Risk-based compliance assessment models for personal flotation devices

We present the proposed risk-based compliance assessment models of personal flotation devices. They constitute a suggested approval process of personal flotation devices (PFDs) based on the ability of PFDs to save lives as a result of marine events. Ayyub and Wilcox (2000) initially suggested a risk-based compliance approval methodology for PFDs for the U.S. Coast Guard. The methodology was revised to include dependency among various events that lead to life saving. It provides a formal structure and consistency to an approval process of new and novel engineering designs. This methodology can also aid in identifying critical factors for evaluating the minimum level of performance necessary for approval. The methodology complements and enhances current industry standards, and could result in significant safety improvements through the implementation of new technologies and designs. This methodology can be applied to the approval of other new and innovative classes of engineering designs and designs for special needs. Also, it encourages creativity in system design, and provides an overall performance measure allowing for tradeoff analysis. This methodology can ultimately provide guidance in the development of future standards. The risk-based compliance assessment models consist of three recommended computational procedures for inherently buoyant, inflatable and hybrid PFDs. A special panel of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Underwriter Laboratories Inc. (UL) is currently evaluating this methodology for a potential formulation and adoption as a UL standard.