1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
aB COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to safety belts and restraint sys-
tems of motor vehicles
(77/541/EEC)
(OJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 95)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
aA1Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 2
bB
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
safety belts and restraint systems of motor vehicles
(77/541/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community and in particular Article 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(
1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Commit-
tee(2),
Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy
pursuant to national laws relate inter alia to seat belts and restraint
systems;
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the
same requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing
regulations, in order in particular to allow the EEC type-approval pro-cedure which was the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member Statesrelating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers(
3)t o
be applied in respect of each type of vehicle;
Whereas common requirements for the interior parts of the passenger
compartment, the layout of controls, the roof, the backrest and rearpart of the seats have been laid down by Directive 74/60/EEC(
4);
whereas requirements for the internal fittings relating to the protectionof the driver against injury by the steering mechanism in the event ofan impact have been laid down by Directive 74/297/EEC(
5); whereas
requirements relating to the strength of the seats and their anchorages
have been laid down by Directive 74/408/EEC(6); whereas require-
ments relating to anchorages for safety belts have been laid down byDirective 76/115/EEC(
7); whereas other requirements relating to inter-
nal fittings, and in particular those relating to head restraints and the
identification of the controls, will be laid down at a later date;
Whereas rules for seat belts and restraint systems include not only
design requirements but also their fitting in motor vehicles;
Whereas a harmonized component type-approval procedure for safety
belts and restraint systems makes it possible for each Member State tocheck compliance with the common design and testing requirements
and to inform the other Member States of its findings by sending a
copy of the component type-approval certificate completed for eachtype of safety belt or restraint system; whereas the placing of an EECcomponent type-approval mark on all safety belts and restraint sys-tems manufactured in conformity with the approved type obviates any
need for technical checks on these safety belts and restraint systems in
the other Member States;
Whereas the main purpose of the harmonized requirements is to pro-
mote road safety; whereas it should therefore be made compulsory tofit safety belts and restraint systems to vehicles covered by this Direc-tive;
(1) OJ No C 76, 7. 4. 1975, p. 37.
(2) OJ No C 263, 17. 11. 1975, p. 37.
(3) OJ No L 42, 23. 2. 1970, p. 1.
(4) OJ No L 38, 11. 2. 1974, p. 2.
(5) OJ No L 165, 20. 6. 1974, p. 16.
(6) OJ No L 221, 12. 8. 1974, p. 1.
(7) OJ No L 24, 30. 1. 1976, p. 6.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 3
bB
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles
entails mutual recognition by the Member States of checks carried outby each of them on the basis of the common requirements,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EEC component type-approval
for any type of three-point or lap safety belt and any type of restraintsystem which satisfies the design and test requirements laid down in 2of Annex I and in Annexes IV to XIV.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required to ensure that productionmodels conform to the approved type, if need be in cooperation withthe competent authorities in the other Member States.
3. For the purpose of implementing paragraph 2, it shall be suffi-
cient for a Member State to ensure that as a minimum the quality-con-trol procedures laid down in 2.8.1 of Annex I are applied.
If, however, the checks are made by the Member State itself, or by
laboratories authorized by it, the methods used shall be such as to
give results at least as reliable as those that would be given by theprocedures provided for in paragraph 1. The procedure laid down in2.8.2 of Annex I is, in particular, an appropriate method.
Article 2
Member States shall, for each type of safety belt or restraint system
which they approve pursuant to Article 1, issue to the manufacturer,or to his authorized representative, an EEC component type-approvalmark conforming to one of the models shown in Annex III.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use
of marks liable to create confusion between safety belts or restraintsystems which have been type-approved pursuant to Article 1 andother devices.
Article 3
1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of
safety belts and restraint systems on grounds relating to their designor method of functioning if they bear the EEC component type-
approval mark.
2. Nevertheless, a Member State may prohibit the placing on the
market of safety belts and restraint systems bearing the EEC compo-nent type-approval mark which consistently fail to conform to the
approved type.
That State shall inform the other Member States and the Commission
forthwith of the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its deci-sion.
Article 4
The competent authorities of each Member State shall within one
month send to those of the other Member States a copy of the compo-nent type-approval certificate, an example of which is given in Annex
II, completed for each type of safety belt and restraint system which
they approve or refuse to approve.
Article 5
1. If a Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval finds that a number of safety belts and restraint systemsbearing the same EEC component type-approval mark do not conformto the type which it has approved, it shall take the necessary measuresto ensure that production models conform to the approved type. Thecompetent authorities of that State shall advise those of the other
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 4
bB
Member States of the measures taken, which may, where there is con-
sistent failure to conform, extend to withdrawal of EEC componenttype-approval. The said authorities shall take the same measures if
they are informed by the competent authorities of another Member
State of such failure to conform.
2. The competent authorities of the Member States shall inform one
another within one month of any withdrawal of EEC component type-approval and of the reasons for such measure.
3. If a Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval disputes the failure to conform notified to it, the Member
States concerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The Commis-
sion shall be kept informed and shall, where necessary, hold appropri-ate consultations for the purpose of reaching a settlement.
Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of this Directive to refuse or withdraw EEC component type-approval for safety belts or restraint systems or prohibit their placingon the market or use shall set out in detail the reasons on which it is
based. Such decisions shall be notified to the party concerned, who
shall at the same time be informed of the remedies available to himunder the laws in force in the Member States and of the time limitsallowed for the exercise of such remedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval for a vehicle on grounds relating to the safety belts orrestraint systems with which it is equipped, if these bear the EECcomponent type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with the
requirements laid down in 3 of Annex I.
Article 8
No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry
into service or use of any vehicle on grounds relating to its safetybelts or restraint systems, if these bear the EEC component type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with the requirements laiddown in 3 of Annex I.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
of category M
1as defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC
intended for use on the road, having at least four wheels and a maxi-
mum design speed exceeding 25 km/h.
Article 10
The amendments necessary for adapting the Annexes to take account
of technical progress shall be adopted in accordance with the proce-dure laid down in Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the provisions necessary in
order to comply with this Directive within 18 months of its notifica-tion and shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the texts of the main provisions
of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directiveare communicated to the Commission.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 5
bB
ANNEX I
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL,
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
0. SCOPE
This Directive applies to safety belts and restraint systems which
are designed for installation in vehicles conforming to the defini-
tion in Article 9 and are intended for separate use, i.e. as indivi-
dual fittings, by adults occupying forward-facing seats.
1. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Directive:
1.1. ‘safety belt (seat belt, belt)’ means an assembly of straps with a
securing buckle, adjusting devices and attachments which is cap-
able of being anchored to a power-driven vehicle and is designed
to diminish the risk of injury to its wearer, in the event of collision
or of abrupt vehicle deceleration, by limiting the mobility of the
wearer's body. Such an assembly is generally referred to as a ‘belt
assembly’, a term also embracing any device for energy absorption
or belt retraction;
1.1.1. ‘lap belt’ means a belt which passes across the front of the wear-
er's pelvicregion;
1.1.2. ‘diagonal belt’ means a belt which passes diagonally across the
front of the chest, from the hip to the opposite shoulder;
1.1.3. ‘three-point belt’ means any belt assembly which is anchored at
three points and is a combination of a lap belt and a diagonal belt;
1.1.4. ‘harness belt’ means a belt assembly comprising a lap belt and
shoulder straps;
1.2. ‘belt type’ means a category of belts which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.2.1. rigid parts (buckle, attachments, retractor, etc.),1.2.2. the material, weave, dimensions and colour of the straps,
1.2.3. the geometry of the belt assembly;
1.3. ‘strap’means a flexible component designed to hold the body and
to transmit stresses to the belt anchorages;
1.4. ‘buckle’ means a quick-release device enabling the wearer to be
held by the belt. The buckle may incorporate the belt adjusting
device;
1.5. ‘belt adjusting device’ means a device enabling the belt to be
adjusted according to the requirements of the individual wearer
and to the position of the seat. The adjusting device may be either
part of the buckle or a retractor;
1.6. ‘attachments’ means parts of the belt assembly, including the
necessary securing components, which enable it to be attached to
the belt anchorages;
1.7. ‘energy absorber’ means a device designed to disperse energy
independently of, or jointly with, the strap and forming part of a
belt assembly;
1.8. ‘retractor’ means a device for accommodating a part or the whole
of the strap of a safety belt;
1.8.1. ‘non-locking retractor’ (type 1) means a retractor from which the
strap is extracted to its full length by a small external force and
which allows of no adjustment of the strap which has been
extracted;
1.8.2. ‘manually unlocking retractor’ (type 2) means a retractor requiring
the manual operation of a device by the user to unlock the retractorin order to obtain the desired strap extraction and which locks
automatically when the said operation ceases;
1.8.3. ‘automatically locking retractor’ (type 3) means a retractor allow-
ing extraction of the strap to the desired length and which, when
the buckle is fastened, automatically adjusts the strap to the wearer.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 6
bB
Further extraction of the strap is not possible without deliberate
action on the part of the wearer;
1.8.4. ‘emergency locking retractor’ (type 4) means a retractor which, in
normal driving conditions, does not restrict the freedom of move-
ment of the wearer of the safety belt. It has a length adjusting
device which automatically adjusts the strap to the wearer, and a
locking mechanism actuated in an emergency by:
1.8.4.1. deceleration of the vehicle, extraction of the strap relative to the
retractor or any other automatic means (single sensitivity), or
1.8.4.2. any combination of these factors (multiple sensitivity);1.9. ‘belt anchorages’ means the parts of the vehicle structure or seat
structure or any other part of the vehicle to which the safety belts
are to be secured;
1.10. ‘vehicle type’ as regards safety belts and restraint systems means a
category of power-driven vehicles which do not differ in such
essential respects as the dimensions, lines and constituent materials
of the components of the vehicle structure or seat structure or any
other part of the vehicle to which the safety belts and the restraint
systems are attached;
1.11. ‘restraint system’ means a system combining a seat, fixed to the
structure of the vehicle by appropriate means, and a safety belt for
which at least one anchorage is located on the seat structure;
1.12. ‘seat’means a structure which may or may not be integral with
the vehicle structure complete with trim, intended to seat one adult
person. The term covers both an individual seat and part of a
bench seat intended to seat one person;
1.13. ‘group of seats’ means either a bench-type seat, or seats which are
separate but side-by-side (i.e., fixed so that the front seat
anchorages of one of these seats are in line with the front or rear
anchorages of the other or between the anchorages of the other
seat) and seat one or more adults;
1.14. ‘bench seat’ means a structure complete with trim, intended to seat
at least two adults;
1.15. ‘adjustment system’ means the device by which the seat or its parts
can be adjusted to a position suited to the morphology of the
seated occupant. This device may, in particular, allow:
1.15.1. longitudinal displacement,
1.15.2. vertical displacement,1.15.3. angular displacement;1.16. ‘seat anchorage’ means the system by which the seat assembly is
secured to the vehicle structure, including the affected parts of the
vehicle structure;
1.17. ‘seat type’ means a category of seats which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.17.1. the structure, shape, dimensions and materials of the seat,1.17.2. the type and dimensions of the adjustment systems and all locking
systems,
1.17.3. the type and dimensions of the belt anchorages on the seat, of the
seat anchorage and of the affected parts of the vehicle structure;
1.18. ‘displacement system’ means a device enabling the seat or one of
its parts to be displaced angularly or longitudinally, without a fixed
intermediate position, to facilitate passenger access;
1.19. ‘locking system’ means a device ensuring that the seat and its parts
are maintained in any position of use.
2. EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL2.1. Application for EEC component type-approval
2.1.1. The application for EEC component type-approval of a type of
safety belt shall be submitted by the holder of the trade name or
mark or by his representative.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 7
bB
The application for EEC component type-approval of a type of
restraint system shall be submitted by the holder of the trade mark
or by his representative or by the manufacturer of the vehicle in
which it is to be installed or by his representative.
2.1.2. It shall be accompanied by:2.1.2.1. a technical description in triplicate of the belt type, specifying the
straps and rigid parts used and accompanied by appropriate draw-
ings and installation instructions in the case of retractors. The
drawings must show the position for the EEC component type-
approval mark. The description shall mention the colour of the
model submitted for approval and shall specify the vehicle type(s)
for which this belt type is intended. In the case of a restraint sys-
tem, the description shall include: drawings, on an appropriate
scale, of the vehicle structure, seat structure, adjustment systems
and attachments, showing the positions of the seat anchorages and
belt anchorages and reinforcements in sufficient detail; a specifica-
tion of the materials used which may affect the strength of the seat
anchorages and belt anchorages; a technical description of the seat
anchorages and the belt anchorages;
2.1.2.2. five samples of a belt type without a retractor;2.1.2.3. six samples of a belt type with a retractor;2.1.2.4. a 10-metre length of each type of strap used in the type of belt.2.1.3. In the case of restraint systems, two samples, which may include
two of the samples of belts mentioned in 2.1.2.2, and, at the manu-
facturer's choice, either a vehicle representative of the vehicle type
to be approved, or the part or parts of the vehicle considered essen-
tial by the technical service conducting approval tests for testing
the restraint system, shall be submitted by the applicant to the ser-
vice.
2.2. Markings
The samples of a belt type or type of restraint system submitted
for EEC component type-approval in accordance with 2.1 shall be
clearly and indelibly marked with the manufacturer's name, trade
name or mark.
2.3. General specifications
2.3.1. Each sample submitted in accordance with 2.1 shall conform to the
specifications set out in 2.3 to 2.7.
2.3.2. The belt or the restraint system shall be so designed and con-
structed that, when correctly installed and properly used by an
occupant, it operates satisfactorily and reduces the risk of bodily
injury in the event of an accident.
2.4. Rigid parts
2.4.1. General
2.4.1.1. The rigid parts of the safety belt, such as buckles, adjusting
devices, attachments and the like, shall not have sharp edges liable
to cause wear or breakage of the straps by chafing.
2.4.1.2. All parts of a belt assembly liable to be affected by corrosion shall
be suitably protected against it. After undergoing the corrosion test
prescribed in 2.7.2, neither signs of deterioration likely to impair
the proper functioning of the device nor any significant corrosion
shall be visible to the unaided eye of a qualified observer.
2.4.1.3. Rigid parts intended to absorb energy or to be subjected to or to
transmit a load shall not be fragile.
2.4.1.4. The rigid items and plasticparts of a safety belt must be so loc ated
and installed that, when a power-driven vehicle is in normal use,
they cannot become trapped under a sliding seat or in a door of
the vehicle. If one of the parts does not meet the above require-
ments, it must be subjected to the cold impact test specified in
2.7.6.4. After test, if any visible cracks are present in the plastic
covers or retainers of rigid items, these plastic parts shall be
removed and the remaining assembly shall then be checked for its
continued security. If the remaining assembly is still secure, or if
no visible cracks are present, it shall be checked again in order to
ascertain whether it meets the requirements of 2.4.2, 2.4.3 and 2.6.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 8
bB
2.4.2. Buckle
2.4.2.1. The buckle shall be so designed as to preclude any possibility of
incorrect use. This means inter alia that it must not be possible for
the buckle to be left in a partially-closed position. The procedure
for opening the buckle must be obvious. Wherever the buckle is
likely to be in contact with the wearer, the width of its contact sur-
face shall not be less than 46 mm.
2.4.2.2. The buckle, even when not under load, shall remain closed, what-
ever its position. It must not be possible to release it with a force
less than 1 daN.
The buckle shall be so designed as to be easy to use and to grasp.
It shall be capable of being released when under the load specified
in 2.7.9.2.
The buckle shall be released by pressing either a button or a simi-
lar device. The surface to which this pressure is applied shall have,
in the position of actual unlocking:
— for enclosed devices, an area of not less than 4·5 cm2and a
width of not less than 15 mm;
— for non-enclosed devices, an area of not less than 2·5 cm2and
a width of not less than 10 mm.
This area shall be coloured red. No other part of the buckle shall
be of this colour.
2.4.2.3. The buckle shall be capable of withstanding repeated operation
and, before the dynamictest referred to in 2.7.8, shall undergo 500
opening and closing cycles. The springs of closing buckles shall, in
addition, be actuated 4 500 times in conditions of normal use.
2.4.2.4. The buckle, when tested in accordance with 2.7.6.3 shall operate
normally.
2.4.2.5. The force required to open the buckle in the test prescribed in
2.7.9 shall not exceed 6 daN.
2.4.2.6. The buckle shall be tested for strength in accordance with the
requirements of 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.5, as appropriate. It must not
break, be seriously distorted or become detached when subjected to
the prescribed load.
2.4.2.7. In the case of buckles which incorporate a component common to
two assemblies, if the buckle of one assembly can be assembled in
use with the mating part of that assembly and with that of theother assembly, the strength and release tests mentioned in 2.7.8
and 2.7.9 shall be carried out for both possible means of assembly.
2.4.3. Belt adjusting device
2.4.3.1. Two samples of each belt adjusting device shall be tested in accor-
dance with the requirements of 2.7.4. The strap slip shall not
exceed 25 mm for each sample of adjusting device and the sum of
shifts for all the adjusting devices of a belt shall not exceed 40
mm.
2.4.3.2. All adjusting devices shall be tested for strength in accordance
with 2.7.6.1. They must neither break nor become detached when
subjected to the prescribed load.
2.4.3.3. When a test is carried out in accordance with 2.7.6.6, the force
required to operate any manual device shall not exceed 5 daN.
2.4.4. Attachments
Attachments shall be tested for strength in accordance with the
requirements of 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.2. They must neither break nor
become detached when subjected to the prescribed load.
2.4.5. Retractors
Retractors shall fulfil the requirements specified below, including
the tests for strength prescribed in 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.2.
2.4.5.1. Automatically locking retractors2.4.5.1.1. The strap of a safety belt equipped with an automatically locking
retractor shall not move more than 30 mm between the locking
positions of the retractor. After a rearward movement by the
wearer, the belt must either remain in its initial position or return
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 9
bB
to that position automatically on subsequent forward movements
by the wearer.
2.4.5.1.2. If the retractor is part of a lap belt, the retracting force of the strap
shall be not less than 0·7 daN when measured in the free length
between the manikin and the retractor in accordance with 2.7.7.4.
If the retractor is part of a diagonal strap, the retracting force of
the strap shall be not less than 0·2 daN and not more than 0·7 daN
when similarly measured. If the strap passes through a guide or
pulley, the retracting force shall be measured in the free length
between the manikin and the guide or pulley. If the assembly
incorporates a device which, upon manual or automatic operation,
prevents the strap from being completely retracted, such a device
shall not be operated when the retracting force is assessed.
2.4.5.1.3. The strap shall be withdrawn from the retractor and allowed to
retract repreatedly, in accordance with the method described in
2.7.7.1, until 5 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have been
completed. The retractor shall then be subjected to the corrosion
test prescribed in 2.7.2 followed by the dust resistance test
described in 2.7.7.3. It shall then satisfactorily complete a further
5 000 cycles after which it shall still meet the requirements of
2.4.5.1.1 and 2.4.5.1.2. After the above tests, the retractor shall still
function correctly and stow the strap efficiently.
