1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of28June1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to safety belts and restraint
systemsofmotorvehicles
(77/541/EEC)
(OJ L 220, 29.8.1977, p. 95)
Amended by:
Official Journal
No page date
►M1Council Directive 81/576/EEC of 20 July 1981 L 209 32 29.7.1981
►M2Commission Directive 82/319/EEC of 2 April 1982 L 139 17 19.5.1982
►M3Council Directive 87/354/EEC of 25 June 1987 L 192 43 11.7.1987
►M4Commission Directive 90/628/EEC of 30 October 1990 L 341 1 6.12.1990
►M5Commission Directive 96/36/EC of 17 June 1996 L 178 15 17.7.1996
Amended by:
►A1Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
►A2Act of Accession of Spain and Portugal L 302 23 15.11.1985
►A3Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C 241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
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COUNCILDIRECTIVE
of28June1977
on the approximationof the lawsofthe Member States relating to
safetybeltsandrestraint systemsofmotorvehicles
(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
Committee(2),
Whereas the technical requirements which motor vehicles must satisfy
pursuant to national laws relate inter alia to seat belts and restraint
systems;
Whereasthes e requirementsdiffer from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the samerequirementseither in addition to or in place of their exis ting regula-tions, in order in particular to allow the EEC type-approval procedurewhich wasthe s ubject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February
1970 on the approximation of the lawsof the Member Statesrelating to
the type-approval of motor vehiclesand their trailers(
3) to 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 rear
part of the seats have been laid down by Directive 74/60/EEC(4);
whereasrequirementsfor the internal fittingsrelating 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 anchorageshave been laid down by Directive 74/408/EEC(
6); whereasrequire-
mentsrelating to anchoragesfor s afety beltshave been laid down by
Directive 76/115/EEC(7); whereasother requirementsrelating to
internal fittings, and in particular those relating to head restraints andthe 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;
Whereasa harmonized component type-approval procedure for s afety
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 Statesof itsfindingsby s ending 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 systemsmanufactured in conformity with the approved type obviatesany needfor technical checks on these safety belts and restraint systems in the
other Member States;
Whereasthe main purpos e of the harmonized requirementsisto
promote road safety; whereas it should therefore be made compulsoryto fit safety belts and restraint systems to vehicles covered by thisDirective;1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 2
(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.
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Whereasthe approximation of national lawsrelating to motor vehicles
entailsmutual recognition by the Member Statesof checkscarried 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 AnnexesIV to XIV.
2. The Member State which hasgranted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required to ensure that production
modelsconform to the approved type, if need be in cooperation withthe competent authoritiesin 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-
control procedureslaid down in 2.8.1 of Annex I are applied.
If, however, the checksare made by the Member State its elf, or by
laboratories authorized by it, the methods used shall be such as togive results at least as reliable as those that would be given by the
proceduresprovided for in paragraph 1. The procedure laid down in
2.8.2 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
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conforming to one of the modelss hown in Annex III.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between safety belts or restraint
systems which have been type-approved pursuant to Article 1 and otherdevices.
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 theapproved type.
That State shall inform the other Member States and the Commission
forthwith of the measures taken, specifying the reasons for its decision.
Article 4
The competent authoritiesof the Member Statess hall inform each
other, by meansof the procedure s pecified in Article 4 (6) of Directive70/156/EEC, of each type of safety belt and restraint systems for whichan approval hasbeen granted, refus ed or withdrawn.
Article 5
1. If a Member State which hasgranted 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 other1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 3
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Member Statesof the meas urestaken, which may, where there is
consistent 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 authoritiesof another Member State of
such failure to conform.
2. The competent authoritiesof the Member Statess hall 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 hasgranted EEC component type-
approval disputes the failure to conform notified to it, the Member
States concerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The Commission
shall be kept informed and shall, where necessary, hold appropriateconsultations for the purpose of reaching a settlement.
Article 6
Any decision taken pursuant to the provisions adopted in implementa-
tion of thisDirective to refus e 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 isbased. Such decisions shall be notified to the party concerned, who
shall at the same time be informed of the remedies available to him
under the lawsin force in the Member Statesand 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 groundsrelating to the s afety beltsorrestraint systems with which it is equipped, if these bear the EECcomponent type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with the
requirementslaid 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 safety belts
or restraint systems, if these bear the EEC component type-approvalmark and are fitted in accordance with the requirementslaid down in3 of Annex I.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
in categoriesM and N asdefined in ►
M5Annex II A ◄to Directive
70/156/EEC intended for use on the road, having at least four wheels
and a maximum 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 procedurelaid 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 thisDirective within 18 monthsof itsnotificationand 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 thisDirectiveare communicated to the Commission.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 4
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Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 5
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LIST OF ANNEXES
ANNEX I: Scope, definitions, EEC component type-approval, installation
requirements
ANNEX II: Type-approval documentation
Appendix 1. Information document (component)
Appendix 2. Information document (vehicle)
Appendix 3. Type-approval certificate (component)
Appendix 4. Type-approval certificate (vehicle)
ANNEX III: EEC component type-approval marks
ANNEX IV: Example of an apparatusto tes t durability of retractor
mechanism
ANNEX V: Example of an apparatusto tes t locking of emergency locking
retractors
ANNEX VI: Example of apparatus to test the dust resistance of retractorsANNEX VII: Description of trolley, seat, anchorages and stopping device
ANNEX VIII: Description of manikin
ANNEX IX: Curve of trolley decelerationANNEX X: Instructions for use
ANNEX XI: Dual buckle test
ANNEX XII: Abrasion and microslip testANNEX XIII: Corrosion test
ANNEX XIV: Chronological order of tests
ANNEX XV: Safety belt installation showing the belt types and retractor
types
ANNEX XVI: Conformity of production1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 6
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ANNEX I
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL,
INSTALLATIONREQUIREMENTS
0. SCOPE
This Directive applies to safety belts and restraint systems which
are designed for installation in vehicles conforming to the definition
given in Article 9 and are intended for separate use, i.e. as indivi-
dual fittings, by persons of adult build occupying forward or
rearward-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 capable
of being anchored to a power-driven vehicle and isdes igned 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 wearer's
pelvic region;
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 a belt which is essentially a combination of
a lap strap and a diagonal strap;
1.1.4. ‘harness belt’ means a belt assembly comprising a lap belt and
shoulder straps;
1.2. ‘belt type’ meansa category of beltswhich do not differ in s uch
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’ meansa flexible component des igned to hold the body and
to transmit stresses to the belt anchorages;
1.4. ‘buckle’ meansa quick-releas e device enabling the wearer to be
held by the belt. The buckle may incorporate the belt adjusting
device►M4, except in the case of a harness belt buckle ◄;
1.5. ‘belt adjusting device’ meansa device enabling the belt to be
adjusted according to the requirements of the individual wearer
and to the position of the seat. ►M2The adjusting device may be
part of the buckle, the retractor or any other part of the safety
belt;◄
1.6. ‘attachments’ means parts of the belt assembly, including the neces-
sary securing components, which enable it to be attached to the belt
anchorages;
1.7. ‘energy absorber’ means a device designed to disperse energy inde-
pendently of, or jointly with, the strap and forming part of a belt
assembly;
1.8. ‘retractor’ meansa device for accommodating a part or the whole
of the strap of a safety belt;
1.8.1. ‘non-locking retractor’ (type 1) meansa 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;1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 7
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1.8.2. ‘manually unlocking retractor’ (type 2) meansa retractor requiring
the manual operation of a device by the user to unlock the retractor
in order to obtain the desired strap extraction and which locks auto-
matically when the said operation ceases;
1.8.3. ‘automatically locking retractor’ (type 3) meansa retractor allowing
extraction of the strap to the desired length and which, when the
buckle is fastened, automatically adjusts the strap to the wearer.
