Termografia aplicada à análise ergonômica em montadora de veículos

Abstract

This research was developed in a vehicles manufacturing in Curitiba and discusses the use of technology to capture infrared images called thermography that in the occupational environment is a condition still very low. Presents a comparative approach about traditional ergonomic tools analysis, OWAS, New Check-list of Couto and RULA, applied to the upper limbs and method of capture infrared images. Introduces concepts concerning the structure of the muscles fatigue of central origin, the blood supply to the muscles and biomechanics. Addresses the generation of heat in the human body due to static or dynamic postural requirements, more specifically in the muscles as an object for thermography study. Explanations are given on the applicable brazilian requirements, the NR-17 - Ergonomics and about thermographic technology and their physical settings, as well as the methodology applied and the characteristics and parameters of the equipment used. The traditional ergonomic tools used in this research are detailed, and described the method and scenario. Complemented by field research, the study found that the traditional methods of ergonomic analysis diverge from each other, even when dealing exclusively upper limb, hindering their application in isolation, the survey revealed that should apply more than a tool to obtain the success and above all, are dependent on the knowledge and experience of the evaluator. So the thermographic method is recommended as a complementary tool for the validation of quantitative information from other traditional methods.