Solarglare - Are You Aware Of The Risks?

Solar glare At Sea

Crew & Passengers Skin Damage

A lack of adequate anti-glare protection on the bridge and on non-navigational windows can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. People often incorrectly believe that glass windows protect us against sunburn and skin damage. However, although most glass blocks UVB ( the cause of sunburn and redness), it does not protect against UVA rays (a cause of skin cancer and skin ageing). Skin cancer develops when genes in skin cells are damaged by ultraviolet radiation which comes mainly from the sun. The UV rays penetrate deeply into the cells, causing changes leading to sunburn, eye damage and skin cancer.

Eye Damage

Results from numerous studies indicate that spending long hours in contact with the sun, without adequate protection, increases the chances of developing eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration which can ultimately lead to blindness. A vessel’s safe navigation relies upon a clear sight of the ocean and alert bridge staff able to spot potential problems early. According to the 1998 Journal of the American Medical Association, 99% of radiation is absorbed by the front of the eyes, and with the crew spending long, relentless periods of looking out at sea, one has to question and ultimately address the potential damage that this is causing to their eyes.

Heat Exhaustion

A vessel’s bridge can often be a small area, with the sun glare piercing through windows, it can become an an extremely hot, and uncomfortable place to work in. Even when the vessel is sailing in cold waters, the sun’s constant glare can cause the room temperature and ultimately cause heat exhaustion for those working onboard. Heat exhaustion occurs when the temperature inside the body (the core temperature) rises up to 40°C, 3 degrees above normal temperature. At these temperatures crews and passengers will begin to feel sick, develop headaches, sweat excessively and feel faint. The body will ultimately lose water, become dehydrated and possibly cause a heat stroke. Those in charge will ultimately turn to what they consider to be the only solution; prolonged periods of air conditioning- a significant contributor towards the draining of a ships’s energy.

Vessel

Collisions

In order to spot potential hazards at sea the crew needs to have an unrestricted view of the ocean, something that solar glare does not allow. Without a clear view of the ocean, staff would be = unable to prevent what could be catastrophic eventualities. Another common consequence of solar glare can be the damage to computer and navigation screens. Clear visibility of such screens is vital in conjunction with the maritime sector, as without it, vessels could be taken off route or ultimately cause collisions. As demonstrated by the image, sun glare reflects off the glass and is mirrored onto the screens and thus distorts the image on the screen

Equipment and furniture

If the bridges’s machinery and equipment are subdued to prolonged periods of heat and solar glare, they will become overheated and a fire hazard, which could result in complete failure of the systems. To prevent this from happening, the equipment needs some form of protection from the sea, to ensure equipment stays cool and functional.

UV rays can also cause significant damage to the interior upholstery and furnishings onboard all areas of a vessel. When the sun shines through the glass, UV rays are strong enough to fade carpeting, furniture, hardwood floors, wallpaper and many other surfaces (see image). The rays can also cause the detonation of fine art, photograph and other decorating accessories, all of which are usually irreversible.

SG Glider

Solarglide have developed what we believe to be the ultimate solution to glare and heat related problems for crews and passengers. Our SG Glider solar screens (see image) are a fully retractable window solution which reduce solar glare by up to 93% and virtually eliminate all UV radiation. Crews will benefit from having a clear view from the bridge in all conditions of solar glare and a comfortable working environment, thus increasing productivity. Ship owners will benefit from reduced air conditioning costs and avoid additional costs for the repair and replacement of bridge equipment that could have become damaged from overheating.

Key Features:

Glare reduction: Improves computer screen and navigation equipment viewing

Solar control: Reduces the temperature inside the bridge by up to 15 degrees

Energy savings: Provides significant reductions in air conditioning costs

Clear visibility: Protects against long term eye damage and reduces the risk of vessel collision

Fade reduction: Blocks up to 97% of harmful UV radiation, preventing fading of vessel equipment and furnishings

For more information and enquiries about how SG Glider can improve safety for your Maritime business, please contact us theteam@solarglide.com or visit the SG Glider product page for technical information. - See more at: http://www.solarglide.com/media/case-studies/solar-glare-are-you-aware-of-the-risks#sthash.xagdIWap.dpuf