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) meansa 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 (single sensitivity);
1.8.4.2. a combination of the deceleration of the vehicle, movement of the
webbing or any other automatic means (multiple sensitivity);
1.8.5. ‘emergency-locking retractor with higher response threshold’ (type
4N) meansa retractor of the type defined in Item 1.8.4, but having
special properties as regards use in vehicles of categories M2,M3,
N1,N2and N3(1);
1.8.6. ‘belt adjustment device for height’ meansa device enabling the
position in height of the upper loop of a belt to be adjusted
according to the requirementsof the individual wearer and the pos i-
tion of the seat. Such a device may be considered as a part of the
belt or a part of the anchorage of the belt;
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 vehicleswhich do not differ in s uch
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’meansa s tructure 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;
1.12.1. a ‘front passenger seat’ means any seat where the ‘foremost H-
point’ of the seat in question is in or in front of the vertical trans-
verse plane through the drivers R-point;
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’ meansthe device by which the s eat or itsparts
can be adjusted to a position suited to the morphology of the seated
occupant. Thisdevice may, in particular, allow:
1.15.1. longitudinal displacement,1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 8
(1) ‘Vehicle categoriesdefined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC (OJ No L 42, 23. 2.
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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’ meansa device enabling the s eat or one of its
partsto be dis placed 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;
1.20. ‘recessed buckle-release button’: it must not be possible to release
the buckle using a sphere having a diameter of 40 mm;
1.21. ‘non-recessed buckle-release button’: it must be possible to release
the buckle using a sphere having a diameter of 40 mm;
1.22. ‘preloading device’ meansan additional or integrated device which
tightens the strap in order to reduce the slack of the belt during a
crash sequence;
1.23. ‘reference zone’ meansthe s pace between two vertical longitudinal
planes, 400 mm apart and symmetrical with respect to the H-point,
and defined by rotation of the apparatus, described in Annex II of
Directive 74/60/EEC, from vertical to horizontal. The apparatus
shall be positioned as described in that Annex and set to the
maximum length of 840 mm;
1.24. ‘airbag assembly’ means a device installed to supplement safety
belts and restraint systems in power-driven vehicles, i.e. systems
which, in the event of a severe impact affecting the vehicle automa-
tically deploy a flexible structure intended to limit, by compression
of the gascontained within it, the gravity of the contractsof one or
more partsof the body of an occupant of the vehicle with the
interior of the passenger compartment;
1.25. ‘passenger airbag’ means an airbag assembly intended to protect
occupant(s) in seats other than the driver's in the event of a frontal
collision;
1.26. ‘child restraint’ meansan arrangement of componentswhich may
comprise a combination of straps or flexible components with a
securing buckle, adjusting devices, attachments, and in some cases
a supplementary chair and/or an impact shield, capable of being
anchored to a power-driven vehicle. It is also so designed as to
diminish the risk of injury to the wearer, in the event of a collision
or of abrupt deceleration of the vehicle, by limiting the mobility of
the wearer'sbody;
1.27. ‘rearward-facing’ meansfacing in the direction oppos ite to the
normal direction of travel of the vehicle.
2. EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
2.1.ApplicationforEECcomponenttype-approval
2.1.1. The application for EEC component type-approval pursuant to
Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a type of safety belt shall
be submitted by the manufacturer.
The application for EEC component type-approval pursuant to
Article 3 (4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a type of restraint system1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 9
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shall be submitted by the manufacturer or by the manufacturer of
the vehicle in which it isto be ins talled.
2.1.2. A model for the information document isgiven in Appendix 1 of
Annex II. The following samples must be submitted to the technical
service conducting the type-approval tests:
►M52.1.2.1◄. five samples of a belt type, and
►M52.1.2.2◄. a 10-m length of each type of strap used in the type of belt.
►M52.1.2.3◄. The technical service conducting the component type-
approval tests shall be entitled to request further samples.
2.1.3. In the case of restraint systems, two samples shall be submitted by
the applicant to the technical service conducting approval tests for
the restraint system. These may include two of the samples of belts
mentioned in 2.1.2.1 and, at the manufacturer'schoice, either a
vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be approved, or the
part or parts of the vehicle considered essential by the service.
2.1.4. The competent authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory
arrangementsfor ens uring effective checkson conformity of
production before type-approval isgranted.
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'sname, 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 constructed
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.Rigidparts
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 itemsand ►M2partsmade of plas tics ◄of a safety belt
must be so located 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 partsdoesnot meet the above
requirements, 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 ►M2partsmade of plas -
tics◄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 — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 10
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2.4.1.5. The use of materials with properties of polyamide 6 as regards
water retention isprohibited in all mechanical partsfor which s uch
a phenomenon islikely to have an advers e effect on their operation.
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. ►M4The partsof the buckle
likely to contact the body of the wearer shall present a section of
not less than 20 cm2and at least 46 mm in width, measured in a
plane situated at a maximum distance of 2,5 mm from the contact
surface.
In the case of harness belt buckles, the latter requirement shall be
regarded as satisfied if the contact area of the buckle with the
wearer'sbody iscompris ed between 20 and 40 cm2.◄
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 similar
device.►M2The surface to which this pressure is applied must
have the following dimensions with the button in the release posi-
tion and when projected into a plane perpendicular to the button's
initial direction of motion: ◄
— 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 thiscolour.
2.4.2.3. The buckle must be capable of withstanding repeated operation and,
before the dynamic test referred to in Item 2.7.8, must undergo
5 000 opening and closing cycles under normal conditions of use.
►M4In the case of harness belt buckles, this test may be carried
out without all the tonguesbeing introduced. ◄
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
requirementsof 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.5, asappropriate. It mus t 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 the other
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.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 11
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2.4.4. Attachments and belt adjustment devices for height
The attachments shall be tested for strength as prescribed in items
2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.2. The actual belt adjustment devices for height
shall be tested for strength as prescribed in item 2.7.6.2 of the
present Directive where they have not been tested on the vehicle in
application of amended Directive 76/115/EEC relating to
anchorages for safety belts. These parts must not break or become
detached under the tension set up by 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 retractors
2.4.5.1.1. 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 to that
position automatically on subsequent forward movements by the
wearer.
2.4.5.1.2. If the retractor ispart of a lap belt, the retracting force of the s trap
shall be not less than 0·7 daN when measured in the free lengthbetween the manikin and the retractor in accordance with 2.7.7.4.
If the retractor ispart of a diagonal s trap, 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 incor-
poratesa 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 cyclesof 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-
tionswhen tes ted 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 in the case of type 4 or 0·85 g in the case of type 4N
retractors;
2.4.5.2.1.2. it shall not lock at strap accelerations, measured in the direction of
unreeling, of less than 0·8 g in the case of type 4 or less than 1·0 g
in the case of type 4N retractors;
2.4.5.2.1.3. in addition, it shall not lock when the sensor is inclined at an angle
not exceeding 12º in any direction from the installation position
specified by the manufacturer;
2.4.5.2.1.4. it shall lock when the sensor is inclined at an angle of not less than
27º in the case of type 4 or not less than 40º in the case of type 4N
retractors in any direction from the installation position specified by
the manufacturer;
2.4.5.2.1.5. if operation of the retractor isdependent on an external s ignal or
energy source, the device shall ensure automatic locking of the
retractor in the event of the failure or interruption of the signal or
energy source. ►
M5However, thisrequirement need not be met
in the case of a retractor with multiple sensitivities provided that
only one sensitivity is dependent on an external signal or power
source and the failure of the signal or power source is indicated to
the driver by optical and/or acoustical means. ◄
In the case of a single sensitivity, according to item 1.8.4.1, only the
specifications regarding deceleration of the vehicle are valid.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 12
▼B
▼M2
▼M5
▼B
2.4.5.2.2.
2.4.5.2.2. when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2, an emergency locking
retractor with multiple sensitivity, including strap sensitivity, shall
comply with the specified requirements and also lock up when strap
acceleration measured in the direction of unreeling is not less than
2,0 G.
