1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 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
►M2CommissionDirective 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
►M4CommissionDirective 90/628/EEC of 30 October 1990 L 341 1 6.12.1990
►M5CommissionDirective 96/36/EC of 17 Jun e 1996 L 178 15 17.7.1996
►M6CommissionDirective 2000/3/EC of 22 February 2000 L 53 1 25.2.2000
Amended by:
►A1Act of Accessionof Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
►A2Act of Accessionof Spainan d Portugal L 302 23 15.11.1985
►A3Act of Accession of Austria, Sweden and Finland C241 21 29.8.1994
(adapted by Council Decision 95/1/EC, Euratom, ECSC) L 1 1 1.1.1995
▼B
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;
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member State to another;
whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the samerequirements either in addition to or in place of their existing regula-tion s, inorder inparticular to allow the EEC type-approval procedurewhich was the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February
1970 onthe approximationof the laws of the Member States relatin g to
the type-approval of motor vehicles and 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 beenlaid downby Directive 74/60/EEC(4);
whereas requirements for the internal fittings relating to the protectionof the driver against injury by the steering mechanism in the event ofanimpact have beenlaid downby Directive 74/297/EEC(
5); whereas
requirements relating to the strength of the seats and their anchorageshave beenlaid downby Directive 74/408/EEC(
6); whereas require-
ments relating to anchorages for safety belts have been laid down by
Directive 76/115/EEC(7); whereas other requirements relating 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;
Whereas a harmonized component type-approval procedure for safety
belts and restraint systems makes it possible for each Member State tocheck compliance with the common design and testing requirements
and to inform the other Member States of its findings by sending a
copy of the component type-approval certificate completed for eachtype of safety belt or restraint system; whereas the placing of an EECcomponent type-approval mark on all safety belts and restraint systemsmanufactured in conformity with the approved type obviates any needfor technical checks on these safety belts and restraint systems in the
other Member States;
Whereas the main purpose of the harmonized requirements is to
promote road safety; whereas it should therefore be made compulsoryto fit safety belts and restraint systems to vehicles covered by thisDirective;1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 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.
▼B
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles
entails mutual recognition by the Member States of checks carried outby each of them onthe basis of the commonrequiremen ts,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EEC component type-approval for
any type of three-point or lap safety belt and any type of restraintsystem which satisfies the design and test requirements laid down in 2of Annex I and in Annexes IV to XIV.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required to ensure that production
models conform to the approved type, if need be in cooperation withthe competent authorities in the other Member States.
3. For the purpose of implementing paragraph 2, it shall be suffi-
cient for a Member State to ensure that as a minimum the quality-
control procedures laid down in 2.8.1 of Annex I are applied.
If, however, the checks are made by the Member State itself, or by
laboratories authorized by it, the methods used shall be such as togive results at least as reliable as those that would be givenby the
procedures provided for inparagraph 1. The procedure laid downin
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
►
M5 ◄an EEC component type-approval mark
conforming to one of the models shown in Annex III.
Member States shall take all appropriate measures to prevent the use of
marks liable to create confusion between safety belts or 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 authorities of the Member States shall inform each
other, by means of the procedure specified in Article 4 (6) of Directive70/156/EEC, of each type of safety belt and restraint systems for whichan approval has been granted, refused or withdrawn.
Article 5
1. If a Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval finds that a number of safety belts and restraint systemsbearing the same EEC component type-approval mark do not conformto the type which it has approved, it shall take the necessary measuresto ensure that production models conform to the approved type. Thecompetent authorities of that State shall advise those of the other1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 3
▼M5
▼B
▼B
Member States of the measures taken, 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 authorities of another Member State of
such failure to conform.
2. The competent authorities of the Member States shall inform one
another within one month of any withdrawal of EEC component type-approval and of the reasons for such measure.