2.4.5.2. Emergency locking retractors
2.4.5.2.1. An emergency locking retractor shall satisfy the following condi-
tions when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2:
2.4.5.2.1.1. it shall have locked when the vehicle deceleration reaches a value
of 0·45 g;
2.4.5.2.1.2. it shall not lock at strap accelerations, measured in the direction of
the extraction, of less than 0·8 g;
2.4.5.2.1.3. it shall not lock when it is tilted to angles of 12R‘vP or less in any
direction from the installation position specified by its manufac-
turer;
2.4.5.2.1.4. it shall lock when it is tilted to angles of 27R‘vP or more in any direc-
tion from the installation position specified by its manufacturer;
2.4.5.2.2. when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2, an emergency locking
retractor with multiple sensitivity, one of which is strap sensitivity,
shall, in addition to meeting the above requirements, lock when the
strap acceleration is at least 1·5 g, measured in the direction of the
extraction;
2.4.5.2.3. in each of the tests mentioned in 2.4.5.2.1 and 2.4.5.2.2, the
amount of strap movement which may occur before the retractor
locks shall not exceed 50 mm, starting at the length specified in
2.7.7.2.1. In order to comply with the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.2,
a retractor shall be considered as satisfactory if, at the strap accel-
eration values prescribed in that point, it does not lock until at
least the first 50 mm of strap has been unwound, starting at the
length specified in 2.7.7.2.1;
2.4.5.2.4. if the retractor is part of a lap belt, the retracting force of the strap
shall be not less than 0·7 daN when measured in the free length
between the manikin and the retractor, in accordance with 2.7.7.4.
If the retractor is part of a diagonal strap, the retracting force of
the strap shall be not less than 0·2 daN and not more than 0·7 daN
when similarly measured. If the strap passes through a guide or
pulley, the retracting force shall be measured in the free length
between the manikin and the guide or pulley. If the assembly
incorporates a device which, upon manual or automatic operation,
prevents the strap from being completely retracted, such a device
shall not be operated when the retracting force is assessed;
2.4.5.2.5. the strap shall be withdrawn from the retractor and allowed to
retract repeatedly in accordance with the method described in
2.7.7.1 until 40 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have been
completed. The retractor shall then be subjected to the corrosion
test prescribed in 2.7.2 followed by the dust resistance test
described in 2.7.7.3. It shall then satisfactorily complete a further
5 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction, after which it shall still
meet the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1, 2.4.5.2.2, 2.4.5.2.3 and
2.4.5.2.4. After the above tests, the retractor shall still function cor-
rectly and stow the strap efficiently.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 10
bB
2.5. Straps
2.5.1. General
2.5.1.1. The characteristics of the straps shall be such as to ensure that
their pressure on the wearer's body is distributed as evenly as pos-
sible over their whole width and that they do not twist, even under
load. They shall have energy-absorbing and energy-dispersing
capacities.
2.5.1.2. The width of the strap under a load of 980 daN shall not be less
than 46 mm. This dimension shall be measured during the break-
ing-strength test prescribed in 2.7.5, and without stopping the
machine.
2.5.2. Strength after room-conditioning
In the case of the two strap samples conditioned in conformity
with 2.7.3.1, the breaking load of the strap, determined in accor-
dance with 2.7.5, shall be not less than 1 470 daN. The difference
between the breaking loads of the two samples shall not exceed 10
% of the greater of the breaking loads measured.
2.5.3. Strength after special conditioning
In the case of the two strap samples conditioned in conformity
with one of the provisions of 2.7.3 (except 2.7.3.1), the breaking
load of the strap shall be not less than 75 % of the average of the
loads determined in the test referred to in 2.5.2, and not less than
1 470 daN. The technical service may dispense with one or more
of these tests if the composition of the material used, or informa-
tion already available, renders the test or tests superfluous.
2.6. Belt assembly or restraint system
2.6.1. Requirements for dynamic testing
2.6.1.1. The belt assembly or restraint system shall be subjected to a
dynamictest in c onformity with 2.7.8.
2.6.1.2. The dynamictest shall be performed on two belt assemblies whic h
have not previously been under load, except in the case of belt
assemblies forming part of restraint systems, when the dynamic
test shall be performed on the restraint systems intended for one
group of seats which have not previously been under load. The
buckles of the belt assemblies to be tested shall have met the
requirements of 2.4.2.3. In the case of safety belts with retractors,
the retractor shall have been subjected to the test for durability of
the mechanism given in 2.7.7.1, the corrosion test given in 2.7.2
and the test for dust resistance given in 2.7.7.3. During the test, the
following requirements shall be met:
2.6.1.2.1. no part of a belt assembly or a restraint system securing the occu-
pant shall break and no buckle or locking or displacement system
shall unlock;
2.6.1.2.2. the forward displacement of the manikin shall be between 80 and
200 mm at pelvic level in the case of lap belts. In the case of other
types of belts, the forward displacement shall be between 80 and
200 mm at pelviclevel and between 100 and 300 mm at c hest
level. These displacements are the displacements in relation to the
measurement points shown in Annex VIII, fig. 6.
2.6.1.3. In the case of a restraint system:2.6.1.3.1. the movement of the chest reference point may exceed that speci-
fied in 2.6.1.2.2 if it can be shown, either by calculation or by a
further test, that no part of the torso or the head of the manikin
used in the dynamic test would have come into contact with any
forward rigid part of the vehicle, apart from contact of the chest
with the steering assembly, if the latter meets the requirements of
Directive 74/297/EEC and provided that contact does not occur at
a speed higher than 24 km/h. For this assessment, the seat shall be
considered to be in the position specified in 2.7.8.1.5;
2.6.1.3.2. in the case of a two-door vehicle, the displacement and locking
systems enabling the occupants of the rear seats to leave the vehi-
cle must still be operable by hand after the dynamic test.
2.6.2. Strength after abrasion procedure
2.6.2.1. For both samples conditioned in conformity with 2.7.3.6, the break-
ing load shall be assessed in accordance with 2.5.2 and 2.7.6. It
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 11
bB
shall be at least equal to 75 % of the average of the breaking loads
determined during tests on unabraded straps, and not less than the
minimum load specified for the items being tested. The difference
between the breaking loads of the two samples shall not exceed 20
% of the greater of the breaking loads measured.
2.6.2.2. The items to be subjected to an abrasion procedure and the proce-
dures to be followed are indicated in the following table. A new
sample shall be used for each procedure.
Type 1 pro-
cedureType 2 pro-
cedureType 3 pro-
cedure
Attachment — — x
Guide or pulley — x —
Buckle-loop — x xAdjusting device x x x
Parts sewn to the strap — — x
2.7. Tests
2.7.1. Use of samples submitted for EEC component type-approval of a
type of belt or restraint system (see Annex XIV)
2.7.1.1. Two belt assemblies are required for the assembled-belt test, for
the buckle-opening test and for the cold impact test.
2.7.1.2. One belt assembly shall be used as a source of samples of belt
components for the corrosion and buckle-strength tests.
2.7.1.3. Two belt assemblies are required for the abrasion procedure and
the micro-slip test.
2.7.1.4. The additional belt assembly mentioned in 2.1.2.3 shall be used for
the corrosion test.
2.7.1.5. The sample of strap shall be used for testing the breaking strength
of the strap. Part of this sample shall be preserved for as long as
the component type-approval remains valid.
2.7.1.6. The technical service responsible for approval testing shall be
entitled to ask for a number of samples in addition to those
referred to in 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3 and 2.1.2.4.
2.7.2. Corrosion test
2.7.2.1. A complete safety belt assembly shall be positioned in a test cham-
ber as prescribed in Annex XIII. In the case of an assembly incor-
porating a retractor, the strap shall be unwound to full length, less
300 € 3 mm.
Except for short interruptions that may be necessary, e.g. for
checking and replenishing the salt solution, the exposure test shall
proceed continuously for a period of fifty hours.
2.7.2.2. On completion of the exposure test, the assembly shall be gently
washed or dipped in clean running water at a temperature not
exceeding 38 R‘vPC so as to remove any salt deposit that may have
formed, and then allowed to dry at room temperature for 24 hours
before being inspected in accordance with 2.4.1.2.
2.7.3. Conditioning of straps for the breaking-strength test
Samples cut from the strap, as referred to in 2.1.2.4, shall be con-
ditioned as follows.
2.7.3.1. Room-conditioning
The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmo-
sphere having a temperature of 20 € 5 R‘vPC and a relative humidityof 65 € 5 %. If the test is not carried out immediately after condi-
tioning, the sample shall be placed in a hermetically sealed recep-
tacle until the test begins. The breaking load shall be determined
within five minutes of the strap's removal from the conditioning
atmosphere or receptacle.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 12
bB
2.7.3.2. Light-c onditioning
2.7.3.2.1. The provisions of Recommendation ISO/R 105—1959, ‘Test for
colour fastness of textiles’, as amended by Addendum I (ISO/R
105—1959/A1 — 1963) and Addendum II (ISO/R 105/II — 1963)
shall apply. The strap shall be exposed to light for the time neces-
sary to produce fading of Standard Blue Dye No 7 to a contrast
equal to grade four on the grey scale.
2.7.3.2.2. After exposure, the strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours
in an atmosphere having a temperature of 20 € 5 R‘vPC and a relative
humidity of 65 € 5 %. The breaking load shall be determined
within five minutes of the sample's removal from the conditioning
installation.