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 requirementsof 2.4.5.2.1.2, a retractor
shall be considered as satisfactory if, at the strap acceleration 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 ispart of a lap belt, the retracting force of the s trap
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 ispart of a diagonal s trap, 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 incor-
poratesa 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 cyclesof 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
requirementsof 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 correctly and stow
the strap efficiently.
2.4.6. Pre-loading device
2.4.6.1. After being submitted to corrosion testing in accordance with item
2.7.2, the pre-loading device (including the impact sensor connected
to the device by the original plugs but without any current passing
through them) shall operate normally.
2.4.6.2. It shall be verified that inadvertent operation of the device does not
involve any risk of bodily injury for the wearer.
2.4.6.3. In the case of pyrotechnic pre-loading devices:2.4.6.3.1. After being submitted to conditioning in accordance with item
2.7.10.2, operation of the pre-loading device must not have been
activated by temperature and the device shall operate normally.
2.4.6.3.2. Precautions shall be taken to prevent the hot gases expelled from
igniting adjacent flammable materials.
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 possible
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
breaking-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 accordance1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 13
▼M5
▼B
▼M4
▼B
▼B
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 loadsmeas ured.
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 information already
available, renders the test or tests superfluous.
2.6.Beltassemblyorrestraintsystem
2.6.1. Requirements for dynamic testing
2.6.1.1. The belt assembly or restraint system shall be subjected to a
dynamic test in conformity with 2.7.8.
2.6.1.2. The dynamic test shall be performed on two belt assemblies which
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 belts to be tested shall satisfy the requirements set
out in Item 2.4.2.3.
In the case of safety belts with retractors, the retractor shall have
been subjected to the dust resistance test laid down in item
2.7.7.3;. in addition, in the case of safety belts or restraint system
equipped with a pre-loading device comprising pyrotechnic means,
the device shall have been subjected to the conditioning specified in
item 2.7.10.2:
2.6.1.2.1. the belts shall have undergone the corrosion test defined in Item
2.7.2, after which the buckles shall be subjected to a further 500
opening and closing cycles under normal conditions of use;
2.6.1.2.2. in the case of safety belts with retractors, the latter shall have been
subjected to the tests described in Items 2.4.5.1 or 2.4.5.2. If,
however, a retractor has already been subjected to the corrosiontest pursuant to the provisions of Item 2.6.1.2.1, this test need not
be repeated.
2.6.1.2.3. In the case of a belt intended for use with a belt adjustment device
for height, as defined in item 1.8.6 above, the test shall be carried
out with the device adjusted in the most unfavourable position(s)
chosen by the technical service responsible for testing. However if
the adjustment device for height consists of the anchorage itself, as
permitted by Directive 76/115/EEC, the technical service respon-
sible for the tests can, if it so wishes, apply the provisions of item
2.7.8.1 hereafter.
2.6.1.2.4. In the case of a safety belt with pre-loading device, one of the
dynamic tests shall be carried out with the device in operation and
the other with the device not in use.
In the first case:
2.6.1.2.4.1. During the test the minimum displacements specified in item
2.6.1.3.2. above, may be reduced by half.
2.6.1.2.4.2. After the test, the force measured as indicated in item 2.7.10.1 shall
not exceed 100 daN.
2.6.1.3. During this test, the following requirements shall be met:
2.6.1.3.1. 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; and
2.6.1.3.2. 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 belt, the forward displacement shall be between 80 and 200
mm at pelvic level and between 100 and 300 mm at torso level.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 14
▼M2
▼M4
▼M2
▼M4
▼M2
▼M2
►M4In case of a harness belt the minimum displacement speci-
fied for the pelvismay be reduced by half. ◄These
displacements are the displacements in relation to the measurement
pointss hown in Annex VIII, Figure 6.
►M22.6.1.4.◄I nt h ec a seo far e st r a i n tsy st e m :
►M22.6.1.4.1. ◄the movement of the chest reference point may exceed that
specified 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 doesnot 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;
2.6.1.4.2. in vehicles where such devices are used, the displacement and
locking systems enabling the occupants of all seats to leave the
vehicle shall still be operable by hand after the dynamic test.
2.6.1.5. By way of derogation, in the case of a restraint system, the displa-
cements may be greater than those specified in paragraph 2.6.1.3.2
in the case where the upper anchorage fitted to the seat profits by
the derogation provided in paragraph 5.5.4 of Annex I to Directive
76/115/EEC. Details of the restraint system concerned shall be
included in the addendum to the type-approval certificate referred
to in Appendices3 and 4 of Annex II.
2.6.2. Strength after abrasion procedure
2.6.2.1. For both samples conditioned in conformity with 2.7.3.6, the
breaking load shall be assessed in accordance with 2.5.2 and 2.7.6.
It 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 loadsmeas ured.
►M2In the type 1 and type 2 procedures, the tensile-strength test
shall be conducted on the strap samples only (Item 2.7.5). In type 3
procedures, the tensile-strength test shall be conducted on the strap
and relevant rigid parts(Item 2.7.6). ◄
2.6.2.2. The items to be subjected to an abrasion procedure and the proce-
duresto be followed are indicated in the following table. A new
sample shall be used for each procedure.
Type 1
procedureType 2
procedureType 3
procedure
Attachment — — x
Guide or pulley — x —
Buckle-loop — x x
Adjusting device x ►M2—◄ 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 belts or restraint systems are required for the buckle inspec-
tion, the low-temperature buckle test, the low-temperature test
described in Item 2.7.6.4 where necessary, the buckle durability
test, the belt corrosion test, the retractor operating tests and the
buckle-opening test after the dynamic test. One of these two
samples shall be used for the inspection of the belt or restraint
system.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 15
▼B
▼M2
▼M5
▼B
▼M2
▼M2
2.7.1.2. One belt or restraint system is required for the inspection of the
buckle and the strength tests on the buckle, the attachment mount-
ings, the belt adjusting devices and, where necessary, the retractors.
2.7.1.3. Two belts or restraint systems are required for the inspection of the
buckle, the micro-slip test and the abrasion test. The belt adjustment
device operating test shall be conducted on one of the two samples.
2.7.1.4. ►M2The sample of strap shall be used for testing the breaking
strength of the strap. Part of this sample shall be preserved for as
long asthe component type-approval remainsvalid. ◄
2.7.2. Corrosion test
2.7.2.1. A complete safety belt assembly shall be positioned in a test
chamber as prescribed in Annex XIII. In the case of an assembly
incorporating 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 ºC 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
Samplescut from the s trap, asreferred to in ►M52.1.2.2◄, shall
be conditioned asfollows .
2.7.3.1. Room-conditioning
The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmosphere
having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ±
5 %. If the test is not carried out immediately after conditioning, the
sample shall be placed in a hermetically sealed receptacle until the
test begins. The breaking load shall be determined within five
minutes of the strap's removal from the conditioning atmosphere or
receptacle.
2.7.3.2. Light-c onditioning
2.7.3.2.1. ►M2The provisions of recommendation ISO/R 105-B 02-1978
shall apply. ◄The strap shall be exposed to light for the time
necessary 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. The strap shall then be kept for a minimum of 24 hours at an air
temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5 %. If
the test cannot be carried out immediately after the conditioning,the sample shall be kept in an hermetically sealed container until
the start of the test. The tensile strength of the strap shall be deter-
mined within five minutesof itsremoval from the conditioning
atmosphere or receptacle.
2.7.3.3. Cold-conditioning
2.7.3.3.1. The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmosphere
having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ±
5% .
2.7.3.3.2. The strap shall then be kept for 1½ hours on a plane surface in a
low-temperature chamber in which the air temperature is− 30 ± 5
ºC. It shall then be folded and the fold shall be loaded with a mass
of 2 kg previously cooled to − 30 ± 5 ºC. When the strap has been
kept under load for 30 minutesin the s ame low-temperature
chamber, the mass shall be removed and the breaking load shall be
measured within five minutes of the strap's removal from the low-
temperature chamber.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 16
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼B
2.7.3.4. Heat-conditioning
2.7.3.4.1. The strap shall be kept for three hours in a heating cabinet in an
atmosphere having a temperature of 60 ± 5 ºC 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 ºC, to which a trace of a wetting
agent hasbeen added. Any wetting agent s uitable 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
minimum of 24 hoursin an atmos phere having a temperature of 20
± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ± 5 %. The room temperature
during testing shall be between 15 and 30 ºC.
