Immersion fatalities: Hazardous responses and dangerous discrepancies

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    In this paper the following question is addressed: 'Why, given the plethora of standards, specifications and guidelines for immersion protective equipment, are lives still being lost at sea and fatal accident enquiries questioning the quality of such equipment?' In attempting to answer this question, consideration is given to the extent to which both the possible prevailing environmental conditions, and the physiological responses they evoke, are recognised in the design, selection and evaluation of immersion protective equipment. The hazardous responses associated with immersion in cold water are briefly reviewed and the value and relevance of some of the existing tests of immersion protective clothing are considered. It is concluded that: i. when standards, policies and tests for the selection and use of immersion protective clothing are being formulated, consideration should be given to all of the hazardous responses associated with immersion; ii. it should be recognised that the performance of immersion protective equipment during an accident may be significantly inferior to that predicted by routine testing for certification.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)101-107
    Number of pages7
    JournalJournal of the Royal Naval Medical Service
    Volume81
    Issue number2
    Publication statusPublished - 1995

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Immersion fatalities: Hazardous responses and dangerous discrepancies'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this