2.7.3.3. Cold-conditioning
2.7.3.3.1. The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmo-
sphere having a temperature of 20 € 5 R‘vPC and a relative humidity
of 65 € 5 %.
2.7.3.3.2. The strap shall then be kept for 1 !hours on a plane surface in a
low-temperature chamber in which the air temperature is – 30 € 5
R‘vPC. It shall then be folded and the fold shall be loaded with a mass
of 2 kg previously cooled to – 30 € 5 R‘vPC. When the strap has been
kept under load for 30 minutes in the same low-temperature cham-
ber, the mass shall be removed and the breaking load shall be mea-
sured within five minutes of the strap's removal from the low-tem-
perature chamber.
2.7.3.4. Heat-conditioning2.7.3.4.1. The strap shall be kept for three hours in a heating cabinet in an
atmosphere having a temperature of 60 € 5 R‘vPC and a relative
humidity of 65 € 5 %.
2.7.3.4.2. The breaking load shall be determined within five minutes of the
strap's removal from the heating cabinet.
2.7.3.5. Exposure to water
2.7.3.5.1. The strap shall be kept fully immersed for three hours in distilled
water, at a temperature of 20 € 5 R‘vPC, to which a trace of a wetting
agent has been added. Any wetting agent suitable for the fibre
under test may be used.
2.7.3.5.2. The breaking load shall be determined within 10 minutes of the
strap's removal from the water.
2.7.3.6. C onditioning by abrasion
2.7.3.6.1. The abrasion procedure shall be performed on every device in
which the strap is in contact with a rigid part of the belt. However,
the type 1 abrasion test (2.7.3.6.4.1) need not be carried out on the
belt-adjusting device where the micro-slip test (2.7.4) shows that
the strap slips less than half the prescribed amount. The setting on
the test apparatus shall approximately maintain the relative position
of strap and contact area.
2.7.3.6.2. The samples to be subjected to abrasion shall be kept for a mini-
mum of 24 hours in an atmosphere having a temperature of 20 € 5
R‘vPC and a relative humidity of 65 € 5 %. The room temperature
during testing shall be between 15 and 30 R‘vPC.
2.7.3.6.3. The table below sets out the requirements for each abrasion proce-
dure:
Load daNFrequency
HzNumber of
cyclesShift mm
Type 1 procedure 2·5 0·5 5 000 300 + 20
Type 2 procedure 0·5 0·5 45 000 300 € 20
Type 3 procedure (1) 0—5 0·5 45 000 —
(1) See 2.7.3.6.4.3.
The shift given in the fifth column of this table represents the
amplitude of a back-and-forth motion applied to the strap.
2.7.3.6.4. Particular procedure conditions.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 13
bB
2.7.3.6.4.1. Type 1 procedure: for cases where the strap slides through an
adjusting device.
The 2·5 daN load shall be vertically and permanently applied to
one section of the strap.
The other section, set horizontally, shall be subjected to a back-
and-forth motion.
The adjusting device shall be so placed that the horizontal section
of the strap shall remain under load (see Annex XII, fig. 1).
2.7.3.6.4.2. Type 2 procedure: for cases where the strap changes direction in
passing through a rigid part.
The angles of both sections of the strap shall be as shown in
Annex XII, fig. 2.
The 0·5 daN load shall be permanently applied.
2.7.3.6.4.3. Type 3 procedure: for cases where the strap is fixed to a rigid part
by sewing or similar means.
The total shift shall be 300 € 20 mm and the 5 daN load shall be
applied only during the time corresponding to a shift of 100 € 20
mm for each half period (see Annex XII, fig. 3).
2.7.4. Micro-slip test (see Annex XII, fig. 3) .
2.7.4.1. The components or devices to be subjected to the micro-slip test
shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours before testing in an atmo-
sphere having a temperature of 20 € 5 R‘vPC and a relative humidity
of 65 € 5 %.
The test shall be carried out at a temperature between 15 and 30
R‘vPC.
2.7.4.2. It shall be ensured that the free section of the adjusting device
points either up or down on the test bench, as in the vehicle.
2.7.4.3. A 5 daN load shall be attached to the lower end of the section of
strap.
The other end shall be subjected to a back-and-forth motion the
total amplitude being 300 € 20 mm (see figure).
2.7.4.4. If there is a free end serving as reserve strap, it must in no way be
fastened or clipped to the section under load.
2.7.4.5. It shall be ensured that on the test bench the strap, in the slack
position, descends in a concave curve from the adjusting device, as
in the vehicle.
The 5 daN load applied on the test bench shall be guided vertically
in such a way as to prevent the load swaying and the belt twisting.
The attachment shall be fixed to the 5 daN load as in the vehicle.
2.7.4.6. Before the actual start of the test, a series of 20 cycles shall be
completed so that the self-tightening system settles properly.
2.7.4.7. 1 000 cycles shall be completed at a frequency of 0·5 cycle per
second, the total amplitude being 300 € 20 mm. The 5 daN load
shall be applied only during the time corresponding to a shift of
100 € 20 mm for each half period.
2.7.5. Test of breaking strength of strap (statictest)
2.7.5.1. The test shall be carried out each time on two new samples of
strap, of sufficient length, conditioned in accordance with one of
the provisions of 2.7.3.
2.7.5.2. Each strap shall be gripped between the clamps of a tensile-testing
machine. The clamps shall be so designed as to avoid breakage of
the strap at or near the point of contact with the clamps. The speed
of traverse shall be about 100 mm per minute. The free length of
the sample between the clamps of the machine at the start of the
test shall be 200 € 40 mm.
2.7.5.3. When the load reaches 980 daN, the width of the strap shall be
measured without stopping the machine.
2.7.5.4. The load shall then be increased until the strap breaks, and the
breaking load shall be noted.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 14
bB
2.7.5.5. If the strap slips or breaks at the point of contact with one of the
clamps or within 10 mm of either of them, the test shall be invalid
and a new test shall be carried out on another sample.
2.7.6. Static test of belt components incorporating rigid parts
2.7.6.1. The buckle and the adjusting device shall be connected to the ten-
sile-testing apparatus by the parts of the belt assembly to which
they are normally attached, and the load shall then build up to 980
daN. However, if the buckle or the adjusting device is part of the
attachment, the buckle or adjusting device shall be tested with the
attachment, in accordance with 2.7.6.2, except in the case of retrac-
tors with a return pulley or guide at the upright. Where a retractor
is tested as an adjusting device, the length of strap remaining
wound on the reel shall be the length resulting from locking with
the strap unwound as close as possible to full length less 450 mm.
2.7.6.2. The attachments shall be tested in the way described in 2.7.6.1, but
the load shall be 1 470 daN and, subject to the provisions of the
second sentence of 2.7.8.1., shall be applied in the least favourable
conditions likely to occur in a vehicle in which the belt is correctly
installed. In the case of retractors, the test shall be performed with
the strap completely unwound from the reel.
2.7.6.3. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed in a
low-temperature chamber at – 10 € 1 R‘vPC for two hours. After being
removed from the chamber the mating parts of the buckle shall
then be locked together manually.
2.7.6.4. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed in a
low-temperature chamber at – 10 € 1 R‘vPC for two hours. The rigid
items and plasticparts under test shall then be laid in turn upon a
flat steel surface (which has been kept with the samples in the
low-temperature chamber), placed on the horizontal surface of a
compact rigid block with a mass of at least 100 kg; within 30 sec-
onds of their being removed from the low-temperature chamber, an
18 kg steel mass shall be allowed to fall under gravity from a
height of 300 mm onto the item. The impact face of the mass shall
have a hardness of at least 45 HRC and take the form of a convex
surface having a transverse radius of 10 mm and a longitudinal
radius of 150 mm. One sample shall be tested with the axis of the
curved bar in line with the strap, and the other sample shall be
tested at 90R‘vP to the strap.
2.7.6.5. Buckles having parts common to two safety belts shall be loaded
in such a way as to simulate the conditions of use in a vehicle
with the seats in the mid-position of their adjustment. The direction
of application of the load shall be established in accordance with
2.7.8.1. A load of 1 470 daN shall be applied simultaneously to
each of the straps. Suitable apparatus for the above test is shown
in Annex XI.
2.7.6.6. When testing any manual adjusting device, the strap shall be drawn
steadily through that device, having regard to normal conditions of
use, at a rate of approximately 100 mm/s, and the maximum force
shall be measured to the nearest 0·1 daN after the first 25 mm of
strap movement. The test shall be carried out in both directions of
strap travel through the adjusting device, the strap being cycled 10
times prior to measurement.
2.7.7. Additional tests for retractors
2.7.7.1. Durability of retractor mechanism2.7.7.1.1. The strap shall be withdrawn and allowed to retract for the
required number of cycles at a rate of not more than 30 cycles per
minute. In the case of emergency locking retractors, a snatch shall
be introduced at each fifth cycle to lock the retractor. The snatches
shall occur in equal numbers at each of five different extractions,
namely, 90, 80, 75, 70 and 65% of the total length of the strap on
the retractor. However, where more than 900 mm is provided, the
above percentages shall be related to the final 900 mm of strap
which remain wound on the retractor.
2.7.7.1.2. Suitable apparatus for the tests specified in 2.7.7.1.1 is shown in
Annex IV.
2.7.7.2. Locking of emergency locking retractors2.7.7.2.1. The retractor shall be tested for locking when 300 € 3 mm of strap
remain wound on the retractor reel.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 15
bB
2.7.7.2.1.1. In the case of a locking retractor actuated by strap movement, the
extraction shall be in the direction in which it normally occurs
when the retractor is installed in a vehicle.