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.
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: in cases where the strap changes direction once
on passing through a rigid part.
The angles which both straps ends make with each other must be as
shown in Annex XII, Figure 2.
A permanent load of 0 · 5 daN must be applied. If the strap changes
direction more than once on passing through a rigid part, the 0·5
daN load may be increased so as to achieve the prescribed 300
mm of strap movement through that rigid part.
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.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 17
▼M2
▼B
▼B
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 ºC and a relative humidity of
65 ± 5 %.
The test shall be carried out at a temperature between 15 and 30 ºC.
2.7.4.2. It shall be ensured that the free section of the adjusting device
pointseither up or down on the tes t bench, asin 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 posi-
tion, 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 cycless hall 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 (static test)
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.
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 strap adjusting device must be connected to the
tensile-testing machine by their normal attachments and a load of
980 daN must be applied. ►M4In the case of harness belts, the
buckle shall be connected to the testing apparatus by the straps
which are attached to the buckle and the tongue or two tongues
located in an approximately symmetrical way to the geometric
centre of the buckle. ◄If the buckle or adjusting device is part of
the attachment or of the common component of a three-point strap,
the buckle or adjusting device must be tested together with the
attachment in accordance with Item 2.7.6.2, except in the case of
retractorswith a return pulley at the upper s trap anchorage. In this
case the test load must be 980 daN and the length of strap
remaining on the reel at the moment of locking must be as close
as possible to 450 mm.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 18
▼M2
▼B
2.7.6.2. ►M4The attachmentsand any belt adjus tment devicesfor height
shall be tested in the manner ◄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 condi-
tionslikely to occur in a vehicle in which the belt iscorrectly
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 a belt assembly shall be placed in a low-tempera-
ture chamber at a temperature of − 10 ± 1 ºC for two hours.
Immediately after being removed from the chamber, the mating
partsof the buckle s hall 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 ºC for two hours. The rigid
itemsand ►M2partsmade of plas tics ◄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 seconds 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 90º 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 appli-
cation 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
timesprior to meas urement.
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 cyclesat a rate of not more than 30 cyclesper minute. In
the case of emergency locking retractors, a snatch shall be intro-
duced at each fifth cycle to lock the retractor. The snatches shall
occur in equal numbersat 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 isprovided, 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.
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 isins talled 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. ►
M4The design of any such test apparatus shall ensure1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 19
▼M2
▼B
▼B
that the required acceleration isachieved before the webbing is
drawn out of the retractor by more than 5 mm and that the with-
drawal takesplace at an average rate of increas e of acceleration of
at least 25 g/s and not more than 150 g/s. ◄
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 2º 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 minutesafter each agitation of the
dust.
For a period of five hours, the dust shall be agitated every 20
minutes for five seconds by compressed air which is dry and free
of lubricating oil, passing through an aperture 1·5 ± 0·1 mm in
diameter at a gauge pressure of 5·5 × 105± 0·5 × 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 µm aperture, 104 µm wire diameter: 99
to 100 %;
(b) passing through a 105 µm aperture, 64 µm wire diameter: 76
to 86 %;
(c) passing through a 75 µm aperture, 52 µm wire diameter: 60 to
70 %.
2.7.7.4. Retracting force2.7.7.4.1. ►
M2The retracting force must ◄be measured with the safety
belt assembly fitted to a manikin, as in the dynamic test prescribed
in 2.7.8. The strap tension shall be measured as close as possible to
the pointsof contact with (but jus t clear of) the manikin ►M2,
while the strap is being retracted at a speed of approximately 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 accordance
either with the fitting instructions supplied with the belt, ►M4or
with the data supplied by the manufacturer ◄of the vehicle.
►M4In that case, when the dynamic test has been carried out for
a type of vehicle it need not be repeated for other typesof vehicle
where each anchorage point is less than 50 mm distant from the
corresponding anchorage point of the tested belt. Alternatively,
manufacturersmay determine hypothetical anchorage pos ition for
testing in order to enclose the maximum number of real anchorage
points. If the belt is equipped with a belt adjustment device for
height such as defined in 1.8.6 above, the position of the device
and the means of securing it shall be the same as those of the
vehicle design. ◄
2.7.8.1.1. ►M4In the case of a safety belt or restraint system with pre-
loading devicesrelying on component partsother than thos e incor-
porated in the belt assembly itself, the belt assembly shall be
mounted in conjunction with the necessary additional vehicle parts
on the test trolley in the manner prescribed in items 2.7.8.1.2 to
2.7.8.1.6.
Alternatively, in the case where those. devices cannot be tested on
the test trolley, the manufacturer may demonstrate by a conven-
tional frontal impact test at 50 km/h in conformity with ISO
procedure 3560 (1975/11/01 - Road vehicles- Frontal fixed barrier1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 20
▼M2
▼B
▼M2
▼M2
collision test method) that the device complies with the require-
mentsof the Directive. ◄
If a safety belt forms part of an assembly which is the subject of an
application for component type-approval as a restraint system, thissafety belt must be mounted on that part of the vehicle structure to
which it is normally fitted and that part must be attached to the test
trolley asfollows :
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
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 structure,
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 requirementsof 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. ►
M2If the seat
back is adjustable, it must be locked as specified by the manufac-
turer or, in the absence of any specification, locked in such a
manner asto form an effective angle asclos e aspos s ible to 25º in
the case of vehicles in categories M1and N1and as close as possible
to 15º in the case of vehicles of all other categories. ◄
2.7.8.1.5. For the purpose of assessing the requirements of
►M22.6.1.4.1 ◄, 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 must be attached to the manikin described in
Annex VIII. A board 25 mm thick must be placed between the
back of the manikin and the seat back. The belt must be firmly
fastened around the manikin. The board must then be removed and
the manikin so positioned that the whole length of its back is in
contact with the seat back.
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, itsfree running s peed is50 ± 1 km/h and the
manikin remains stable. The stopping distance of the trolley shall
be 400 ± 50 mm. The trolley shall remain horizontal throughout
deceleration. Deceleration of the trolley shall be achieved by using
the apparatuss hown in Annex VII or any other device giving
equivalent results. The apparatus shall meet the performance
requirementsgiven 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 hasbeen 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 ►M22.6.1.4.1 ◄.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 21
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼B
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 must be detached from the test-trolley without
the buckle being opened. ►M4A load shall be applied to the
buckle by direct traction via the straps tied to it so that all the straps
are subjected to the force of 60/n daN; ‘n’ is the number of straps
linked to the buckle when it isin a locked pos ition, itsminimum is
deemed to be 2. ◄At a speed of 400 ± 20 mm/min., a load must
be applied to the geometric centre of the buckle-release button
along a fixed axisrunning parallel to the initial direction of motion
of the button. The buckle must be held in place by a rigid support
when the force required to open the buckle isapplied. The above-
mentioned load must not exceed the limit specified in Item 2.4.2.5.
The point of contact of the test assembly must be spherical, with a
radius of 2·5 ± 0·1 mm. It must have a smooth metal surface.
►M22.7.9.3.◄The buckle-opening force shall be measured and any failure
of the buckle noted.
►M22.7.9.4.◄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 dynamic
test shall be recorded in the test report.
2.7.10. Additional tests on safety belts with pre-loading devices
2.7.10.1 The pre-loading force shall be measured in less than four seconds
after the impact as close as possible to the contact point with the
manikin on the free length of the strap between the manikin and
the pre-loading device or sash guide, if any, the manikin having
been replaced in its originally seated position if necessary.
