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Methodology – Rescue 3 (UK) Study. 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
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Methodology – Rescue 3 (UK) Study • 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)
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)
PerformanceChest Harness • 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)