Overview
EN ISO 18422:2017 (adoption of ISO 18422:2014) defines a standardised plate with instructions for rescue, resuscitation and first aid for drowning persons. It is intended for use on inland navigation vessels and at suitable locations on the shores of inland waterways (harbours, berths, locks, sluices) and other public places. The plate provides clear, weatherproof visual and short-text guidance to support lifesaving actions and to reduce risk to rescuers.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope and placement: Plates are intended for inland navigation vessels and shore locations on inland waterways.
- Dimensions and shape: Recommended size A3 (ISO 216); A4 or a circular plate (diameter 400 mm) are acceptable. General tolerances per ISO 2768.
- Material and durability:
- Acceptable materials: hard PVC (≥1 mm), aluminium (≥0.5 mm), laminated/coated paper, or self-adhesive PVC foil.
- Polystyrene is explicitly not suitable.
- Plates must be UV resistant (e.g., screen printing with solvent inks plus protective coating).
- Content and design:
- Use meaningful pictures and short, language-neutral texts so instructions are easily comprehensible.
- Include an emergency call reference and the country’s standard emergency number; list the five key questions to answer when calling emergency services.
- Emphasise rescuer self-protection and simple behavioural rules (use ropes/poles/floatation, wear lifejacket when possible).
- Show safe use of rescue aids (throwing life belt with rope, passing a pole/line, using a boat).
- Depict rescue technique - retrieving a drowning person from behind; avoid complex grips.
- Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) steps aligned with latest ILCOR guidelines (check consciousness, breathing, airway tilt, chest compressions and ventilations).
- Include further measures such as injury treatment, recovery position and hypothermia precautions (remove wet clothing, warm the person, use rescue blankets).
Applications and Users
- Primary users:
- Inland vessel owners/operators, shipbuilders and classification bodies.
- Port and waterway authorities, harbourmasters, lock operators.
- Safety officers, emergency planners and rescue services working on inland waterways.
- Sign and safety equipment manufacturers producing compliant plates.
- Practical benefits:
- Improves on-site life-saving readiness and consistency of instructions.
- Reduces rescuer risk by promoting safe techniques and use of aids.
- Supports swift emergency calls with standardised information prompts.
Related Standards
- ISO 18422:2014 (original international standard adopted as EN ISO 18422:2017)
- ISO 216 (paper sizes) and ISO 2768 (general tolerances) - both normative references within the standard.
- CPR guidance: latest ILCOR recommendations referenced for resuscitation procedures.
Keywords: EN ISO 18422:2017, plate with instructions, rescue resuscitation first aid, drowning persons, inland navigation vessels, safety signage, CPR, rescue aids, hypothermia.