2.7.10.2 C onditioning
The pre-loading device may be separated from the safety belt to be
tested and kept for 24 hours at a temperature of 60 ± 5 ºC. The
temperature shall then raised to 100 ± 5 ºC for two hours. Subse-
quently it shall be kept for 24 hours at a temperature of - 30 ± 5 ºC.
After being removed from conditioning, the device shall warm up to
ambient temperature. If it has been separated it shall be fitted again
to the safety belt.
2.7.11. 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 displace-
ment of the manikin, the position of the buckle and any failure or
breakage. If, pursuant to 2.7.8.1, the anchorage requirements of
Annex 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. ►M5If the forward
displacement of the manikin has exceeded the values prescribed in
2.6.1.3.2, the report shall state whether the requirements of 2.6.1.4.1
have been met ◄.
2.8.Conformityofproduction
2.8.1. Any safety belt or restraint system approved under this Directive
shall be so manufactured as to conform to the type approved by
meeting the requirementss et forth in 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7
above.
2.8.2. In order to verify that the requirementsof item 2.8.1 are met,
suitable controls of the production shall be carried out.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 22
▼M2
▼B
▼M4
▼M5
2.8.3. As a general rule, measures to ensure the conformity of production
shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down in
Article 10 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
2.8.3.1. Special provisions detailing the tests to be carried out and the test
frequency are laid down in Annex XVI to thisDirective.
2.9.Instructions
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by the instructions specified
in Annex X.
3. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING INSTALLATION IN THE
VEHICLE
3.1.Vehicle equipment (1)
3.1.1. With the exception of folding seats (as defined in Directive 76/115/
EEC) and seating intended solely for use when the vehicle is
stationary, the seats of vehicles covered by Article 9 in categories
M and N (except those vehicles in categories M2and M3which are
designed for both urban use and standing passengers) must be
equipped with safety belts or restraint systems which satisfy the
requirementsof thisDirective.
3.1.2. The types of safety belts or restraint systems for each seating posi-
tion where installation is required shall be those specified in Annex
XV (with which neither non-locking retractors(1.8.1) nor manually
unlocking retractors (1.8.2) can be used). For all seating positions
where lap beltstype B are s pecified in Annex XV lap beltstype
Br3 are permitted except in the case that; in use, they retract to
such an extent as to reduce comfort in a notable way after normal
buckling up.
3.1.3. However, for outboard seating positions, other than front, of vehi-
clesof the category M1shown in Annex XV and marked with the
symbol o, ►M5the installation of a lap belt of type Br4m is
allowed◄, where there exists a passage between a seat and the
nearest side wall of the vehicle intended to permit access of passen-
gers to other parts of the vehicle. A space between a seat and theside wall is considered as a passage, if the distance between that
side wall, with all doors closed, and a vertical longitudinal plane
passing throw the centreline of the seat concerned — measured at
the R-point position and perpendicularly to the median longitudinal
plane of the vehicle — ismore than 500 mm.
3.1.4. Where no safety belts are required any type of safety belt or
restraint system conforming to this Directive may be provided at
the choice of the manufacturer. A-type beltsof the typespermitted
in Annex XV may be provided asan alternative to lap beltsfor
those seating positions where lap belts are specified in Annex XV.
3.1.5. On three point belts fitted with retractors, one retractor must operate
at least on the diagonal strap.
3.1.6. Except for vehiclesof category M, an emergency locking retractor
of type 4N (1.8.5) may be permitted instead of a retractor of type 4
(1.8.4) where it has been shown to the satisfaction of the services
responsible for the tests that the fitting of a type 4 retractor would
not be practical.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 23
(1) In addition to the requirementsof 3.1, Member Statesmay, under national law, accept
other types of safety belts or restraint systems covered by this Directive for certain
vehicle types.▼B
▼M2
▼M4
▼M5
▼M4
▼M4
3.1.7. For the front outboard and front centre seating positions shown in
Annex XV and marked with the symbol *, lap belts of the type
specified on that Annex 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 is considered as part of the
reference zone when it iscapable of entering into s tatic contact with
the test apparatus according to the method described in Annex II to
Directive 74/60/EEC.
3.1.8. For all seating positions in Annex XV marked with the symbol #
lap belts of the types specified in Annex XV must be provided
where an ‘exposed seating position’ as defined in 3.1.9 exists.
3.1.9. An ‘exposed seating position’ is one where there is no ‘protective
screen’ in front of the seat within the following defined space:
— between two horizontal planes, one through the H-point and the
other 400 mm above it,
— between two vertical longitudinal planeswhich are s ymmetrical
in relation to the H-point and are 400 mm apart,
— behind a transverse vertical plane 1,30 m from the H-point.
For the purpose of this requirement ‘protective screen’ means a
surface of suitable strength and showing no discontinuities such
that, if a sphere of 165 mm diameter is geometrically projected in
a longitudinal horizontal direction through any point of the space
defined above and through the centre of the sphere, nowhere in the
protective screen is there any aperture through which the geome-
trical projection of the sphere could be passed.
A seat is considered to be an ‘exposed seating position’, if the
protective screens within the space defined above have a combined
surface area of less than 800 cm2.
3.1.10. Every seating position in Annex XV marked with the symbol
 ,
three-point belts of a type specified in Annex XV shall be providedunless one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
— there isa s eat or other vehicle partsconforming to paragraph 3.5
of Appendix 1 of Annex III of Directive 74/408/EEC directly in
front, or
— no part of the vehicle isin or, when the vehicle isin motion,
capable of being in the reference zone, or
— partsof the vehicle within the s aid reference zone comply with
the energy absorbing requirements set out in Appendix 6 of
Annex III of Directive 74/408/EEC
in which case two-point belts of a type specified in Annex XV may
be provided.
3.1.11. Save as provided by item 3.1.12, every seating position which is
fitted with an airbag shall be provided with a warning against the
use of a rearward-facing child restraint on the seat. The warning
label, in the form of a pictogram which may include explanatory
text, shall be durably affixed and located such that it is easily
visible in front of a person about to install a rearward-facing child
restraint on the seat in question. An example of a possible design of
pictogram is shown in figure 1. A permanent reference should be
visible at all times, in case the warning is not visible when the
door isclos ed.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 24
▼M5
▼M5
Figure1
Pictogram
3.1.12. The requirementsof item 3.1.11 s hall not apply if the vehicle is
fitted with a mechanism which senses automatically the presence
of a rearward-facing child restraint, and ensures that the airbag will
not be deployed when such a child restraint system is fitted.
3.1.13. In the case of seats capable of being turned to or placed in other
orientations, for use when the vehicle is stationary, the requirements
of item 3.1.1 shall only apply to those orientations designated for
normal use when the vehicle is travelling on a road, in accordance
with thisDirective. A note to thiseffect s hall be included in the
information document.
3.2.General requirements
3.2.1. Safety belts and restraint systems shall be fixed to anchorages
conforming 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. that the danger of a correctly positioned belt slipping from the
shoulder of a wearer as a result of his/her forward movement is
reduced to a minimum;
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.
3.2.2.4. The design and installation of every safety belt provided for each
seating position shall be such as to. be readily available for use.
Furthermore, where the complete seat or the seat cushion and/or
the seat back can be folded to permit access to the rear of the
vehicle or to carry goodsor luggage, after folding and res toring
those seats to the seating position, the safety belts provided for
those seats shall be accessible for use or can be easily recovered
from under or behind the seat by one person, according to instruc-
tions in the vehicle users handbook, without the need for that person
to have training or practice.
3.2.2.5. The technical service shall verify that, with the buckle tongue
engaged in the buckle and no occupant in the seat
— the possible slack in the belt does not prevent the correct instal-
lation of child restraint systems recommended by the
manufacturer, and
— in the case of three-point belts, a tension of at least 50 N can be
established in the lap section of the belt by external application
of tension in the diagonal section of the belt.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 25
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼M4
▼M5
▼B
3.3.Specialrequirementsforrigidpartsincorporatedinsafetybelts
orrestraintsystems
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
occupantsof 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. ►M4In the case of safety belts or restraint systems for
front outboard seating positions, except if these are harness belts,
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 contact surface satisfies the requirements of 2.4.2.1
of thisAnnex.
