a 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
98  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 ICS 93.080.30                        DMS 664 -1:2000 
First edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DRAFT MALAWI STANDARD  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Road signs  
Part 1 : Retro -reflective sheeting 
material  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTE: This is a draft Malawi Standard and it shall neither be used nor regarded as a Malawi Standard  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 ICS 93.080.30                DMS 664-1:2000 
          First edition  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Road signs  
Part 1 : Retro -reflective sheeting  
material  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Obtainable from the  
Malawi Bureau of Standards  
Moirs Road  
P O Box 946  
BLANTYRE  
 
Tel:  +265 1 870 488  
Fax:  +265 1 870 756  
E-mail:  mbs@mbsmw.org  
Web -site:  www.mbsmw.org  
 
Price based on 1 4 pages  
 
© Copyright reserved   
 
  
  
i 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS  
  
Contents                                                                              Page  
 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  i 
Technical committee  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  i 
Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 1 
Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  1 
Inspection and methods of test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  7 
Annex A  (informative): Quality verification of retro -reflective and  non-retro-reflective black sheeting material  13 
Bibliograph y ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  14 
 
 
FOREWORD  
 
This draft standard  is an adoption of the SANS 1519 -1:2018, Road signs – Part 1: Retro -reflective sheeting 
material.  
 
Acknowledgement is made for the use of the information.  
 
 
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE  
 
This draft st andard was developed  by MBS/TC 61 , the Technical Committee on Road construction and road 
signs  and the followin g companies, organizations and institutions were consulted:  
 
– Blithe Construction Limited ; 
– Directorate of Road Traffic and Safety Services ; 
– Fargo Limited ; 
– Lilongwe City Council ; 
– Malawi Bureau of Standards ; 
– Malawi Transportation Technology Transfer Centre ; 
– Ministry of Transport, Roads Department ; 
– Mkaka Construction Company Limited ; 
– Mota -Engil ; 
– National Construction Industry Council ; and  
– The Polytechnic . 
 
 
NOTICE  
 
This approved  standard  shall be reviewed every five years, or earlier whenever it is necessary, in order to keep 
abreast of progress. Comments are welcome and shall b e considered when the standard  is being reviewed . 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
1 
   DMS 664-1:2000 
DRAFT MALAWI STANDARD  
Road signs  
Part 1: Retro -reflective sheeting material  
 
 
1 SCOPE  
 
This part of DMS 664  specifies requirements for retro -reflective sheeting m aterial and non -retroreflective black 
sheeting for use on road signs on public roads.  
 
NOTE 1 – The material c overed in this part of DMS 664  is intended for use on road signs, the design, layout, size and colour combinations 
of which are specified in  the Southern African Development Community road traffic signs manual.  
 
NOTE 2 – Non-retro-reflective black sheeting is  included in this part of DMS 664 , since it forms an integral part of the material used on 
road signs.  
 
 
2 NORMATIVE REFERENCES  
 
The following standards contain provisions, which through reference in this text, constitute provisions of this 
draft standard . All standards are subject to revision and, since any reference to a standard is deemed to be a 
reference to the latest edition of that standard, parties to agreements based on this draft standard  are 
encouraged to take steps to ensure the use of the most  recent edition of the standards indicated below. 
Information on current valid national and international standards can be obtained from the Malawi Bureau of 
Standards.  
 
CIE Publication 15 (E.1.3.1), Colorimetry. 1); 
 
CIE Publication 54, Retro -reflection – Definition and measurement. 1); 
 
SANS 2813/ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes – Determination of specular gloss of non -metallic paint  films at 
20°, 60° and 85° ; and 
 
SANS 4892 -2/ISO 4892 -2, Plastics – Methods of exposure to laboratory light sources – Part 2: Xenon -arc 
lamps . 
 