2.7.7.2.1.2. When retractors are being tested for sensitivity to vehicle decelera-
tion, they shall be tested at the above extraction in both directions
along two mutually perpendicular axes, which are horizontal if the
retractor is to be installed in a vehicle as specified by the safety
belt manufacturer. One of these test directions shall be chosen by
the technical service conducting the approval test so as to give the
most adverse conditions with respect to actuation of the locking
mechanism.
2.7.7.2.2. Suitable apparatus for the tests specified in 2.7.7.2.1 is described in
Annex V. The design of any such apparatus shall be such that the
required acceleration is achieved at an average rate of increase of
at least 10 g per second.
2.7.7.2.3. For the purpose of testing the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.3 and
2.4.5.2.1.4, the retractor shall be mounted on a horizontal table and
the table tilted at a speed not exceeding 2R‘vP per second until locking
has occurred. The test shall be repeated in other directions so as to
ensure that the requirements are fulfilled.
2.7.7.3. Dust resistance
2.7.7.3.1. The retractor shall be placed in a test chamber, as shown in Annex
VI. Its relative position shall be the same as that in which it is
mounted in the vehicle. The test chamber shall contain a quantity
of dust which meets the requirements of 2.7.7.3.2. 500 mm of the
strap shall be extracted from the retractor and kept extracted,
except that it shall be subjected to 10 complete cycles of retraction
and withdrawal within one or two minutes after each agitation of
the dust.
For a period of five hours, the dust shall be agitated every 20 min-
utes for five seconds by compressed air which is dry and free oflubricating oil, passing through an aperture 1·5 € 0·1 mm in dia-
meter at a gauge pressure of 5·5 R‘Mhw 10
5€ 0·5 R‘Mhw 105Pa.
2.7.7.3.2. The dust used in the test described in 2.7.7.3.1 shall consist of
about 1 kg of dry quartz. The particle size distribution shall be as
follows:
(a) passing through a 150 mm aperture, 104 mm wire diameter:
99 to 100 %;
(b) passing through a 105 mm aperture, 64 mm wire diameter: 76
to 86 %;
(c) passing through a 75 mm aperture, 52 mm wire diameter: 60
to 70 %.
2.7.7.4. Withdrawal and retracting forces2.7.7.4.1. The withdrawal and retracting forces shall be measured with the
safety belt assembly fitted to a manikin, as in the dynamictest pre-
scribed in 2.7.8. The strap tension shall be measured as close as
possible to the points of contact with (but just clear of) the mani-
kin, while the strap is being withdrawn or retracted at an approxi-mate speed of 0·6 m per minute.
2.7.8. Dynamic tests of the belt assembly or the restraint system
2.7.8.1. The belt assembly shall be mounted on a trolley equipped with the
seat and the anchorages defined in Annex VII. If, however, the
belt assembly is intended for a specific vehicle or for specific types
of vehicle, the distances between the manikin and the anchorages
shall be determined by the service conducting the tests, in accor-
dance either with the fitting instructions supplied with the belt, or
with the date supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
2.7.8.1.1. In the case of belt assemblies forming part of a restraint system,
the latter shall be mounted on the part of the vehicle structure to
which it is normally fitted, and that part shall be attached to the
test trolley in the manner prescribed below.
2.7.8.1.2. The method used to secure the vehicle during the test shall not be
such as to strengthen the anchorages of the seats or safety belts, or
to lessen the normal deformation of the structure.
No forward part of the vehicle shall be present which, by limiting
the forward movement of the manikin, apart from the feet, would
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 16
bB
reduce the load imposed on the restraint system during the test.
The discarded parts of the structure can be replaced by parts of
equivalent strength, provided that they do not hinder the forward
movement of the manikin.
2.7.8.1.3. A securing device shall be regarded as satisfactory if it produces
no effect on an area extending over the whole width of the struc-
ture, and if the vehicle or the structure is blocked or immobilized
in front at a distance of not less than 500 mm from the anchorage
of the restraint system tested. At the rear, the structure shall be
secured at a distance behind the anchorages which is sufficient to
ensure that the requirements of 2.7.8.1.2 are fulfilled.
2.7.8.1.4. The seats shall be adjusted and placed in the driving or travelling
position considered by the technical service conducting the
approval tests as providing the most adverse conditions of strength
consistent with the positioning of the manikin in the vehicle. The
positions of the seats shall be stated in the report. If the seat has a
back which is adjustable for inclination, the back shall be locked
as specified by the manufacturer or, in the absence of any specifi-
cation, it shall be locked in such a manner as to form an effective
angle as near as possible to 25R‘vP.
2.7.8.1.5. For the purpose of assessing the requirements of 2.6.1.3.1, the seat
shall be regarded as being in its most forward driving or travelling
position appropriate to the dimensions of the manikin.
2.7.8.1.6. All seats of the same group shall be tested simultaneously.2.7.8.2. The belt assembly shall be attached to the manikin specified in
Annex VIII as follows. A board 25 mm thick shall be placed
between the back of the manikin and the seat back. The belt shall
be firmly adjusted to the manikin. The board shall then be
removed and the manikin so positioned that the whole length of its
back is in contact with the seat back. If the buckle is of the
eccentric type, it shall lock only through the action of its spring; it
shall not be forced or snapped into the locked position. If a metal-
to-metal buckle is used, a check shall be made to ensure that the
method of coupling the two parts is not capable of reducing the
reliability of locking or the strength of the buckle.
2.7.8.3. The free ends of the straps shall extend sufficiently far beyond the
adjusting devices to allow for slip.
2.7.8.4. The trolley shall then be propelled in such a way that, at the
moment of impact, its free running speed is 50 € 1 km/h and the
manikin remains stable. The stopping distance of the trolley shallbe 400 € 50 mm. The trolley shall remain horizontal throughout
deceleration. Deceleration of the trolley shall be achieved by using
the apparatus shown in Annex VII or any other device giving
equivalent results. The apparatus shall meet the performance
requirements given in Annex IX.
2.7.8.5. The trolley speed immediately before impact and the maximum
forward displacement of the manikin shall be measured.
2.7.8.6. After impact, the belt assembly or restraint system and its rigid
parts shall be inspected visually, without opening the buckle, in
order to determine whether there has been any failure or breakage.
In the case of restraint systems, a check shall also be made, after
the test, to establish whether the parts of the vehicle structure
which are attached to the trolley have undergone any permanent
deformation. Any such deformation found shall be taken into
account in any calculation made in accordance with 2.6.1.3.1.
2.7.9. Buckle-opening test
2.7.9.1. Belt assemblies which have already undergone the dynamic test in
accordance with 2.7.8, shall be used for this test.
2.7.9.2. The belt assembly shall be detached from the test trolley without
the buckle being opened. A straight traction load of 30 daN shallbe applied to the buckle. Where the buckle is connected to a rigid
part, the force shall be applied while respecting the angle formed
by the buckle and the rigid section during the dynamic test. At a
speed of 400 mm/min € 20 mm/min a normal load shall be applied
to the geometric centre of the buckle opening button. This load
shall be applied along a constant axis. During application of the
buckle opening force, the buckle shall be held in place by a rigid
support. The normal load referred to above shall not exceed the
limit specified in 2.4.2.5. The point of contact of the test equip-
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 17
bB
ment shall be shperical in form with a radius of 2·5 mm € 0·1
mm. It shall have a polished metal surface.
2.7.9.3. The buckle-opening force shall be applied by a spring-balance or
another measuring device in the manner and direction which are
normal for opening the buckle.
2.7.9.4. The buckle-opening force shall be measured and any failure of the
buckle noted.
2.7.9.5. After the buckle-opening test, the components of the belt assembly
or restraint system which have undergone the tests prescribed in
2.7.8 shall be inspected and the extent of the damage sustained by
the belt assembly or restraint system in the dynamictest shall be
recorded in the test report.
2.7.10. Test report
The test report shall record the results of the tests prescribed in 2.7
and, in particular, the trolley speed, the maximum forward displa-
cement of the manikin, the position of the buckle and any failure
or breakage. If, pursuant to 2.7.8.1, the anchorage requirements ofAnnex VII have not been respected, the report shall describe how
the belt assembly or the restraint system is mounted and specify
important angles and dimensions. The report shall also mention
any distortion or breakage of the buckle that occurred during the
test.
In the case of a restraint system, the test report shall also specify
the method of attaching the vehicle structure-to the trolley, the
position of the seats and the tilt of the seat backs. If the forward
displacement of the manikin has exceeded the values prescribed in
2.6.1.2.2, the report shall state whether the requirements of
2.6.1.3.1 have been met.
2.8. Verification of conformity
2.8.1. Minimum requirements for verification of conformity
2.8.1.1. The manufacturer or his authorized representative holding the EEC
component type-approval mark shall be obliged to carry out contin-
uous quality control, or see that it is carried out, so as to ensure
that production of the belt assemblies is uniform and conforms to
the provisions of this Directive.
2.8.1.2. The manufacturer or his authorized representative shall be held
responsible for:
(a) the existence of quality control procedures;
(b) the availability of equipment necessary for the verification of
conformity;
(c) keeping records of test results, test reports and any documents
attached;
(d) the use of the test results to verify and ensure the consistency
of the belt assemblies manufactured, allowing for the variations
admissible in industrial production.
2.8.1.3. The samples selected for verification of conformity shall undergo
such tests as may be chosen by agreement with the competent
authority from among those described in 2.6 and 2.7.
