Citation

Taber MJ. Safety Sci. 2013; 57: 179-186.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.ssci.2013.02.007

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Surviving a helicopter ditching at sea involves a number of factors; however, none have as great an influence as impact forces. To minimize this influence, crash attenuating seat systems have recently been integrated into offshore transport helicopters. Unfortunately, no research has investigated the system's effect on underwater egress. This study outlines the first known examination of the crash attenuating seats from the perspective of passenger egress. Results indicate that egressing from an inverted and flooded helicopter requires significantly more time, and is rated as being more difficult when the seat is fully attenuated (stroked). Results also indicate that egress is significantly influenced by environmental conditions and the position of a helicopter simulator. Based on these findings, it is recommended that all offshore personnel be trained to overcome the influence of attenuating seats, environmental conditions, and position of the helicopter during their occupationally required egress training course.