 
3 DEFINITIONS  
 
For the pu rposes of this part of DMS 664 , the following definitions apply:  
 
3.1 
acceptable  
acceptable to the authority administering this standard, or to the parties concluding the purchase contract, as 
relevant  
 
3.2 
coefficient of retro -reflection (of a plane retro -reflecting surface)  
𝑅′ 
quotient obtained by dividing the luminous intensity I of the light reflected by the surface in the direction of 
observation, by the illuminance 𝐸⊥at the retr o-reflecting surface on  a plane perpendicular to the direction of 
incidence (i.e. the direction of the inc ident light), and by the illuminated area A of the retro -reflective surface  
 
𝑅′=𝐼/𝐸⊥𝐴 
 
NOTES  
 
1  The coefficient of retro -reflection is expressed in candelas p er lux per  square metre (cd/lx· 𝑚2). 
  
2 
 2  This quantity is especially useful for describing materials in shee t form. For such materials, the measurements are customarily made 
with the direction of incidence, the di rection of observation, and the normal to the surface, all in the same plane.  
 
3.3 
colour  
colour of the light reflected by the surface, defined in terms of its chromaticity co-ordinates, using the 
trichromatic system recommended by the International Commission of Illumination (see CIE Publication 15 
(E.1.3.1) ) 
 
NOTE 1 – In this system, the colour is expressed by the chromaticity co -ordinates x, y and z, the sum of which is unity. The co -ordinate x 
is an indication of the proportion of red, y of the proportion of green, and z of the proportion of blue.  
 
NOTE 2 – In this part of DMS 664 , only the daytime colours of the material are specified.  
 
3.4 
entrance angle  
illumination angle  
β 
angle between the illumination ax is and the reference axis (see Figure 1 ) 
 
NOTE – A positive entrance angle is an angle measured when the receiver (for example, a photocell or an eye) is between the illumina tion 
axis and the reference axis of the retro -reflective surface.  
 
3.5 
illumination axis  
line from the reference centre to the cen tre of the light source (see Figure 1 ) 
 
3.6 
initial value(s)  
with reference to a specific test, the value of the coefficient of retro -reflection at the start of the test, or the 
values of the chromaticity co -ordinates x, y and z at the start of the test, as relevant  
 
3.7 
luminance factor (at a point on the surface of a non -self-radiating b ody, in a given direction under speci fic 
conditions of illumination) ratio of the luminance of the material to that of a perfect reflecting dif fuser when the 
material and the diffuser are identically illuminated  
 
3.8 
observation angle  
α 
angle between the illumination axis and the observation axis  
 
NOTE – The observation angle is always positive and, in the context of retro -reflection, is restrict ed to small acute angles.  
 
3.9 
observation axis  
line from the reference centre to the receiver (for exampl e, a photocell or an eye) (see Figure 1 ) 
 
3.10 
reference axis  
designated line originating in the reference centre, and used in  describing the position of the entrance angle 
and observation angle of the  retro-reflective surface (see Figure 1 ) 
 
3.11 
reference centre  
point on or near a retro -reflective surface, for the purpose of specifying its performance (see Figure 1 ) 
 
 
   
3 
 3.12 
retro -reflection  
reflection in which light is preferentially reflected in directions close to t he opposite of the direction of incidence, 
this property being maintained over wide variations in the direction of incidence  
 
3.13 
specimen  
except where otherwis e indicated, a rectangle of size 150 mm × 70 m m, cut from a sheet of material applied 
to a sign board panel of equal size  
 
 
4 REQUIREMENTS  
 
4.1 Constructional requirements  
 
4.1.1  Retro -reflective sheeting shall consist of a smooth, flat, trans parent or translucent film that has retro -
reflective elements beneath the surface, forming an optical reflecting system that has a non-exposed lens.  
 
4.1.2  Non-retro-reflective sheeting shall have a smooth, flat, exterior surface.  
 
4.2 Visual performance  
 
4.2.1  Classification  
 
Retro -reflective materials shall be classified as class I, class II, class I II, class IV A or class IV B in accordance 
with the minimum coefficient of retro-reflection (see Table 1 ). 
 
4.2.2  Coefficient of retro -reflection  
 
4.2.2.1  When the coefficients of retro -reflection of new retro -reflective sheeting are measu red in accordance  
with 5.2, they shall be not less than the relevant values g iven in table 1, appropriate to the colour and class of 
the material.  
 