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.
4. APPLICATION FOR EEC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A VEHICLE
TYPE IN RESPECT OF THE INSTALLATION OF ITS SAFETY
BELTS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
4.1 The application for approval pursuant to Article 3 (4) of Directive
70/156/EEC of a vehicle type with regard to the installation of its
safety belts and restraint systems shall be submitted by the vehicle
manufacturer.
4.2 A model for the information document isgiven in Annex II,
Appendix 2.
4.3 A representative vehicle of the type to be approved shall be
submitted to the technical service conducting the type-approval
tests.
5. GRANTING OF EEC TYPE-APPROVAL
5.1 If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EEC type-approval
pursuant to Article 4 (3) and, if applicable, 4 (4) of Directive 70/
156/EEC shall be granted.
5.2 A model for the EEC type-approval certificate isgiven in:5.2.1. Annex II, Appendix 3 for applicationsreferred to in 2.1;5.2.2. Annex II, Appendix 4 for application referred to in 4.5.3 An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive 70/
156/EEC shall be assigned to each type of safety belt or restraint
system and to each type of vehicle approved. The same Member
State shall not assign the same number to another type of safety
belt or restraint system or to another type of vehicle.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 26
▼M4
▼B
▼M5
▼M5
6. MODIFICATION OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO
APPROVALS
6.1 In the case of modifications to either the type of vehicle or of the
safety belt or restraint system approved pursuant to this Directive,
the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall apply.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 27
▼M5
ANNEX II
TYPE-APPROVALDOCUMENTATION1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 28
▼M5
Appendix 1
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 29
▼M5
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 30
▼M5
Appendix 2
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 31
▼M5
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 32
▼M5
Appendix 3
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 33
▼M5
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 34
▼M5
Appendix 4
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 35
▼M5
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 36
▼B
ANNEX III
EECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVALMARK
1. GENERAL
1.1. Every safety belt or restraint system conforming to a type approved
under thisDirective s hall 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
distinguishing letter(s) or number of the Member State which has
granted the EEC component type-approval:
1 for Germany
2 for France3 for Italy
4 for the Netherlands
6 for Belgium
9 for Spain11 for the United Kingdom
13 for Luxembourg
DK for Denmark
EL for GreeceIRL for Ireland
21 for Portugal
12 for Austria
17 for Finland5 for Sweden;
1.1.2. in the vicinity of the rectangle the ‘base approval number’ contained
in section 4 of the type-approval number referred to in Annex VII of
Directive 70/156/EEC preceded by the two figuresindicating the
sequence number assigned to the latest major technical amendment
to Directive 77/541/EEC on the date EEC component type-approval
wasgranted. In thisDirective the s equence number is04;
1.1.3. the following additional symbol or symbols located above the
rectangle:
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
following 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,
followed 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;
1.1.3.2.3. the letter ‘p’ in the case of a safety belt with a pre-loading device.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.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 37
▼A2
▼M4
▼A2
▼M3
▼A2
▼M4
▼A3
▼M5
▼B
▼M4
▼B
▼M2
1.1.4. Belts fitted with a type 4N retractor shall also bear a symbol
consisting of a rectangle with a vehicle of category M1crossed out,
indicating that the use of this type of retractor is prohibited in vehi-
clesof that category.
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 marking. The
label or marking shall be resistant to wear.
2. DIAGRAMS OF EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARKS
2.1.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark isa
three-point belt (‘A’) fitted with an energy absorber (e) and approved
in the Netherlands(e 4) ►M5according to thisDirective (04) under
the base approval number 2439 ◄.
►(1)M2
►(2)M5
2.2.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark isa
lap belt (‘B’) fitted with a type 4 retractor with multiple sensitivity
and approved in the Netherlands(e 4) ►M5according to thisDirec-
tive (04) under the base approval number 2439 ◄.
►(1)M2
►(2)M51977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 38
▼B
▼B
2.3.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark isa
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)
►M5according to thisDirective (04) under the bas e approval
number 2439 ◄.
►(1)M2
►(2)M5
2.4.
The belt bearing thistype-approval mark isa three-point belt (‘A’)
having a multiple-sensitivity (‘m’) type 4N (‘r4N’) retractor, in
respect of which EEC component type-approval was granted in the
Netherlands(‘e4’) ►M5according to thisDirective (04) under the
base approval number 2439 ◄. Thisbelt s hall not be fitted to vehi-
clesof category M1.
►(1)M5
Note:
The base approval number and symbol(s) shall be placed close to the
rectangle.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 39
▼M2
▼B
▼M5
▼B
ANNEX IV
EXAMPLEOFANAPPARATUSTOTESTDURABILITYOFRETRACTORMECHANISM
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 40
▼B
ANNEX V
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST LOCKING OF EMER-
GENCYLOCKINGRETRACTORS
A suitable apparatus is illustrated in the figure and consists of a motor-driven
cam, the follower of which isattached by wiresto a s mall 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 maximum
permitted strap movement before locking.
On the trolley a carrier ismounted which can be s wivelled to enable the
retractor to be mounted in varying positions relative to the direction of move-
ment 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 represen-
tative.
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 41
▼B
ANNEX VI
EXAMPLEOFANAPPARATUSFORDUSTRESISTANCETESTS
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 42
▼M2
▼B
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
nominal value by more than ± 40 kg.
2. SEAT
►M2Except in the case of tests on restraint systems, the seat shall be of
rigid construction and present a smooth surface. ◄The particularsgiven
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 Figure 1. The circular
marks which correspond to the arrangement of the anchorages, show where
the endsof the belt are to be connected to the trolley or to the load trans -
ducer, as the case may be. The anchorages for normal use are the points A,
B and K if the strap length between the upper edge of the buckle and the
hole for the attachment of the strap support is not more than 250 mm.
Otherwise, the points A1and B1shall be used. 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 direction. The trolley shall be so constructed that no
permanent deformation shall occur in the parts bearing the anchorages
during the test. ►M4The tolerance on the position of the anchorage
points is such that each anchorage point shall be situated at most at 50 mm
from corresponding A, B and K indicated in figure 1, or A1, B1 and K, as
the case may be. ◄
If a fourth anchorage is necessary in order to attach the retractor, this
anchorage:
— shall be located in the vertical longitudinal plane passing through K,
— shall enable the retractor to be tilted to the angle prescribed by the
manufacturer,
— shall be located on the arc of a circle with centre K and with radius
KB1 = 790 mm if the length between the upper strap guide and the
strap outlet at the retractor is not less than 540 mm or, in all other
cases, on the arc of a circle with centre K and radius 350 mm.
3.1. In the case of belt equipped with a belt adjustment device for height as
defined in 1.8.6 of this Directive, this device shall be secured either to a
rigid frame, or to a part of the vehicle on which it isnormally mounted
which shall be securely fixed on the test trolley.
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 anominal 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 energy absorber are shown in
Figures 2, 3 and 4. The characteristic values of the energy-absorbing mate-
rial are given below. Immediately before each test, the tubes must be
conditioned at a temperature of between 15 and 25 ºC for at least 12 hours
without being used. The temperature of the stopping device during the1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 43
▼M2
▼M4
▼B
▼M2
▼M2
dynamic testing of safetybelts and restraint systems must be the same as
during the calibration test to within ± 2 ºC.
The requirements relating to the stopping device are set out in Annex IX.
