Quality of Immersion Suit

 

Many people have drowned in cold water for many years. Immersion suits, commonly known as survival suits, are made specially to 'reduce thermal shock when entered into cold water, and slow down the onset of hypothermia during immersion in cold water, by providing acceptable flotation and reduce the risk of drowning.' Immersion suits are also referred to as constant-wear suits and abandonment suits.

The importance of such a lifesaving appliance has been shown in various sea accidents, where such suits have saved many human lives. Immersion suits are mainly used in several vital occupations (e.g., pilots, marine passengers, helicopters, and offshore oil industry workers). The applicable requirements of immersion suits may be as low as 0℃ (sea water freezes below 0℃) or as high as 100℃ (flame can cause the rise of water temperature). Over the years, signs of advancement have been made in improving the performance of immersion suits.

The Insulation qualities of immersion suits are highly applicable to the constructed textile materials and fabric structures. Ideally, immersion suits are made with a waterproof outer shell fabric and an inner liner, which offers us immersed thermal insulation values. Apart from the suit, accessories and undergarments are worn following the layered suits, i.e., helmet and un-inflated flying gloves, long cotton underwear, top, and bottom, flying leather summer boots, woolen socks, and an inflated life vest. Fit is one of the primary and vital aspects of immersion suits to give a person sufficient thermal protection. Universal-size immersion suits, which are designed to suit people with different ranges of heights and weights, can be leaked near neck and wrist seals or at the zippers. Immersion suits have different applications (e.g., transportation, personal protection, military, and the oil industry). They come under the different structures of legal regulations, which the government institutes and other international organizations make.

The people who put on immersion suits or survival suits may come in touch with multi-hazard environments, not only cold water but also hot liquids and flames under some extreme circumstances. Western Fire Safety makes certified flexible immersion suits and imperial immersion suits.