4.2.2.2  After new retro -reflective sheeting has been weathered in accordance with 5.4 or 5.5, the coefficient 
of retro -reflecti on at an observation angle of 0. 33° and an e ntrance angle of 5° shall be at least 80 % of the 
relevant value given in T able 1.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
4 
 Table 1 – Minimum coefficients of retro -reflection (new materials)  
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 
Class  Observation  
Angle  
 
degrees  Entrance  
Angle  
 
degrees  Minimum coefficient of retro -reflection for different colours of material, when  
measured with standard illuminant A1) 
 
cd/(lx·m2) 
Red Orange  Yellow  Green  Blue  Purple  White  Brown  Grey  Fluorescent  
orange  Fluorescent  
yellow  Fluorescent  
yellow/green  
I 0.33 
1.5 5 
30 10.0 
0.5 20.0 
0.5 35.0 
1.5 7.0 
0.3 2.0 
0.1 2.0 
0.1 50.0 
2.5 0.6 
0.1 30.0 
1.5 – 
– – 
– – 
– 
II 0.33 
1.5 5 
30 20.0 
0.5 40.0 
0.5 70.0 
1.5 14.0 
0.3 6.0 
0.1 4.0 
0.1 100.0  
2.5 0.6 
0.1 60.0 
1.5 – 
– – 
– – 
– 
III 0.33 
1.5 
0.33 5 
30 
40 25.0 
0.4 
13.0 65.0 
1.0 
20.0 120.0  
1.5 
60.0 21.0 
0.3 
11.0 14.0 
0.1 
7.0 6.0 
0.1 
3.2 180.0  
2.5 
95.0 8.0 
0.1 
3.0 90.0 
1.2 
47.0 – 
– 
– – 
– 
– – 
– 
– 
IV A 0.2 
0.2 
0.33 
0.33 
0.5 
0.5 5 
30 
5 
30 
5 
30 100.0  
51.0 
78.0 
40.0 
36.0 
20.0 250.0  
130.0  
190.0  
100.0  
94.0 
45.0 360.0  
200.0  
250.0  
130.0  
128.0  
70.0 55.0 
28.0 
36.0 
18.0 
14.0 
8.0 31.0 
16.0 
25.0 
11.0 
8.0 
3.0 – 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 600.0  
325.0  
390.0  
205.0  
165.0  
80.0 18.0 
10.0 
12.0 
6.0 
5.0 
2.0 – 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 180.0  
90.0 
115.0  
65.0 
45.0 
23.0 340.0  
200.0  
225.0  
125.0  
95.0 
45.0 435.0  
225.0  
310.0  
158.0  
130.0  
65.0 
IV B 0.33 
0.33 
0.33 
1.0 
1.0 
1.0 5 
30 
40 
5 
30 
40 75.0 
35.0 
7.0 
20.0 
13.0 
5.0 90.0 
45.0 
9.0 
24.0 
15.0 
4.5 250.0  
130.0  
25.0 
65.0 
40.0 
13.0 35.0 
18.0 
4.0 
10.0 
5.0 
2.0 17.0 
7.0 
2.0 
5.0 
2.5 
1.0 – 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 300.0  
150.0  
30.0 
80.0 
50.0 
15.0 15.0 
7.0 
1.0 
4.0 
2.0 
0.5 – 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 90.0 
45.0 
9.0 
24.0 
15.0 
4.5 180.0  
90.0 
18.0 
45.0 
30.0 
9.0 240.0  
120.0  
24.0 
65.0 
40.0 
12.0 
1) See CIE Publication 15 (E.1.3.1).  
 
  
5 
 4.2.3  Colour  
 
4.2.3.1  When the chromaticity co -ordinates of new sheeting mate rial are measured in accordance with 5.3, 
they shall be within the relevant region on the chrom aticity diagram (see Figure 2 ), appropriate to the colour 
of the sheeting. The chromaticity co -ordinate s of the corners of the regions on the diagram (see Figure 2 ) for 
new sheeting material are given in T able 2.  
 
