DEVELOPMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL STANDARD FOR COMPARING SHOCK MITIGATING BOAT SEAT PERFORMANCE

摘要

It has long been known that exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and repeated mechanical shock can cause injuries to high speed craft (HSC) operators and compromise operational effectiveness. Furthermore, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005) and The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessel (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations (2007) along with EU legislation (2002/44/EC), place requirements on employers and employees to mitigate the risk of harm from exposure to WBV and shock. There is therefore both a requirement (in the UK and EU) and strong motivation to minimise the risk of harm from exposure to WBV. Shock mitigating seating has the potential to improve the environment on board an HSC and a large number of seating technologies are available "off the shelf". However, to help select suitable equipment it is necessary to test such seats under controlled, repeatable, conditions, exposing all seats to the same excitation. This paper describes the development of an International Standard for testing the performance of Marine, Shock Mitigating Seats. Initial research undertaken by government agencies in the UK, US and Canada to characterise the environment and develop potential test methods is discussed as well as further development by members of the ISO Working group convened for that purpose. The research presented includes the development of suitable test methods, selection of appropriate performance metrics and example test results. Demonstration of the progression from fundamental research to a valuable ISO standard is a key contribution of this paper.