Can design save lives? A new Norwegian mask and a vest are both designed to protect mine clearers. Now, the equipment is nominated for the renowned design awards Index:Award 2007.
The specially designed equipment is a result of a joint initiative between designers and the Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), and is a part of ”Design without Borders”. This non-profit program is run by Norsk Form, and is linking design skills to efforts for development and humanitarian aid.“The development of a new mask is one of the most important product improvements ever within Personal Protective Equipment”, says Geir Bjørsvik from the Norwegian People's Aid (NPA). NPA is involved in international demining actions in more than a dozen countries around the world.“The next generation protection equipment” consists of a vest and a mask. Photo: Norsk Form.Design that saves lives”Design without Borders” in cooperation with NPA aimed to develop a safer, more ergonomic, and comfortable Personal Protective Equipment for manual mine clearers, as today’s gear had a major potential for improvements.“The next generation protection equipment” consists of a vest and a mask. The mask is already ordered by NPA and UN’s mine actions around the world. The mask holds a higher standard of protection than current masks. The mask is significantly lighter, as the weight is decreased from 1 kilo to 500 grams. The mask also has a more efficient air circulation allowing for a direct ventilation of breath.The new vest is more flexible and gives a higher level of protection. Photo: Norsk Form. International responsibilityNorway is a key actor in international demining actions. In September 2007 the 10-year anniversary of the Mine Ban Convention was marked in Oslo. Landmines are however affecting people in 80 countries and territories around the world.The damages and sufferings caused by landmines and anti-personal ammunition for people in these areas are enormous. The only way to make mine infected areas habitable is to remove the mines. Ensuring and supporting security and efficiency in the operation are vital tasks for the equipment that the people working in the mine fields use.Today's equipment needs improvment in terms of flexibility, comfort and protection. Photo: Norsk Form.Shortly on the marketThe equipment is designed by Kode design. Rofi Industrier started the production of the mask in May 2007, and the vest has been developed to a late prototype stage and Rofi is expected to complete the design for zero-series production in the near future. The mask has gone through the last tests and will be launched primo 2008.New protection gear for mine clearers. Photo: Norsk Form.