Table 2 – Chromaticity co -ordinates (new and weathered materials)  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 
Colour  Chromaticity co -ordinates  
Co-
ordinate  1 2 3 4 
White  x 
y 0.355 
0.355 0.305 
0.305 0.285 
0.325 0.335 
0.375 
Yellow  x 
y 0.545 
0.454 0.487 
0.423 0.427 
0.483 0.465 
0.534 
Orange  x 
y 0.610 
0.390 0.535 
0.375 0.506 
0.404 0.570 
0.429 
Red x 
y 0.735 
0.265 0.674 
0.236 0.569 
0.341 0.655 
0.345 
Blue  x 
y 0.078 
0.171 0.150 
0.220 0.210 
0.160  0.137 
0.038 
Green  x 
y 0.007 
0.703 0.248 
0.409 0.177 
0.362 0.026 
0.399 
Brown  x 
y 0.430 
0.340 0.430 
0.390 0.550 
0.450 0.610 
0.390 
Grey  x 
y 0.350 
0.360 0.300 
0.310 0.285 
0.325  0.335 
0.375 
Black  x 
y 0.385  
0.355  0.300  
0.270  0.260  
0.310  0.345  
0.395  
Fluorescent orange  x 
y 0.583 
0.416 0.535 
0.400 0.595 
0.351 0.645 
0.355 
Fluorescent yellow  x 
y 0.479 
0.520 0.446 
0.482 0.512 
0.421 0.557 
0.442 
Fluorescent yellow/green  x 
y 0.387 
0.610 0.369 
0.546 0.428 
0.496 0.460 
0.540 
 
4.2.3.2  After the sheeting material has been weathered in accordance with 5.4 or 5.5, the chromaticity             
co-ordinates shall be within the relevant region on the ch romaticity diagram (see Figure 2 ) appropriate to the 
colour of the sheeting. The chromaticity  co-ordinates of the corners of the regions on the diagram (see        
Figure 2 ) for weathered sheeting material are given in Table 2 . 
 
4.2.3.3  Night -time colour  
 
The night -time colour of the sheeting shall conform to the requirements of Table 3 when measured and 
evaluated using the CIE system. The saturation limit shall  be considered to extend to the boundary of the 
chromaticity locus of spectral colours. Measure usin g CIE Illuminant A, observation angle of 0. 33°, entrance 
angle of + 5°, source and receiver apertur es each not exceeding 10 min of arc, CIE 1931  (2°) standard 
observer.  
 
Table 3 – Night -time chromaticity co -ordinates  
 
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 
Colour  Co-ordinates  
x y x y x y x y 
Fluorescent orange  0.625  0.375  0.589  0.376  0.636  0.330  0.669  0.331  
Fluorescent yellow  0.554  0.445  0.526  0.437  0.569  0.394  0.610  0.390  
Fluorescent yellow/green  0.480  0.520  0.473  0.490  0.523  0.440  0.550  0.449  
  
6 
 4.2.4  Luminance factor  
 
When the luminance factor of new or weathered sheeting mat erial is measured in accordance with 5.3, it shall 
be at lea st the relevant value given in T able 4, appropr iate to the colour and class of the material.  
 
Table 4 – Luminance factor  
 
1 2 3 4 5 
Minimum luminance factor  
Colour  Retro -reflective class  
I II III IV A & IV B  
Red 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.03 
Orange  0.17 0.15 0.14 0.14 
Yellow  0.27 0.21 0.16 0.16 
Green  0.04 0.03 0.03 0.03 
Blue 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 
Purple  0.03 0.02 0.02 0.02 
White  0.35 0.31 0.27 0.27 
Grey  0.12 – 0.18 0.18 
Brown  0.03 to 0.09  
Fluorescent orange  – – – ≥0.22  
Fluorescent yellow  – – – ≥0.35  
Fluorescent yellow/green  – – – ≥0.55  
 
NOTE – The luminance factor for black non -retro-reflective sheeting shall not exceed 0.03.  
 
 
4.2.5  Specular gloss  
 
Where the manual  specifies that the colour of a coating  for a sign shall be mattblack, the specular gloss of the 
coating at 60°, when measured in  accordance with 5.11, shall be not more than 35.  
 
4.3 Physical performance  
 
4.3.1  Resistance to weathering  
 
After specimens have been weathered in accordance with 5.4 and 5.5, the specimens shall show no evidence 
of cracking, scaling, pitting, blistering, delamination, distortion, blooming, staining, corrosion or chalking. There 
shall be no shrinkage in excess of 2  mm from any edge. In addition, there shall be no evidence of adhesion 
failure, such as an  edge lifting  from the substrate. At the end of the test period, the specimens shall be cleaned 
and the luminance factor shall be determined and comply with the relevant requirements of 4.2.4 . In addition, 
the coefficient of retro -reflection R' of retro-reflective material shall be measured as specified in 4.2.2  at an  
entrance angle of 5° and at an observation angle of 0. 33°. The coefficient of retro -reflection of th e exposed 
specimens shall be at least 80 % of the values given in Table 1,  in accorda nce wit h the class of material.  
 