2.8.1.4. The following minimum requirements in particular must be com-
plied with.
2.8.1.4.1. All assemblies incorporating emergency-locking retractors must be
checked for compliance with the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.1, in
accordance with the specific instructions contained in 2.4.5.2.3.
2.8.1.4.2. The check on the resistance of the samples of production belts in
the dynamic test shall be carried out in accordance with the proce-
dure laid down in 2.7.8. This check shall be carried out on a statis-
tical and random basis, and in any event with a frequency of 1 in
25 000 belts produced or one per month of production, whichever
is the greater.
A minimum frequency of one per year shall be permitted where
annual production is 5 000 assemblies or less.
During the test, after impact, the assembly shall be visually exam-
ined, without opening the buckle, to establish whether there has
been any failure or breakage. If an assembly should fail the test,
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 18
bB
the manufacturer shall select further samples and take the neces-
sary steps to ensure the conformity of production.
2.8.2. Minimum requirements for spot checks made by Member States
2.8.2.1. The frequency of spot checks shall be such that the tests specified
in 2.8.2.2 are performed on at least 1 in 5 000 safety belts and
restraint system of each approved type produced, with a minimum
frequency of one and a maximum frequency of 50 for any 12
months of production.
2.8.2.2. Belts selected for verification of conformity with an approved type
shall undergo such tests as may be chosen by the competent
authority from among those described in 2.6 and 2.7.
At least 10 % of the belts selected for verification of conformity,
but with a minimum of one and a maximum of five for 12 months
production, shall undergo a dynamic test.
2.8.2.3. If one of the samples fails the test to which it is subjected, a
further test shall be carried out on three other samples.
If one of the latter fails the test, Article 3 (2) shall be applied.
2.8.2.4. Tests shall be carried out on belts offered or intended for sale.
2.9. Instructions
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by the instructions speci-
fied in Annex X.
3. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS3.1. Vehicle equipment
Any vehicle covered by Article 9 shall be equipped with safety
belts or restraint systems incorporating the following belt arrange-ments (with which neither non-locking retractors (1.8.1) nor manu-
ally unlocking retractors (1.8.2) can be used):
3.1.1. for front outboard seating positions, three-point safety belts with
emergency locking retractors having multiple sensitivity (1.8.4);
however, for the passenger seat automatically locking retractors
(1.8.3) shall be permitted;
3.1.2. for front central seating positions, three-point safety belts, whether
or not fitted with retractors;
3.1.2.1. however, for front central seating positions, lap-belts, whether or
not fitted with retractors, shall be considered adequate where the
windscreen is located outside the reference zone defined in Annex
II to Directive 74/60/EEC;
as regards safety belts, the windscreen shall be considered as part
of the reference zone when it is capable of entering into static con-
tact with the test apparatus according to the method described in
Annex II to Directive 74/60/EEC;
3.1.2.2. notwithstanding 3.1.2 and 3.1.2.1 and until 1 January 1979, each
front central seat may be equipped with only a lap-belt, whether or
not fitted with retractors;
3.1.3. at rear seating positions, lap-belts or three-point belts, whether or
not fitted with retractors;
3.1.4. on three-point belts fitted with retractors, one retractor must oper-
ate at least on the diagonal strap.
3.2. General requirements
3.2.1. Safety belts and restraint systems shall be fixed to anchorages con-
forming to the specifications of Directive 76/115/EEC.
3.2.2. The safety belts and the restraint systems shall be so installed that,
when properly worn, they will work satisfactorily and reduce the
risk of bodily injury in the event of an accident. In particular they
shall be so installed that:
3.2.2.1. the straps are not liable to assume a dangerous configuration;
3.2.2.2. when worn correctly, the risk of the strap slipping from the
shoulder is reduced to a minimum;
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 19
bB
3.2.2.3. the risk of the strap deteriorating through contact with sharp rigid
parts of the vehicle or seat structure is reduced to a minimum.
3.3. Special requirements for rigid parts incorporated in safety belts
or restraint systems
3.3.1. Rigid parts, such as the buckles, adjusting devices and attachments,
shall not increase the risk of bodily injury to the wearer or to other
occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
3.3.2. The device for releasing the buckle shall be clearly visible to and
within easy reach of the wearer and shall be so designed that it
cannot be opened inadvertently or accidentally. The buckle shall
also be located in such a position that it is readily accessible to a
rescuer needing to release the wearer in an emergency.
The buckle shall be so installed that, both when not under load
and when sustaining the wearer's weight, it is capable of being
released by the wearer with a single simple movement of either
hand in one direction. In the case of safety belts or restraint sys-
tems for front outboard seating positions, the buckle shall also be
capable of being locked in the same manner.
A check shall be made to ensure that, if the buckle is in contact
with the wearer, the width of the contact surface is not less than
46 mm.
3.3.3. When the belt is being worn, it shall either adjust automatically to
fit the wearer or be so designed that the manual adjusting device is
readily accessible to the wearer when seated and is convenient and
easy to use. It shall also be possible for it to be tightened with one
hand to suit the build of the wearer and the position of the vehicle
seat.
3.3.4. Safety belts or restraint systems incorporating retractors shall be so
installed that the retractors are able to operate correctly and stow
the strap efficiently.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 20
bB
ANNEX II
MODEL EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE
(Maximum format: A4 (210 FCQq0 297 mm))

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 21
bB
ANNEX III
EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK
1. GENERAL
1.1. Every safety belt or restraint system conforming to a type approved
under this Directive shall bear an EEC component type-approval
mark.
The EEC component type-approval mark shall consist of:
1.1.1. a rectangle surrounding the lower-case letter ‘e’ followed by the dis-
tinguishing letter(s) or number of the Member State which has
granted the EEC component type-approval:
1 for Germany,
2 for France,
3 for Italy,4 for the Netherlands,6 for Belgium,
11 for the United Kingdom,13 for Luxembourg,18 for Denmark,
IRL for Ireland,
E for Greece;
1.1.2. the EEC component type-approval number, located below the rectan-
gle;
1.1.3. the following additional symbol or symbols located above the rectan-
gle:
1.1.3.1. the letter ‘A’ in the case of a three-point belt, the letter ‘B’ in the
case of a lap belt and the letter ‘S’ in the case of a special type belt.
1.1.3.2. The symbols described in 1.1.3.1 shall be supplemented by the fol-
lowing marks:
1.1.3.2.1. the letter ‘e’ in the case of a belt fitted with an energy absorber;
1.1.3.2.2. the letter ‘r’ in the case of a safety belt fitted with a retractor, fol-
lowed by the number of the type of retractor used, in accordance
with 1.8 of Annex I, and the letter ‘m’ if the retractor used is an
emergency locking retractor with multiple sensitivity.
1.1.3.3. The symbols described in 1.1.3.1 shall be preceded by the letter ‘Z’
when the safety belt is part of a restraint system.
1.2. The details described in 1.1 shall be clearly legible and indelible,
and must be provided either by means of a label or by direct mark-
ing. The label or marking shall be resistant to wear.bA1
bB
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 22
bB
2. DIAGRAMS OF EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARKS
2.1.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
three-point belt (‘A’) fitted with an energy absorber (e) and approved
in the Netherlands (e 4) under the number 2439.
2.2.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
lap belt (‘B’) fitted with a type 4 retractor with multiple sensitivity
and approved in the Netherlands (e 4) under the number 2439.
2.3.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
special type of belt (‘S’), fitted with an energy absorber (e), forming
part of a restraint system (‘Z’) and approved in the Netherlands (e 4)
under the number 2439.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 23
bB
Note:
The EEC component type-approval number and symbol(s) shall be
placed close to the rectangle and either above or below the letter
‘e’or to the left or right of that letter. The digits of the component
type-approval number shall be placed on the same side of the letter
‘e’ and shall face in the same direction. The additional symbol(s)
shall be diametrically opposite the component type-approval number.
The use of roman numerals as component type-approval numbers
must be avoided so as to prevent any confusion with other symbols.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 24
bB
ANNEX IV
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST DURABILITY OF RETRACTOR MECHANISM

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 25
bB
ANNEX V
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST LOCKING OF EMER-
GENCY LOCKING RETRACTORS
A suitable apparatus is illustrated in the figure and consists of a motor-driven
cam, the follower of which is attached by wires to a small trolley mounted on
a track. The cam follower incorporates a ‘lost motion’ device which absorbs
any movement should the reel lock before the full stroke of the follower is
completed. The cam design and motor speed combination is such as to givethe required acceleration at a rate of increase of acceleration as specified in
2.7.7.2.2 of Annex I, and the stroke is arranged to be in excess of the maxi-
mum permitted strap movement before locking.
On the trolley a carrier is mounted which can be swivelled to enable the retrac-
tor to be mounted in varying positions relative to the direction of movement of
the trolley.
When testing retractors for sensitivity to strap movement, the retractor is
mounted on a suitable fixed bracket and the strap is attached to the trolley.
When carrying out the above tests any brackets, etc. supplied by the manufac-
turer or by his representative shall be incorporated in the test installation to
simulate as closely as possible the intended installation in a vehicle.
Any additional brackets, etc., that may be required to simulate the installation
as intended in a vehicle shall be provided by the manufacturer or by his repre-
sentative.

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 26
bB
ANNEX VI
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS FOR DUST RESISTANCE TESTS

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 27
bB
ANNEX VII
DESCRIPTION OF TROLLEY, SEAT, ANCHORAGES AND STOPPING
DEVICE
1. TROLLEY
For tests on safety belts the trolley, carrying the seat only, shall have a
mass of 400 € 20 kg. For tests on restraint systems the trolley, with the
vehicle structure attached, shall have a mass of 800 kg. However, if neces-
sary, the total mass of the trolley and vehicle structure may be increased by
increments of 200 kg. In no case shall the total mass differ from the nom-
inal value by more than € 40 kg.
