American ladder safety standards

biomedical and behavioural evidence bearing on age-related changes in pilot health and performance. The committee was asked to refrain from making legislative or regulatory recommendations. The ten-month study focused on three questions: (1) Is mandatory retirement of commercial airline pilots at age 60 or at any age medically warranted? • . . The committee found that variability [in the effects of ageing] within an age group is often nearly as great as variability among age groups, and that usually no single age emerges as a point of sharp decline. (2). What is the effect of age on pilot performance? Available evidence suggests that on the average at least some of the skills necessary to the highest level of safety deteriorate with age. However, there is great variation among individuals within any age g r o u p . . . Unfortunately, reliable measures are not available for the assessment on an individual basis of some factors that may be most salient to pilot performance, particularly intellectual function and processing of perceptual information. The committee noted the need to establish levels of function necessary for safe pilot performance and listed needs for additional research, including the effect of age-related changes on well-practised skills and the effects of stresses such as jet-lag. The committee emphasised that analysis of existing data on pilots in general, and older pilots in particular, represents "an invaluable store of knowledge that researchers could bring to bear on the unanswered questions of age, health, and pilot performance." It recommended that data from the semiannual medical examinations and proficiency checks be accumulated and analysed systematically, with appropriate safeguards to protect confidentiality. (3). Is the content and frequency of the current FAA medical examination adequate? In general, the current examination would be improved by taking advantage of advances in medical knowledge and technology . . . . The committee recommends less frequent but more careful and comprehensive medical examinations, with the content and frequency modified to match changing risks with age. Instead of the annual resting electrocardiogram required for all

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pilots older than 40, the committee recommended use of a risk-factor profile to identify those who may need more extensive testing for cardiovascular disease. It also provided specific suggestions for improvements in the screening of endocrine, pulmonary, neurologic and mental disorders. It suggested that hearing and vision testing more closely mimic flight requirements, for example, by testing these under busy or distracting circumstances during simulated

night. Offshore survival suit NORD-15 is a new type of waterproof dry survival suit. The suit is manufactured from neoprene-proofed nylon with heat- and oil-resistant properties. The detachable lining is made from a quilted synthetic fabric and is attached to the suit by Velcro-type closure. Rigid buoyancy inserts for a good flotation angle

giving free access for the hands through the wrist openings. This also aids ventilation to the suit. The main zip fastener is placed to one side to facilitate closure and give a tighter fit near the face. The suit has a concealed lifting becket with a D-ring and snap hook, whistle and buddy line in a separate pocket. The suit has a boarding card pocket on the left shoulder, a breast pocket with a window area for displaying the identification card, and a thigh pocket. It has strips of high intensity tape, an inside loop for use when hanging up the suit, elastic adjustment in the suit back and extra reinforced crotch. Zips are fitted to the legs of the suit to ensure air-evacuation. Oil-resistant rubber boots are firmly secured to the legs of the suit, and have deeply patterned, heat-tested safety soles. The suit is supplied in a roomy, practical bag with an adjustable shoulder strap, an outside pocket and a window area for displaying the identification card. There is a space inside the bag for the repair kit. Details from Nauteknik A/S, Lokkeveien 11, Osto 2 - N O R W A Y

American ladder safety standards It was reported in the 3 April issue of ANSI Reporter that ANSI has published three safety standards for portable wood, metal, and reinforced plastic ladders. The standards set criteria for the design, manufacture, testing, use, maintenance, and labelling of many different types of ladders. Tests in the standards cover stability, load, sway, rung strength, slippage, and other safety features.

Survival suit are fitted into the lining. Instructions for washing, cleaning and use of the suit are sewn to the lining in the form of a pocket. The suit has a hood of 7 mm neoprene. The outer hood is manufactured from fluorescent material and includes strips of high intensity reflective tape. The three-finger neoprene mitten affords a safe grip and is fitted with watertight zip fasteners. Zips and velcro fastenings at the wrist permit the glove to be rolled and stored out of the way, this

Applied Ergonomics September 1981

The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that 15 000 to 19 000 injuries could be prevented annually if the structural requirements for stepladders and extension ladders alone are adhered to. Copies of the three standards are available from ANSI's Sales Department: A 14.1, Safety requirements for portable wood ladders ($10.50); A14.2, Safety requirements for portable metal ladders ($11.25); and A14.5, Safety requirements for portable reinforced plastic ladders, ($12.75). From American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018, USA.

US Ladder safety symbol