The colour of the specimens shall still comply with 4.2.3.2. 
 
4.3.2  Flexibility  
 
When classes I, II and III are tested in accordance with 5.6, the retro -reflective or non -retroreflective material 
shall show no cracking or delamination.  
 
Flexibility is not appli cable to classes IV A and IV B.  
 
4.3.3  Impact resistance  
 
When a specimen is tested in accordance with 5.7, there shall be no cracking and no delamination of the 
sheeting material outside a circle of radius 10 mm, cen tred on the point of impact.  
 
  
7 
 4.3.4  Adhesion  
 
When the sheeting material is tested in accordance with 5.8, in neither specimen shall : 
 
a) the liner break or tear or remove any of the adhesive back ing during its removal from the sheeting material; 
or 
 
b) the distance of peeling exceeds  40 mm.  
 
4.3.5  Resistance to corrosion  
 
After the specimen has been tested in accordance with 5.9, the coefficient of retro -reflection R' at an 
observation angle of 0 .33° and an entrance angle of 5° shall be at l east 80 % of the relevant value given in 
Table 1  and there shall b e no evidence of colour change.  
 
4.3.6  Resistance to temperature changes  
 
When a specimen is tested in accordance with 5.10, it shall show no signs of deterioration, such as cracking, 
bliste ring, delamination, distortion, blooming, sta ining and loss of adhesion. The coefficient of retro -reflection 
R' at an observation angle of 0. 33° an d an entrance angle of 5° shall still be at l east 80 % of the relevant value 
given in T able 1. The colour  and luminance factor limits in Table 2  and Table 4, respectively, and t he night -
time colour limits in Table 3  shall be maintained.  
 
 
5 INSPECTION AND METHODS OF TEST  
 
5.1 Inspection  
 
Visually examine the sample for compliance with the requirement s of this  part of DMS 664  for which tests to 
assess compliance are not gi ven in 5.2 to 5.11 (inclusive).  
 
5.2 Test for coefficient of retro -reflection  
 
Determine the coefficients of retro -reflection of the material in accordance with  CIE Publication 54 . On each 
specimen, take a reading at a 0° orientation angle. Che ck for compliance with 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2. 2, 4.3.5  or 4.3.6, 
as relevant.  
 
5.3 Colour and luminance factor test  
 
Using a spectrophotometer or other, equally suitable colour -measuring device, determine the chromaticity      
co-ordinates and luminance factor of the material in accordance with CIE Publication 15 (E.1.3.1)  and CIE 
Publication 54 , using standard illuminant 𝐷65 and 45/0 geometry. Check for compliance with 4.2.3.1, 4.2.3.2  
or 4.3.6,  as relevant.  
 
5.4 Accelerated natural weathering test  
 
So mount a specimen of sheeting material that it faces northwar ds, with the inclination to the horizontal 
appropriate to the latitude angle. Prote ct cut edges and corners of the specimen in accordance with the 
sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations and subject the  specimen to unprotected outdoor exposure for the 
appro priate period given in Table 5.  
 
At six -monthly intervals during the test, rinse the specimen with w ater, and, using a soft bristle brush or a 
sponge to avoid scratching, wash it with a neutral detergent solution. Give it a final rinse with deionized water. 
Examine the specimen and then repeat the  tests given in 5.2 and 5.3 and check for compliance with 4.2.2.2, 
4.2.3.2  or 4.2.4, as relevant. Subjec t the specimen to further weatheri ng until the duration given in T able 5 has 
been reached.  
 
 
 
 
  
8 
 Table 5 – Duration of weathering  
 
1 2 3 4 
Material class  Material warranty  
grade  
 
years  Duration of accelerated  
natural weathering  
 
years  Duration of artificial  
weathering test (see 5.5)  
 
h 
I 7 2 1200  
II, III, IV A and IV B  10 3 1800  
Non-reflective black  7 2 1200  
 
 
5.5 Accelerated artificial weathering test  
 
Using the apparatus and procedure given in SANS 4892 -2, expose the specimens accordingly using the 
parameters given in Table 6,  for the appropriate period given in Table  5. 
 
