diff --git a/python/ecl/__init__.py b/python/ecl/__init__.py
index f60dd2b8c6..20fe130f43 100644
--- a/python/ecl/__init__.py
+++ b/python/ecl/__init__.py
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@
 alternative fails, the loader will try the default load behaviour
 before giving up completely.
 """
+import os
 import os.path
 import sys
 
@@ -134,7 +135,8 @@ def __init__(self, prototype, bind=True):
 from .util.util import EclVersion
 from .util.util import updateAbortSignals
 
-updateAbortSignals( )
+if not os.getenv('ECL_SKIP_SIGNAL'):
+    updateAbortSignals( )
 
 def root():
     """