Survival Suit Storage Solutions
Storing an immersion suit effectively is surprisingly difficult on a smaller boat. They can be quite bulky at the best of times.
Your focus should center on three critical pillars: ensuring easy access, maintaining optimal storage conditions, and adhering strictly to safety regulations.
The first, guaranteeing that accessibility is straightforward and unhindered. This includes marking any lockers with appropriate signage.
The second is to ensure that the storage conditions are consistently optimal to protect your life-saving appliances.
The third is rigorously adhering to established safety regulations to uphold standards of maintenance and inspections.
Storage Location and Accessibility
You must strategically place your storage solutions, such as storage chests, to allow for quick and unobstructed access in case of an emergency.
It is essential to consider operation workflow and potential hazards when deciding on the location. For instance, positioning your survival suit storage on an easily reachable deck, free from obstacles, is imperative.
Maintenance of Storage Conditions
Your storage chest must protect the survival suits from the harsh marine environment.
Regular immersion suit inspections for damage will ensure they are in good working order. For example checking the zipper isn’t corroded.
Check that the seals are intact and that the interior does not show signs of moisture, which can compromise the suit’s integrity.
Regulatory Compliance: SOLAS Standards
Adherence to the SOLAS and all relevant testing standards is non-negotiable. Storage facilities must comply with international guidelines, which dictate specifics regarding construction, maintenance, and inspection schedules.
Familiarize yourself with the requirements from recognized safety solutions brands to ensure compliance. This compliance ensures both the safety of users and the legal operation of marine activities.
Operational Considerations for Deployment
When you’re preparing for deployment, it’s essential to streamline the storage and accessibility of survival suits. These considerations will ensure that you can deploy your suits rapidly and effectively.
Quick Release and Donning Procedures
Quick Release Systems: Ensure your storage solution facilitates rapid suit removal. You should be able to release your survival suit with a single motion, minimizing contact and entanglement. This is often achieved through simple, fail-safe mechanisms that are easy to operate even under stress.
Donning Efficiency: Your storage should be configured to allow for immediate donning. Survival suits must be arranged by size and clearly labeled to match the height and weight specifications of each crew member.
Mobility and Ergonomics in Operation
Accessibility: Storage units must be at an appropriate height to prevent strain or injury during suit retrieval. This means considering the average eye level and reach range to facilitate user-friendly contact points.
Ergonomic Design: Weight distribution within the storage solution must allow for a balanced retrieval of your survival suit without causing unnecessary strain. Units should be designed to support smooth, ergonomic motion, maintaining mobility for rapid deployment.
Leading Storage Solutions
In your quest for effective survival gear management having versatile storage solutions will safeguard the equipment and also ensure rapid deployment when emergencies arise.
Jo Bird is a leading figure in the design and manufacture of specialized storage solutions for survival equipment.
Their JB72 Lifejacket / Immersion Suit Storage Chest is constructed from durable glass-reinforced plastic and boasts features like Lloyd’s Register Type Test Approval and IP56 rating, indicating a strong focus on quality and reliability.
Survival Suit Maintenance and Care
Regular care can help you avoid the need for premature replacements and maintain the suit’s functionality in critical situations.
Daily and Post-Use Care:
- Rinse with Fresh Water: After use, rinse your suit in fresh water to remove salt, oils, and contaminants that can degrade the material over time.
- Inspect Zippers and Seals: Check the zippers and seals for any signs of wear or damage that could compromise the suit’s integrity.
Periodic Maintenance:
- Every six months, conduct a thorough inspection from head to toe. Look for any tears, worn seals, or other potential failures.
- Lubricate the zipper with a suitable lubricant to ensure smooth operation.
Storage Solutions:
- Utilize a dry and cool area for storage to prevent mold and mildew growth.
- Hang the suit on an appropriate hanger to retain its shape and avoid creases that could cause weaknesses in the material.
⚠️ Remember: Maintenance and care should be a routine, not an afterthought, to guarantee your survival suit is ready when you require it most.