Table 6 – Artificial weathering test parameters  
 
1 2 3 
Exposure parameters  Air cooled lamp  Water cooled lamp  
Light/dark/water spray cycle  Continuous light with water spray  
on specimens for 18 min every   
2 h (18/102)  Continuous light with water  
spray on specimens for  
18 min every 2 h (18/102 ) 
Black standard temperature 
during light  
only periods  65 °C ± 3 °C using a black  
standard thermometer  63 °C ± 2°C using a black  
panel temperature  
Relative humidity  50 % ± 5 %  50 % ± 5 %  
Irradiance (W/m2) controlled at  
- over a 300 nm - 400 nm range  
- over a 300 nm - 800 nm range   
60 
550  
60 
550 
 
NOTE 1 – Water used for specimen spray should contain no more than 1 ppm silica. Higher levels of silica  could produce spotting on 
samples and variability in results. Water of the required purity can be obtained by distillation or by a combination of deionisation and 
reverse osmosis.  
 
NOTE 2 – Whilst irradiance levels should be set at the above levels, variations in filter ages and transmissivity, and in calibration 
variations, will generally mean that irradiance error will be in the order of ± 10%.  
 
 
Examine the specimen and then repeat the tests given in 5.2 and check f or compliance with 4.2.2 .2, 4.2.3.2  
or 4.2.4, as relevant.  
 
5.6 Flexibility test  
 
Condition a specimen, complete with liner, and a mandrel, of d iameter 20 mm or of appropriate length, at           
25 °C ± 2 °C for 4 h. Immediately after conditioning, wrap the specimen , with the reflecting surface facing 
outwards, around the mandrel. Check for compliance with 4.3.2. 
 
5.7 Impact test  
 
5.7.1  Apparatus  
 
The apparatus required for th is test comprises a steel rod plung er, of mass 1 kg and that has a hemispherical 
tip of diameter 15 mm, which can be dropped fr om a height of 100 mm through a graduated 16 mm diameter 
tube onto the back of the supporte d test panel. The support shall consist of an annular die, with an internal 
diameter of 16 mm, centrally located under the plunger.  
 
5.7.2 Procedure  
 
Drop the plunger onto the back of the test panel in three different places.  
   
9 
 Check for compliance with 4.3.3.  
 
5.8 Adhesion test  
 
5.8.1  Equipment  
 
5.8.1.1  Oven, maintained at 70 °C ± 2 °C.  
 
5.8.1.2  Two specimens (of each type of material), each of size 50 mm × 150 mm.  
 
5.8.1.3  Flat metal sheet,  of size at least 100 mm × 150 mm and of mass 225 g.  
 
5.8.1.4  Two masspieces,  each of mass 750 g.  
 
5.8.2  Procedure  
 
5.8.2.1  Pressure -sensitive material:  Place two specimens side  by side in the oven and cover them with the 
metal sheet for 4 h. Remove the specimens f rom the oven and condition them at 25 °C ± 2 °C for 24 h. Then 
cut one 25 mm × 150 mm pi ece from each specimen, remove the liner by h and without the use of water or 
other solvent(s), and exa mine the liner and the adhesive backing for compliance with 4.3.4. 
 
5.8.2.2  Heat -sensitive material:  Cut two 25 mm × 150 mm piece s from the specimen, remove the liner by 
hand without the use of water or other solvent(s), and examine th e liner and the adhesive backing for 
compliance with 4.3.4. 
 
5.8.2.3 All material:  Apply 75 mm of one end of each specimen to a test panel in accordance with the 
manufacturer's instructions and condition the specimens at 25 °C ± 2 °C for 24 h. Suspend the panels in a 
horizontal position, with the specimens hanging downwa rd. Attach a 750 g masspiece to the free end of each 
specime n and allow it to hang free at ri ght angles to the panel surface for 5 min. Measure the distance of 
peeling and check for compliance with 4.3.4. 
 
5.9 Corrosion test  
 
5.9.1  Apparatus and materials  
 
5.9.1.1  Supply of an atmosphere,  comprising between 1 µL/L and 10 µ L/L of sulphur  dioxide (SO 2) in air.  
 
5.9.1.2  Apparatu s, similar to that shown in Figure 3,  in which the specimens are exposed  to the sulphur  
dioxide atmosphere.  
 
