From July 2006 vessels engaged in cold water, including cargo ships, fishing ships, offshore platforms and emergency crew on passenger ships, must comply with new Solas regulation regarding immersion suits.

The new specifications for immersion suits will become mandatory via IMO (International Maritime Organisation) and requires that immersion suits be provided per the two European/ISO Specifications coming into force. These directives are designed to save life at sea.
Defining these new regulations which are :
- EN ISO 15027-1 (constant wear suits: “an immersion suit designed to be routinely worn for activities on or near water in anticipation of accidental immersion in water[...]”) and
- EN ISO 15027-2 (Abandonment suits: “an immersion suit designed to permit rapid donning in the event of an imminent unintended immersion in water.”)

Around 700,000 immersion suits will be required worldwide which are currently not mandatory. The aim of this new regulation is the safety of the wearer ensuring the reduction in the risk of cold shock and to prevent or slow down the onset of hypothermia.
 
One of the most important safety features of the new regulations is that of the visibility of crew or passengers. It is vital that people can be seen in order to be picked up by rescue workers should immersion into water occur. For maximum chances of survival of the wearer of the immersion suits, the regulations states that passive light system of retro-reflective material (conforming to IMO83, Chapter III, Resolution A.658(16) Annex 2) should be incorporated into the immersion suit design. The specification states if there is no active light system on the suit, then the total retro-reflective area needs to be not less than 400cm². If there is an active light system (conforming to EN ISO 12402-8:2000), then the retro-reflective area may be reduced to a minimum of 300 cm².

Fortunately, Reflexite, manufacturer of high visibility prismatic retro-reflective tape, already have a solution by way of the extremely highly visible Reflexite® FD1404 Imoflex retro-reflective tape. Reflexite® FD1404 Imoflex tape already complies with the IMO/SOLAS specification and is perfect for this requirement because of its high visibility in adverse conditions and at night time and its response to marine search light. There is no other product on the marketplace that incorporates the technologically advanced microprismatic design of this tape making it the brightest maritime tape on the marketplace.

Not only is Reflexite® FD1404 Imoflex the most visible tape available, therefore making it the safest product for this new regulation, it is also a tough tape which can withstand sub zero temperatures as well as long immersion in water. The tape  is also resistant to UV rays and salt because of the unique monolayer construction. The tape is extremely flexible and conforms to irregular pitted surfaces and comes available as pressure sensitive adhesive and kiss cut adhesive stickers.

Reflexite’s tape provides the brightest and safest high visibility at night and in adverse weather conditions for many personnel utilising an enclosed optical system allowing trim to retain nearly all its reflectivity when wet. Not only does this tape offer all this safety protection it looks smart and offers long term cost effectiveness. Reflexite® invented prism based materials, and after more than 30 years continues to provide products with the best possible visibility. Reflexite® is the only manufacturer to offer the benefits of this superior technology consistently backed by years of experience, technical innovation and commitment to customer needs.

For a breakdown of the specification, samples of Reflexite® FD1404 Imoflex, or any other queries regarding this press release please contact: 

Reflexite UK  +44 1865 396959
Reflexite Europe North (including Benelux, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia): +  45 4576 1122
Germany: + 49 451 7062015
Reflexite Europe South (including France, Spain, Portugal, North Africa): + 33 4 72 19 19 10
Reflexite Italia (including Greece): + 39 02 38093415

 -ends-

Notes to Editors
Reflexite prismatic tape offers the following:
• Superior performance in all weather conditions
• Durable all weather performance
• Smooth surface - simply wipes clean
• Abrasion resistant for long life performance
• High brightness substantially exceeds most specification requirements
• Reflects in colour at night for enhanced safety and identification
• Flexible and strong for long lasting comfort
• A wide choice of colours giving superior daytime appearance
• Customisable for safety with individuality
• Innovation and service from the inventor and market leader
Prism technology works by refracting light from its inner surfaces. Light strikes each of the three surfaces of the Reflexite® microprism in turn, before returning to its source. The retro reflective efficiency is enhanced by the precise arrangement of the microprisms, as seen in a microscopic view. The microprism's economical use of surface area delivers the highest standard of reflection.

Website:  www.reflexite-europe.com

Reflexite Europe