Marine safety equipment firm Survitec has launched a life jacket that it says is comfortable enough to be worn all day when technicians are out on the wind turbines.
Marine safety equipment firm Survitec has launched a life jacket that it says is comfortable enough to be worn all day when technicians are out on the wind turbines.
The Ergofit SOLAS life jacket is still awaiting further certifications, but technical sales manager Mark Lutnam has called the timing of the launch a ‘pivotal moment’ because of the burgeoning offshore wind market.
“As more professionals enter this high-stakes environment, the need for specialised safety equipment becomes increasingly evident,” he said.
Under Survitec’s brand name ‘Crewsaver’, the life jacket has a host of features such as a fast-rotating inflation bladder, which rotates an unconscious person face up in just 2.6 seconds.
It is compatible with a range of fall arrest harnesses and has an integrated sprayhood with airway protection and Fusion 3D technology, and the comfort lies in the contoured fit that gives the wearer total freedom of movement.
“A casualty in the water wearing a life jacket will rapidly face upwind as their hanging legs act like a sea anchor, and the twin stayed sprayhood offers advanced protection and windage,” said Lutman. “This is why we have designed our chin support and the upper parts of the inflated bladder to prevent any diversion of breaking water or spray into the nose or mouth. With its tailored shape, the bladder distributes buoyancy uniquely around the wearer to maximise in-water support and airway protection.”