5.9.2  Procedure  
 
5.9.2.1  Place the specimen in the desiccator bowl and evacuate the air.  
 
5.9.2.2  Restore the bowl to atmospheric pressure by bleedin g in the diluted sulphur  dioxide atmosphere.  
 
5.9.2.3  Repeat the process of evacuating and bleeding in new dilute gas once every 24 h for 7 d.  
 
5.9.2.4  Carry out the test in 5.2. 
 
5.9.2.5  Check for compliance with 4.3.5.  
 
5.10 Temperature test  
 
5.10.1  Apparatus  
 
5.10.1.1 Oven,  the temperature of which can be maintained at 80 °C ± 2 °C for classes I, II and III and at         
55 °C ± 2 °C for classes IV A and IV  B. 
 
5.10.1.2 Freezer , the temperature of which can be maintained at −12 °C ± 2 °C. 
   
10 
 5.10.2  Procedure  
 
5.10.2.1 Bring the oven temperature to the appropria te value specified in  5.10.1.1.  
 
5.10.2.2 Place the specimen in a vertical position in the oven at 80 °C ± 2 °C for 60 min.  
 
5.10.2.3 Remove the specimen from the oven and immediately p lace the specimen in a vertical position in the 
freezer at −12 °C ± 2 °C for 60 min.  
 
5.10.2.4 Repeat the procedure in 5.10.2.2  and 5.10.2.3  three time s (i.e. perform the procedure a total of four 
times).  
 
5.10.2.5 Carry out the tests in 5.2 and 5.3. 
 
5.10.2.6 Check for compliance with 4.3.6.  
 
5.11 Specular gloss test  
 
Measure the 60 ° specular gloss  of the matt -black coating in accordance wit h SANS 281 3. Check for 
compliance with 4.2.5.  
 
 
6 PACKING AND MARKING  
 
6.1 Sheeting  
 
6.1.1  Retro -reflective material shall bear, in legible marking,  a watermark or other permanent marking or 
pattern that is visible on the face of the material and that  identifies the manufacturer of the material and the 
class or warranty grade.  
 
6.1.2  The liner of non -retro-reflective material shall bear the manuf acturer's name or trade name or trade 
mark.  
 
6.2 Packaging  
 
The packaging within which the material is shipped, shall bear the following information:  
 
– the manufacturer's name or trade name or trade mark;  
 
– the class or warranty grade of th e retro -reflective material; and  
 
– the batch number (on the packaging and core of t he roll of material).  
 
6.3 Legibility of marking  
 
When retro -reflective material is tested in accordance with 5.4 or 5.5, the marking in 6.1.1  shall remain legible.  
   
11 
  
 
 
  
 
12 
  
 
Figure 2 – Chromaticity diagram  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
13 
 ANNEX  A 
(informative)  
 
Quality verification of retro -reflective and  
non-retro -reflective black sheeting material  
 
When a purchaser requires ongoing verification of the quality of retro -reflective and non -retroreflective  black 
sheeting material, it is suggested that, instead of c oncentrating solely on evaluation  of the final product, he 
also direct his attention to the manufacturer's quality system. In this  connecti on it should be noted that              
MS-ISO 9001  covers the provisions of an integrated quality  system.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
14 
 Bibliograph y 
 
[1] MS-ISO 9001 : 2015 , Quality management systems – Requirements . 
 
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
ICS 93.080.30                DMS 664-1:2000  
                       First  edition 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE MALAWI BUREAU OF STANDARDS              CERTIFICATION MARK SCHEME  
The Malawi Bureau of Standards is the 
standardizing body in Malawi under the aegis 
of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.  
Set up in 1972 by the Malawi Bureau of 
Standards Act (Cap: 51:02), the Bureau is a 
parastatal body whose activities aim at 
formulating and promoting the general 
adoption of standards relating to structures, 
commodities, materials, practices, oper ations 
and from time to time revise, alter and amend 
the same to incorporate advanced technology.  To bring the advantages of standardization 
within the reach of the common consumer, the 
Bureau operates a Certification Mark Scheme. 
Unde r this scheme, manufacturers who 
produce goods that conform to national 
standards are granted permits to use the 
Bureau’s “Mark of Quality” depicted below on 
their products.  This Mark gives confidence to 
the consumer of the commodity’s reliability.