As shipbuilders work through the intense summer months, Ingalls continues to find ways to stay cool. The chill water air conditioning units installed on George M. Neal (DDG 131) is a pilot program to help combat heat stress.Â
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“We are trying a chilled water system, piping in cold water to interior air conditioning units deep inside the ship,” said Justin McArthur, director, Facilities & Maintenance. “Instead of pumping the air through the shell of the ship and into the interior, this system will minimize travel time for the air and maximize efficiency.”
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The chill water units in the ship creates a cool down zone for shipbuilders to use during the day. They are strategically placed within the ship to lower temperatures in key spaces.Â
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“Currently, we are seeing a 10-15 degree drop in temperature in the designated areas,” said John Santalla, analyst, Health & Safety.Â
This pilot program is one of the many tools Ingalls provides for shipbuilders to help them combat extreme temperatures while still maintaining production.
“If we have a heat stress incident, the chill water units aren’t far away from any spot at any given time,” said Demetrius Ramsey, analyst, Health & Safety. “We can send that shipbuilder to a cool-off zone, give them a break from the heat and make sure they are able to return to work.”
With this program, the units help catch early symptoms of heat stress before it progresses.Â
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“It’s extremely hot in Mississippi this time of year, and we will continue to support our shipbuilders in these conditions,” said Brian McVey, director, Environmental Health & Safety. “This pilot program is an example of making things easier for them to successfully complete their tasks.”