2. SEAT
Except in the case of tests on restraint systems, the seat shall be of rigid
construction and present a smooth surface. The particulars given in fig. 1
hereto shall be respected, care being taken that no metal part can come into
contact with the belt.
3. ANCHORAGES
The anchorages shall be positioned as shown in fig. 1. The circular marks
which correspond to the arrangement of the anchorages, show where the
ends of the belt are to be connected to the trolley or to the load transducer,
as the case may be. The structure carrying the anchorages shall be rigid.
The upper anchorage must not be displaced by more than 0·2 mm in the
longitudinal direction when a load of 98 daN is applied to it in that direc-
tion. The trolley shall be so constructed that no permanent deformation shall
occur in the parts bearing the anchorages during the test.
4. STOPPING DEVICE
This device consists of two identical absorbers mounted in parallel, except
in the case of restraint systems when four absorbers shall be used for a
nominal mass of 800 kg. If necessary, an additional absorber shall be used
for each 200 kg increase of nominal mass.
Each absorber comprises:
— an outer casing formed from a steel tube,
— a polyurethane energy-absorber tube,— a polished-steel olive-shaped knob penetrating into the absorber,
— a shaft and an impact plate.
The dimensions of the various parts of this absorber are shown in the dia-
grams reproduced in figs. 2, 3 and 4. The characteristics of the absorbing
material are given in the table below. Immediately before each test the tubes
shall be maintained for a minimum of 12 hours at a temperature of between
15 and 30 R‘vPC without being used.
The requirements which the stopping device must meet are given in Annex
IX. Any other device giving equivalent results can be accepted.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ABSORBING MATERIAL
(ASTM method D 735 unless otherwise stated)
Shore hardness A: 95 € 2Breaking strength: R
oA343 daN/cm2
Minimum elongation: Ao400 %
Modulus:— at 100 % elongation: 108 daN/cm2
— at 300 % elongation: 235 daN/cm2
Low-temperature brittleness (ASTM method D 736): five hours at – 55 R‘vPC
Compression set (method B): 22 hours at 70 R‘vPC @45 %
Density at 25 R‘vPC: 1·05 to 1·10
Ageing in air (ASTM method D 573):
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 28
bB
— 70 hours at 100 R‘vPC — shore hardness A: max. variation € 3
— breaking strength: decrease <10 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— mass: decrease < 1 %
Immersion in oil (ASTM method No 1 Oil):
— 70 hours at 100 R‘vPC — shore hardness A: max. variation € 4
— breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 5 %
Immersion in oil (ASTM method No 3 Oil):
— 70 hours at 100 R‘vPC — breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 15 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 20 %
Immersion in distilled water:
— one week at 70 R‘vPC — breaking strength: decrease < 35 % of Ro
— elongation: increase 20 % of Ao
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 29
bB

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 30
bB

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 31
bB

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 32
bB

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 33
bB
ANNEX VIII
DESCRIPTION OF MANIKIN
1. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MANIKIN
1.1.General
The main characteristics of the manikin are indicated in the following
figures and tables:
fig. 1: side view of head, neck and torso;
fig. 2: front view of head, neck and torso;fig. 3: side view of hip, thighs and lower leg;
fig. 4: front view of hip, thighs and lower leg;
fig. 5: principal dimensions;fig. 6: manikin in sitting position, showing:
— location of the centre of gravity,
— location of points at which displacement shall be mea-
sured,
— shoulder height;
table 1: references, names, materials and principal dimensions of the
components of the manikin;
table 2: mass of head, neck, torso, thigh and lower leg.
1.2.Description of the manikin
1.2.1. Lower leg structure (see figs. 3 and 4)
The lower leg structure consists of three components:
— a sole plate (30),
— a shin tube (29),
— a knee tube (26).
The knee tube has two lugs which limit the movement of the lower leg
in relation to the thigh.
The lower leg can rotate rearwards about 120R‘vP from the straight posi-
tion.
1.2.2. Thigh structure (see figs. 3 and 4)
The thigh structure consists of three components:
— a knee tube (22),
— a thigh bar (21),— a hip tube (20).
Movement of the knee is limited by two cut-outs in the knee tube (22)
which engage with the lugs of the leg.
1.2.3. Torso structure (see figs. 1 and 2)
The torso structure consists of the following components:
— a hip tube (2),
— a roller chain (4),— ribs (6) and (7),
— a sternum (8),
— chain attachments (3 and, partly, 7 and 8).
1.2.4. Neck(see figs. 1 and 2)
The neck consists of seven polyurethane discs (9). The degree of stiff-
ness of the neck can be adjusted by means of a chain tensioner.
1.2.5. Head(see figs. 1 and 2)
The head (15) is hollow; the polyurethane is reinforced by steel bands
(17). The chain tensioner which enables the neck to be adjusted consists
of a polyamide block (10), a tubular spacer (11) and a tensioning com-
ponent (12 and 13). The head can rotate at the joint between the first
and second cervical vertebrae (the atlas-axis joint), which consists of an
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 34
bB
adjuster assembly (14 and 18), a spacer (16) and a polyamide block
(10).
1.2.6. Knee joint (see fig. 4)
The lower leg and thighs are connected by a tube (27) and a tensioner
(28).
1.2.7. Hip joint (see fig. 4)
The thighs and torso are connected by a tube (23), friction plates (24)
and a tensioner (25).
1.2.8. Polyurethane
Type: PU 123 CH compound
Hardness: 50 to 60 shore A
1.2.9. Overall
The manikin is covered by a special overall
2. CORRECTION OF THE MASS
In order to calibrate the manikin to certain values and its total mass, the
mass distribution must be adjusted by means of six correction weights
of 1 kg each which can be fitted to the hip joint. Six other polyurethane
weights of 1 kg each can be fitted to the back of the torso.
3. CUSHION
A cushion shall be positioned between the chest of the manikin and the
overall. This cushion must be made of polyethylene foam complying
with the following specification:
— hardness: 7 to 10 shore A,
— thickness: 25 € 5 mm.
It shall be replaceable.
4. ADJUSTMENT OF THE JOINTS
4.1.General
In order to achieve reproducible results, it is necessary to specify and
control the friction at each joint.
4.2.Knee joint:
tighten the knee joint;set the thigh and lower leg vertical;
rotate the lower leg through 30R‘vP;
gradually slacken the tensioner until the lower leg starts to fall under its
own weight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.3.Hip joints:
increase the rigidity of the hip joints for the purposes of adjustment;
place the thighs in a horizontal position and the torso in a vertical posi-
tion;
rotate the torso forwards until it forms an angle of 60R‘vP with the thighs;
gradually slacken the tensioner until the torso starts to fall under its own
weight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.4.Atlas-axis joint:
adjust the atlas-axis joint so that it just resists its own weight in the fore
and aft directions.
4.5.Neck:
the neck can be adjusted by means of the chain tensioner (13);
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 35
bB
when the neck is adjusted, the upper end of the tensioner shall be dis-
placed between 40 and 60 mm when subjected to a horizontal load of
10 daN.
TABLE 1
Refer-
ence NoName Material Dimensions
1 Body polyurethane —
2 Hip tube steel 76 R‘Mhw 70 R‘Mhw 100 mm
3 Chain attachments steel 25 R‘Mhw 10 R‘Mhw 70 mm
4 Roller chain steel 3/4 mm
5 Shoulder plane polyurethane —
6 Ribs (rolled section) steel 30 R‘Mhw 30 R‘Mhw 3 R‘Mhw 250 mm
7 Ribs perforated steelplate 400 R‘Mhw 85 R‘Mhw 1·5 mm
8 Sternum perforated steelplate 250 R‘Mhw 90 R‘Mhw 1·5 mm9 Discs (6) polyurethane ø 90 R‘Mhw 20 mm
ø 80 R‘Mhw 20 mm
ø 75 R‘Mhw 20 mm
ø 70 R‘Mhw 20 mm
ø 65 R‘Mhw 20 mm
ø 60 R‘Mhw 20 mm
10 Block polyamide 60 R‘Mhw 60 R‘Mhw 25 mm
11 Tubular spacer steel 40 R‘Mhw 40 R‘Mhw 2 R‘Mhw 50 mm
12 Tensioning bolt steel M 16 R‘Mhw 90 mm
13 Tensioner nut steel M 16
14 Tensioner for atlas-axis
jointsteel ø 12 R‘Mhw 130 mm (M 12)
15 Head polyurethane —
16 Tubular spacer steel ø 18 R‘Mhw 13 R‘Mhw 17 mm
17 Reinforcement plate steel 30 R‘Mhw 3R‘Mhw 500 mm
18 Tensioner nut steel M 12
19 Thighs polyurethane —
20 Hip tube steel 76 R‘Mhw 70 R‘Mhw 80 mm
21 Thigh bar steel 30 R‘Mhw 30 R‘Mhw 440 mm
22 Knee tube steel 52 R‘Mhw 46 R‘Mhw 40 mm
23 Hip connecting tube steel 70 R‘Mhw 64 R‘Mhw 250 mm24 Friction plates (4) steel 160 R‘Mhw 75 R‘Mhw 1 mm
25 Tensioner assembly steel M 12 R‘Mhw 320 mm
plates and nuts
26 Knee tube steel 52 R‘Mhw 46 R‘Mhw 160 mm
27 Knee connecting tube steel 44 R‘Mhw 39 R‘Mhw 190 mm
28 Tensioner plate steel Ø 70 R‘Mhw 4 mm
29 Shin tube steel 50 R‘Mhw 50 R‘Mhw 2 R‘Mhw 460 mm
30 Sole plate steel 100 R‘Mhw 170 R‘Mhw 3 mm
31 Torso correction weights
(6)polyurethane 1 kg each
32 Cushion polyethylene foam 350 R‘Mhw 250 R‘Mhw 25 mm
33 Overall cotton and polyamide
straps
34 Hip joint correction
weights (6)steel mass 1 kg each
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 36
bB
TABLE 2
Components of manikinMass in kilo-
grams
Head and neck 4·6 € 0·3
Torso and arms 40·3 € 1·0
Thighs 16·2 € 0·5
Lower leg and foot 9·0 € 0·5
Total mass including correction weights 74·5 € 1·0
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 37
bB
Fig. 1
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 38
bB
Fig. 2
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 39
bB
Fig. 3
 Fig. 4
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 40
bB
Fig. 6
Manikin seated in position shown in Annex VII, fig. 1.