Any other device giving equivalent results is acceptable.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ABSORBING MATERIAL
(ASTM method D 735 unless otherwise stated)
Shore hardness A: 95 ± 2 at 20 ± 5 ºC
Breaking strength: Ro≥343 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 ºC
Compression set (method B): 22 hours at 70 ºC ≤45 %
Density at 25 ºC: 1·05 to 1·10
Ageing in air (ASTM method D 573):
— 70 hours at 100 ºC — 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 ºC — 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 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 15 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 20 %
Immersion in distilled water:
— one week at 70 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 35 % of Ro
— elongation: increase 20 % of Ao1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 44
▼B
▼M2
▼B
▼M4
Figure 1
Trolley, seat,anchorage1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 45
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 46
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 47
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 48
▼B
ANNEX VIII
DESCRIPTIONOFMANIKIN
1. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MANIKIN
1.1.General
The main characteristics of the manikin are indicated in the following
figuresand 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, thighsand 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
measured,
— shoulder height;
table 1: references, names, materials and principal dimensions of the
componentsof the manikin;
table 2: mass of head, neck, torso, thigh and lower leg.
1.2.Descriptionofthemanikin
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 hastwo lugswhich limit the movement of the lower leg in
relation to the thigh.
The lower leg can rotate rearwards about 120º from the straight position.
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 islimited by two cut-outsin the knee tube (22)
which engage with the lugsof 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 stiffness
of the neck can be adjusted by means of a chain tensioner.
1.2.5.Head(see figs. 1 and 2)
The head (15) ishollow; the polyurethane isreinforced by s teel 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 compo-
nent (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
adjuster assembly (14 and 18), a spacer (16) and a polyamide block (10).1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 49
▼B
1.2.6.Knee joint (see fig. 4)
The lower leg and thighsare connected by a tube (27) and a tens ioner
(28).
1.2.7.Hip joint (see fig. 4)
The thighsand tors o 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 iscovered by a s pecial 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
weightsof 1 kg each can be fitted to the back of the tors o.
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.Kneejoint:
tighten the knee joint;
set the thigh and lower leg vertical;rotate the lower leg through 30º;
gradually slacken the tensioner until the lower leg starts to fall under its
own weight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.3.Hipjoints:
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 60º 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-axisjoint:
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 — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 50
▼B
when the neck is adjusted, the upper end of the tensioner shall be
displaced 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 × 70 × 100 mm
3 Chain attachmentss teel 25 × 10 × 70 mm
4 Roller chain steel 3/4 mm
5 Shoulder plane polyurethane —
6 Ribs (rolled section) steel 30 × 30 × 3 × 250 mm
7 Ribsperforated s teelplate 400 × 85 × 1·5 mm
8 Sternum perforated steelplate 250 × 90 × 1·5 mm
9 Discs (6) polyurethane ø 90 × 20 mm
ø 80 × 20 mm
ø 75 × 20 mm
ø 70 × 20 mm
ø 65 × 20 mm
ø 60 × 20 mm
10 Block polyamide 60 × 60 × 25 mm11 Tubular spacer steel 40 × 40 × 2 × 50 mm
12 Tensioning bolt steel M 16 × 90 mm
13 Tensioner nut steel M 16
14 Tensioner for atlas-axis
jointsteel ø 12 × 130 mm (M 12)
15 Head polyurethane —
16 Tubular spacer steel ø 18 × 13 × 17 mm
17 Reinforcement plate steel 30 × 3× 500 mm
18 Tensioner nut steel M 12
19 Thighspolyurethane —
20 Hip tube steel 76 × 70 × 80 mm
21 Thigh bar steel 30 × 30 × 440 mm
22 Knee tube steel 52 × 46 × 40 mm
23 Hip connecting tube steel 70 × 64 × 250 mm
24 Friction plates(4) s teel 160 × 75 × 1 mm
25 Tensioner assembly steel M 12 × 320 mm
platesand nuts
26 Knee tube steel 52 × 46 × 160 mm
27 Knee connecting tube steel 44 × 39 × 190 mm
28 Tensioner plate steel Ø 70 × 4 mm
29 Shin tube steel 50 × 50 × 2 × 460 mm
30 Sole plate steel 100 × 170 × 3 mm
31 Torso correction weights
(6)polyurethane 1 kg each
32 Cushion polyethylene foam 350 × 250 × 25 mm
33 Overall cotton and polyamide
straps1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 51
▼B
Refer-
ence NoName Material Dimensions
34 Hip joint correction
weights(6)steel mass 1 kg each
TABLE 2
Componentsof manikinMass in kilo-
grams
Head and neck 4·6 ± 0·3
Torso and arms 40·3 ± 1·0
Thighs16·2 ± 0·5
Lower leg and foot 9·0 ± 0·5Total mass including correction weights 74·5 ± 1·01977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 52
▼B
Fig. 11977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 53
▼B
Fig. 21977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 54
▼B
Fig. 3
 Fig. 41977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 55
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 56
▼M2
Figure 6
ManikininsittingpositionasshowninAnnexVII,Figure1
G = centre of gravity.
T = torso reference point (located at the rear, on the centre line of the
manikin).
P = pelvisreference point (located at the rear on the centre line of the
manikin).1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 57
▼B
ANNEX IX
DESCRIPTION OF CURVE OF TROLLEY'S DECELERATION AS
FUNCTIONOFTIME
(Curvefortestingstoppingdevices)
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. ►M2The stopping distance during calibration of the
stopping device shall be 400 ± 20 mm and the speed of the trolley shall be 50
± 1 km/h. ◄
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 reso-
nances associated with transducer mounting should not distort readout data.
Consideration should be given to the effect of cable length and temperature on
frequency response ►M2(1)◄.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 58
(1) These requirements are in accordance with Recommendation ISO R 6478/1980.
▼B
ANNEX X
INSTRUCTIONS
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by instructions covering the following
pointsin the language or languagesof the Member State in which it isto be
placed on sale:
1. Installation instructions (not required if the manufacturer supplies the vehicle
with safety belts already installed) which specify for which vehicle types the
assembly is suitable and the correct method of attachment of the assembly 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 beltsto fit tightly when in us e,— 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 isincorporated 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
►
M4or, when a seat belt is equipped with pre-loading device, when
the latter hasbeen activated ◄;
(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 isintended for us e by occupantsof adult build;(j) stowage of the belt when not in use.
3. In the case of safety belts fitted with a type 4N retractor, it shall be indicated
in the installation instructions and on any packaging, that this belt is not
suitable for installation in passenger vehicles with not more than nine seats,
including that of the driver.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 59
▼M2
▼B
ANNEX XI
DUALBUCKLETEST
(outlinedin2.7.6.5ofAnnexI)
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 60
▼B
ANNEX XII
ABRASIONANDMICROSLIPTESTS
Fig. 1
Type 1 test
Examples of test arrangements corresponding to the type of adjusting device1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 61
▼B
Fig. 2
Type 2 test1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 62
▼B
Fig. 3
Type 3 test and micro-slip test1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 63
▼B
ANNEX XIII
CORROSIONTEST
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
nozzles, sample supports, provision for heating the chamber and the neces-
sary 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 15º
and 30º 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 impuritiesin total.
3.2. The solution shall be such that when atomized at 35 ºC the collected solu-
tion isin 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 ºC.
