Transcript Document

Methodology – Rescue 3 (UK) Study
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Real World Conditions
Major manufacturers invited to participate
Representative body types
Qualitative and quantitative data
Two test configurations, solo and with
victim
Variables
• 5 PFDs from 4 manufacturers
– Palm (two PFDs)
– Peak UK
– Nookie
– Safequip
• Body type (5 test subjects plus a victim)
• Low and high water velocity
– Currently undertaking low flow study
Determinants
• Position of wearer in water (pillow wave
marker)
• Stability (kinaesthetic feedback)
• Quality of release (Commonality of
language)
• Time for release
• Force placed on system (Quantitatively)
Victim & Rescuer
Test Area
• Accurate dam release data obtainable
from Environment Agency Wales
• Surveyed site (cross sectional area)
• Does not present a hazard to recreational
boaters
• Representative of low flow, but realistic
conditions
Flow Data
• Realistic water based rescue conditions
• Testing occurred at approx 10 m3 s-1
• Equates to water velocity of 1.5 m s-1 mid
flow (timed floating object)
– Or walking pace
– Just over 3mph
– Slower than study in US (5mph)
Initial Findings
• Doubling load does not double force on
system
– Average of 170N solo and 190N with victim
Results
• Of approximately 100 releases in low flow
conditions
– 160N average force for largest test subject
– 100N average force for our slightest subject
– 2 release failures, requiring intervention
– 10 faltering release (questionable reliability)
Comparison with US Study
Record
US
Wales
Velocity (m/s)
2.2
1.5
Av force solo
(N)
333
170
Av force with
victim (N)
453
190
Performance
Chest Harness
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Failed/faulty release factors include;
Harness tail folded (long tail)
Hot knife termination (blob of nylon)
Ambiguity of instructions from
manufacturer (too much friction)
• Inconsistency of new materials (stiffness)
• Age of material (used example)
Summary
Canolfan Tryweryn Testing
• Force values determined are lower than
EN 1402 (250 N)
• 2% chance of failed release during low
flow
• 10 % chance of a questionable release
• Outside of EN12402 range but highly
relevant to user (real world conditions)