5: Temperature in the workplace
Cold temperatures are rarely a problem for workers in garment factories. Occasionally, workers in the computer design rooms experience cold temperatures. Such environments are optimal for the computer and not for the workers.
Many garment workers experience hot, humid conditions, especially those in the ironing section. There are a number of control measures that can be introduced to reduce the temperature.