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 — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 64
▼B
ANNEX XIV
CHRONOLOGICALORDEROFTESTS
Corresponding
Directive provi-
sions
ItemsTestSamples
Belt or restraint
system NoStrap No
123451234567891 0 1 1
2.2, 2.3.2,
2.4.1.1, 2.5.1.1Inspection of belt or restraint
system x
2.4.2.1, 2.4.2.2 Inspection of buckle xxxxx
2.4.2.6, 2.4.2.7,
2.7.6.1, 2.7.6.5Buckle strength test x
2.4.3.2, 2.7.6.1 Strength test on adjusting device
(and where necessary on retrac-
tors) x
2.4.4, 2.7.6.2 Strength test of attachments (and
where necessary of retractors) x
2.4.2.4, 2.7.6.3 Low-temperature test on buckle x x
2.4.1.4, 2.7.6.4 Low-temperature impact test on
rigid partsx x
2.4.3.3, 2.7.6.6 Ease of adjustment x
Conditioning/testing of belt or
restraint system before dynamic
test:
2.4.2.3, 2.6.1.2 — durability of buckle x x
2.4.1.2, 2.7.2 — corrosion resistance of rigid
partsx x
— conditioning of retractors
2.4.5.1.1,
2.4.5.2.1,
2.4.5.2.2,
2.4.5.2.3,
2.7.7.2— locking threshold x x
2.4.5.1.2,
2.4.5.2.4,
2.7.7.4— retracting force x x
2.4.5.1.3,
2.4.5.2.5,
2.7.7.1— durability x x
2.4.5.1.3,
2.4.5.2.5, 2.7.2— corrosion x x
2.4.5.1.3,
2.4.5.2.5,
2.7.7.3— dust x x
2.4.5.1.2, 2.7.5 Testing of strap width x x
Strap strength test after:
2.5.2, 2.7.5,
2.7.3.1— room conditioning x x
2.5.3, 2.7.5,
2.7.3.2— light conditioning x x
2.5.3, 2.7.5,
2.7.3.3— low-temperature conditioning x x
2.5.3, 2.7.5,
2.7.3.4— heat conditioning x x
2.5.3, 2.7.5,
2.7.3.5— water conditioning x x1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 65
▼M2
▼M2
Corresponding
Directive provi-
sions
ItemsTestSamples
Belt or restraint
system NoStrap No
123451234567891 0 1 1
2.4.3.1, 2.7.4 Micro-slip test x x
2.6.2, 2.7.3.6 Abrasion test x x
2.6.1, 2.7.8 Dynamic test x x
2.4.2.5, 2.4.2.7,
2.7.8, 2.7.9Buckle-opening test x x
2.7.1.4 Retention of strap sample x1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 66
▼M5
ANNEX XV
1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 67
▼M4
ANNEX XVI
CONTROLOFCONFORMITYOFPRODUCTION
1. TESTS
Safety belts shall. be.required to demonstrate compliance with the
requirements on which the following tests are based:
1.1.Verification of the locking threshold and durability of emergency
lockingretractors
According to the provisions of item 2.7.7.2, in the most unfavourable
direction asappropriate after having undergone the durability tes ting
detailed in items2.7.2, 2.7.7.1 and 2.7.7.3, asa requirement of item
2.4.5.2.5.
1.2.Verificationofthedurabilityofautomatically lockingretractors
According to the provisions of item 2.7.7.1, supplemented by the tests
in items2.7.2 and 2.7.7.3, asa requirement of 2.4,5.1.3.
1.3.Testforstrengthofstrapsafterconditioning
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.5, after conditioning
according to the requirementsof items2.7.3.1 to 2.7.3.5.
1.3.1. Test for strength of straps after abrasion
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.5, after conditioning
according to the requirementsdes cribed in item 2.7.3.6.
1.4.Microslip test
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.4.
1.5.Testoftherigidparts
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.6.
1.6.Verificationoftheperformancerequirementsofthesafetybeltor
restraintsystemwhensubjectedtothedynamictest
1.6.1. Tests with conditioning
1.6.1.1. Belts or restraint systems fitted with an emergency locking retractor:
according to the provisions set out in items 2.7.8 and 2.7.9, using a
belt which was previously been subjected to 45000 cyclesof the
endurance test of the retractor prescribed in item 2.7.7.1 and to the
tests defined in items 2.4.2.3, 2.7.2 and 2.7.7.3.,
1.6.1.2. Belts or restraint systems fitted with an automatically-locking
retractor: according to the provisions set out in items 2.7.8 and 2.7.9,
using a belt which has previously been subjected to 10000cyclesof
the endurance test of the retractor prescribed in item 2.7.7.1 and also
to the tests prescribed in items 2.4.2.3, 2.7.2 and 2.7.7.3.
1.6.1.3. Static belt: according to the provisions set out in items 2.7.8 and
2.7.9, on a safety belt which has been subjected to the test prescribed
in items2.4.2.3 and 2.7.2.
1.6.2. Test without any conditioning
According to the provisions set out in items 2.7.8 and 2.7.9.
2. TEST FREQUENCY AND RESULTS
2.1. The frequency of testing to the requirements of items 1.1 to 1.5 shall
be on a statistically controlled and random basis in accordance with
one of the regular quality assurance procedures.
2.1.1. Furthermore, in the case of emergency locking retractors, all assem-
bliess hall be checked:
2.1.1.1. either according to the provisions set out in items 2.7.7.2.1 and
2.7.7.2.2, in the most unfavourable direction, as specified in item
2.7.7.2.1.2. Test results shall meet the requirements of items
2.4.5.2.1.1 and 2.4.5.2.3.
2.1.1.2. or according to the provisions set out in item 2.7.7.2.3, in the most
unfavourable direction. Nevertheless, the speed of inclination can be
more than the prescribed speed in so far as it does not affect the test
results. Test results shall meet the requirements of item 2.4.5.2.1.4.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 68
▼M4
2.2. In the case of verification of compliance with the dynamic test
according to item 1.6 of thisAnnex, thiss hall be carried out with a
minimum frequency of:
2.2.1. Tests with conditioning
2.2.1.1. In the case of belts fitted with an emergency locking retractor,
— where the daily production isgreater than 1 000 belts : one in
100 000 beltsproduced, with a minimum frequency of one every
two weeks,
— where the daily production is smaller than or equal to 1 000 belts:
one in 10 000 beltsproduced, with a minimum frequency on one
per year,
per sort of locking mechanism(1), shall be subjected to the test
prescribed in item 1.6.1.1 of this Annex.
2.2.1.2. In the case of belts fitted with an automatically-locking retractor and
of static belts,
— where the daily production isgreater than 1 000 belts : one in
100 000 beltsproduced, with a minimum frequency of one every
two weeks,
— where the daily production is smaller than or equal to 1 000 belts:
one in 10 000 beltsproduced, with a minimum frequency of one
per year,
shall be subjected to the test prescribed in item 1.6.1.2 or 1.6.1.3 of
thisAnnex res pectively.
2.2.2. Tests without conditioning
2.2.2.1. In the case of belts fitted with an emergency locking retractor, the
following number of samples shall be subjected to the test prescribed
in item 1.6.2 of thisAnnex:
2.2.2.1.1. for a production of not less than 5 000 belts per day, two belts per
25 000 produced with a minimum frequency of one per day, per sort
of locking mechanism;
2.2.2.1.2. for a production of less than 5 000 belts per day, one belt per 5 000
produced with a minimum frequency of one per year, per sort of
locking mechanism.
2.2.2.2. In the case of belts fitted with an automatically locking retractor and
of static belts, the following number of samples shall be subjected to
the test prescribed in item 1.6.2 of this Annex:
2.2.2.2.1. for a. production of not less than 5 000 belts per day, two belts per
25 000 produced with a minimum frequency of one per day, per
approved type,
2.2.2.2.2. for a production of less than 5 000 belts per day, one belt per 5 000
produced with a minimum frequency of one per year, per approved
type.
2.2.3. Results
Test results shall meet the requirements set out in item 2.6.1.3.1 of
Annex I.
The forward displacement of the manikin may be controlled with
regard to item 2.6.1.3.2 of Annex I (or item 2.6.1.4 where applicable)
during a test performed with conditioning according to item 1.6.1 of
thisAnnex by meansof a s implified adapted method.
2.3. Where a test sample fails a particular test to which it has been
subjected, a further test to the same requirements shall be carried out
on at least three other samples. In the case of dynamic tests if one of
the latter failsthe tes t, the holder of the approval or hisduly accre-
dited representative shall notify the competent authority which has
granted type approval indicating what steps have been taken to re-
establish the conformity of production.1977L0541 — EN — 06.08.1996 — 008.001 — 69
(1) For the purposes of this Annex ‘sort of locking mechanism’ means all emergency
locking retractors whose mechanisms differ only in the lead angle(s) of the sensing
device to the vehicle's reference axis system.