The Importance of Wearing A Life Jacket
EC REGULATIONS FOR LIFEJACKETS & BUOYANCY AIDS
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids that meet the new European Standards carry the CE mark to show they comply with regulations. The CE mark has a similar purpose to the BSI kite mark.
By law a manufacturer can only sell lifejackets, buoyancy aids and safety harnesses that have been tested to the latest CE European specifications and carry the CE mark of approval.
Whether ocean racing or enjoying the odd afternoon on the local reservoir, we believe there can be no shortcuts where personal safety is concerned. Your choice of personal protection can literally be a life or death decision. That's why Therma-Float Ltd and Seawear Ltd take their responsibilities seriously.
All Seawear Offshore Worksuits/Anti-exposure Suits and Yachting Suits meet CE Approval.
Newtons
The new CE standard deals in NEWTONS. A Newton is a measured unit of force. 10 Newtons are approximately equal to 1 Kilo (2.2 lbs) of buoyancy. The new EC standard covers four levels of minimum buoyancy performance. The higher the Newton number, the higher the buoyancy rating. The buoyancy rating quoted is for adult sizes only. Smaller sizes will have proportionally less buoyancy.
Four Categories of CEN Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids
275 NEWTON LIFEJACKET 62lbs/28kg Buoyancy. Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers
A high performance device for offshore and severe conditions, when maximum protection is required or where heavy waterproof clothing is worn
They give improved assurance of safety from drowning to people who are not able to help themselves
While they cannot be guaranteed to self-right an unconscious user wearing heavy waterproofs, the buoyancy they provide should ensure they will in the great majority of cases
150 NEWTON LIFEJACKET 33lbs/16kg Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers
For use in all but the most severe weather conditions
They will give reasonable assurance of safety from drowning to people who are not fully capable to help themselves
May not immediately self-right an unconscious user wearing heavy waterproof clothing
Equivalent performance to previous BSI approved jackets
100 NEWTON LIFEJACKETS 23lbs/11kg Suitable for swimmers
They will give reasonable assurance of safety from drowning in relatively calm waters
Not guaranteed to self-right an unconscious user wearing heavy waterproof clothing and should not be expected to protect the airway of an unconscious person in rough water
50 NEWTON BUOYANCY AID 11lbs/5.5kg Only suitable for competent swimmers
Sheltered water use where close help is at hand
Only provide support to a conscious person who can help themselves
Further information on our extensive range of materials can be obtained by contacting our sales team
Therma-Float,P O Box 8, Beech Lane House, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5ES England
Telephone +44 (0)1625 251000
Fax +44 (0)1625 524584
E mail: therma-float.ltd@dial.pipex.com