G = Centre of gravity
T = Torso measurement point (located at the front on the centre line of the
manikin)
P = Pelvis measurement point (located at the back on the centre line of the
manikin)
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 41
bB
ANNEX IX
DESCRIPTION OF CURVE OF TROLLEY'S DECELERATION AS
FUNCTION OF TIME
(Curve for testing stopping devices)
The deceleration curve of the trolley weighted with inert masses to produce a
total of 455 kg € 20 kg for safety belt tests and 910 kg € 40 kg for restraint
system tests, where the nominal mass of the trolley and vehicle structure is
800 kg, must remain within the hatched area above. If necessary, the nominal
mass of the trolley and attached vehicle structure can be increased by incre-
ments of 200 kg, in which case an additional inert mass of 28 kg shall be
added per increment. In no case shall the total mass of the trolley, the vehicle
structure and the inert masses differ from the nominal value for calibration
tests by more than € 40 kg. The stopping distance during calibration of the
trolley shall be 400 € 20 mm.
In both the above cases the measurement equipment shall have a response
which is substantially flat up to 60 Hz with a roll off at 100 Hz. Mechanical
resonances associated with transducer mounting should not distort readout data.
Consideration should be given to the effect of cable length and temperature on
frequency response(1).
(1) These requirements are in accordance with SAE recommended practice J 211a and
will later be replaced by a reference to an ISO standard at present in preparation.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 42
bB
ANNEX X
INSTRUCTIONS
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by instructions covering the following
points in the language or languages of the Member State in which it is to be
placed on sale:
1. Installation instructions (not required if the manufacturer supplies the vehi-
cle with safety belts already installed) which specify for which vehicle types
the assembly is suitable and the correct method of attachment of the assem-
bly to the vehicle, including a warning to guard against chafing of the
straps.
2. Instructions for use (they may be included in the vehicle user's handbook if
the manufacturer supplies the vehicle with safety belts already installed)
comprising the instructions necessary to ensure that the user obtains the
greatest benefit from the safety belt. In these instructions reference should
be made to:
(a) the importance of wearing the belt on all journeys;
(b) the correct manner of wearing the belt and in particular:
— the intended location of the buckle,
— the need for belts to fit tightly when in use,
— the correct positioning of the straps and the need to avoid twisting
them,
— the fact that each belt should be used by one occupant only and that
a belt must not be put round a child seated on a passenger's lap;
(c) the method of fastening and unfastening the buckle;
(d) the method of adjusting the belt;
(e) the method of operating any retractor which is incorporated in the
assembly and the method of checking that it has locked;
(f) the recommended methods of cleaning the belt and reassembling it after
cleaning where appropriate;
(g) the need to replace the safety belt when it has been in use in a serious
accident or shows signs of severe fraying or of having been cut;
(h) the fact that the belt must not be altered or modified in any way since
such changes may render the belt ineffective; in particular where the
design permits parts to be disassembled, instructions to ensure correct
reassembly must be given;
(i) the fact that the belt is intended for use by occupants of adult build;
(j) stowage of the belt when not in use.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 43
bB
ANNEX XI
DUAL BUCKLE TEST
(outlined in 2.7.6.5 of Annex I)

1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 44
bB
ANNEX XII
ABRASION AND MICROSLIP TESTS
Fig. 1
Type 1 test
Examples of test arrangements corresponding to the type of adjusting device
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 45
bB
Fig. 2
Type 2 test
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 46
bB
Fig. 3
Type 3 test and micro-slip test
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 47
bB
ANNEX XIII
CORROSION TEST
1. TEST APPARATUS
1.1. The apparatus shall consist of a mist chamber, a salt solution reservoir, a
supply of suitably conditioned compressed air, one or more atomizing noz-
zles, sample supports, provision for heating the chamber and the necessary
means of control. The size and constructional details of the apparatus shall
be optional, provided that the test conditions are met.
1.2. It is important to ensure that drops of solution accumulated on the ceiling
or cover of the chamber do not fall on test samples, and
1.3. that drops of solution which fall from test samples are not returned to the
reservoir and then atomized again.
1.4. The apparatus shall not be constructed of materials which affect the corro-
siveness of the mist.
2. LOCATION OF TEST SAMPLES IN THE MIST CABINET
2.1. Samples, except retractors, shall be supported or suspended between 15R‘vP
and 30R‘vP from the vertical and preferably parallel to the principal direction
of horizontal flow of mist through the chamber, as determined, in relation
to the dominant surface being tested.
2.2. Retractors shall be supported or suspended in such a manner that the axes
of the reels for storing the strap are normal to the principal direction of
horizontal flow of mist through the chamber. The strap opening in the
retractor shall also be facing this principal direction.
2.3. Each sample shall be so placed as to permit the mist to settle freely on all
samples.
2.4. Each sample shall be so placed as to prevent salt solution dripping from
one sample to another.
3. SALT SOLUTION
3.1. The salt solution shall be prepared by dissolving 5 € 1 parts by mass of
sodium chloride in 95 parts of distilled water. The salt shall be sodium
chloride substantially free from nickel and copper and containing in the
dry state not more than 0·1 % of sodium iodide and not more than 0·3 %
of impurities in total.
3.2. The solution shall be such that when atomized at 35 R‘vPC the collected solu-
tion is in the pH range of 6·5 to 7·2.
4. AIR SUPPLY
The compressed air supply to the nozzle or nozzles for atomizing the salt
solution shall be free from oil and impurities, and maintained at a pressure
of between 70 kN/m2and 170 kN/m2.
5. CONDITIONS IN THE MIST CHAMBER
5.1. The exposure zone of the mist chamber shall be maintained at 35 € 5 R‘vPC.
At least two clean mist collectors shall be placed within the exposure
zone to prevent drops of solution from the test samples or any other
source from accumulating. The collectors shall be placed near the test
samples, one as near as possible to the nozzles and the other as far away
as possible from the nozzles. The mist shall be such that, for each 80
cm2of horizontal collecting area, an average of between 1·0 and 2·0 ml of
solution per hour is collected in each collector when measured over at
least 16 hours.
5.2. The nozzle or nozzles shall be directed or baffled in such a manner that
the spray does not strike directly onto the test samples.
1977L0541 — EN — 01.01.1981 — 001.001 — 48
bB
ANNEX XIV
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF TESTS
Relevant Provi-
sions
ItemsTestSamples
Belt No Strap sample No
123456123456789 1 0
2.2, 2.3.2,
2.4.1.1, 2.4.2.1,
2.5.1.1Inspection of belt assembly
R‘Mhw
2.4.2.2 Inspection of buckle R‘MhwR‘MhwR‘MhwR‘MhwR‘MhwR‘Mhw
2.4.1.2, 2.7.2 Corrosion tests on all rigid parts R‘Mhw
2.4.3.2, 2.7.5.1 Strength of adjusting device R‘Mhw
2.4.3.1, 2.4.3.3,
2.7.5.6Ease of adjustment
R‘Mhw
2.4.4, 2.7.5.2 Strength of attachments R‘Mhw
2.4.2.3 Durability of buckle R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.4.2.4, 2.7.5.3 Low temperature operation of
buckle R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.4.2.6, 2.7.5.1,
2.7.5.5Strength of buckle
R‘Mhw
2.4.1.4, 2.7.5.4 Low temperature impact on all
rigid parts R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.4.5, 2.7.6.1,
2.7.2, 2.7.6.3,
2.7.6.2, 2.7.6.4Operation of retractor
R‘Mhw
2.5.1.2, 2.7.5 Check on strap width R‘Mhw
2.5.2, 2.7.3.1,
2.7.4Strength of strap after room-con-
ditioning R‘Mhw
2.5.3, 2.7.4 Strength of strap after special con-
ditioning:
2.7.3.2 — light-conditioning R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.7.3.3 — cold-conditioning R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.7.3.4 — heat-conditioning R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.7.3.5 — exposure to water R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.6.2, 2.7.3.6 Abrasion R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.4.3, 2.7.3.7 Micro-slip R‘Mhw R‘Mhw
2.4.2.7, 2.6.1,
2.4.2.6, 2.7.2,
2.7.6.3, 2.7.7Dynamictest on belt assembly
R‘MhwR‘Mhw
2.4.2.5, 2.4.2.7,
2.7.8Buckle-opening test
R‘MhwR‘Mhw
Note:In addition, one belt sample is required for reference purposes.