Inherent Work Suit Buoyancy Distribution: Effects on Lifejacket Self-Righting Performance

An occupational risk for aviators or people who work on or around cold water is that of accidental cold-water immersion. A protective work suit and a life jacket (LJ) should work together to reduce the risk of water entering the airway, but distribution of the inherent buoyancy of the suit and/or LJ could alter the self-righting characteristics of the LJ. This study investigated the effectiveness of different work suit and LJ combinations using six participants who completed nine immersions. Overall, it was found that LJs with inherent buoyancy and certified as effective on their own were less effective in self-righting when used in combination with a work suit also having inherent buoyancy. The interaction of approved workplace equipment should be tested in advance to assure satisfactory performance in emergency situations.

• Record URL:
  • https://doi.org/10.3357/ASEM.3991.2014
• Record URL:
  • http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem/2014/00000085/00000009/art00011
• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/00956562
• Authors:
  • Barwood, Martin J
  • Long, Geoffrey M
  • Lunt, Heather
  • Tipton, Michael J
• Publication Date: 2014-9

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 960-964
• Serial:
  • Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
  • Volume: 85
  • Issue Number: 9
  • Publisher: Aerospace Medical Association
  • ISSN: 0095-6562
  • Serial URL: http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/asma/asem

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aviation safety; Buoyancy; Drowning; Flight personnel; Occupational safety; Performance; Protective clothing; Safety equipment
• Uncontrolled Terms: Life jackets
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Safety and Human Factors; I84: Personal Injuries;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01540013
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Oct 9 2014 9:01AM