3. If a Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval disputes the failure to conform notified to it, the Member
States concerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The 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 this Directive to refuse or withdraw EEC component type-approval for safety belts or restraint systems or prohibit their placingonthe market or use shall set out indetail the reason s onwhich 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
un der the laws inforce inthe Member States an d of the time limitsallowed for the exercise of such remedies.
Article 7
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national
type-approval for a vehicle on grounds relating to the safety belts orrestraint systems with which it is equipped, if these bear the EECcomponent type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with the
requirements laid down in 3 of Annex I.
Article 8
No Member State may refuse or prohibit the sale, registration, entry
into service or use of any vehicle on grounds relating to its safety belts
or restraint systems, if these bear the EEC component type-approvalmark and are fitted in accordance with the requirements laid down in3 of Annex I.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle
in categories M and N as defined 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 downinArticle 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the provisions necessary in
order to comply with this Directive within 18 months of its notificationand shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof.
2. Member States shall ensure that the texts of the main provisions
of national law which they adopt in the field covered by this Directiveare communicated to the Commission.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 4
▼M1
▼B
▼B
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 5
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LISTOFANNEXES
Annex I: Scope, definitions, EC 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: EC component type-approval mark
Annex IV: Example of an apparatus to test durability of retractor
mechanism
Annex V: Example of an apparatus to test locking of emergency locking
retractors
Annex VI: Example of an apparatus to test the dust resistance of retrac-
tors
Annex VII: Description of trolley, seat, anchorages and stopping deviceAnnex VIII: Description of manikin
Annex IX: Description of the curve of trolley deceleration according to
time
Annex 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: Minimum requirements for safety belts and retractorsAnnex XVI: Control of conformity of production
Annex XVII: Requirements for child restraint systems
Annex XVIII: Installation requirements for child restraint systems
Appendix: Text of Annex 13 (point 5.2 and Appendix 2) of
UN-ECE Consolidated Resolution R.E.31977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 6
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ANNEX I
SCOPE,DEFINITIONS,ECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVAL,INSTAL-
LATIONREQUIREMENTS
0. SCOPE
This Directive applies to safety belts and restraint systems which
are designed for installation in vehicles conforming to the defini-
tion given in Annex II to Directive 70/156/EEC and are intended
for separate use, i.e. as individual fittings, by persons of adult
build occupying forward or rearward-facing seats and to child
restraint systems designated for installation in vehicles of cate-
gory M1, N1.
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 is
designed to diminish the risk of injury to its wearer, in the event
of collision or of abrupt vehicle deceleration, by limiting the
mobility of the wearer's body. Such anassembly is gen erally
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’ means a category of belts which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.2.1. rigid parts (buckle, attachments, retractor, etc.);
1.2.2. the material, weave, dimensions and colour of the straps;
1.2.3. the geometry of the belt assembly;
1.3. ‘strap’ means a flexible component designed to hold the body
and to transmit stresses to the belt anchorages;
1.4. ‘buckle’ means a quick-release device enabling the wearer to be
held by the belt. The buckle may incorporate the belt adjusting
device, except inthe case of a harn ess belt buckle;
1.5. ‘belt-adjusting device’ means a device enabling the belt to be
adjusted according to the requirements of the individual wearer
and to the position of the seat. The adjusting device may be
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
necessary securing components, which enable it to be attached
to the belt anchorages;
1.7. ‘energy absorber’ means a device designed to disperse energy
independently of, or jointly with, the strap and forming part of
a belt assembly;
1.8. ‘retractor’ means a device for accommodating a part or the
whole of the strap of a safety belt;
1.8.1. ‘non-locking retractor (type 1)’ means a retractor from which the
strap is extracted to its full length by a small external force and
which allows no adjustment of the strap which has been
extracted;
1.8.2. ‘manually unlocking retractor (type 2)’ means a retractor
requiring the manual operation of a device by the user to unlock
the retractor inorder to obtainthe desired strap extractionan d
which locks automatically whenthe said operationceases;1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 7
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1.8.3. ‘automatically locking retractor (type 3)’ means a retractor
allowing extraction of the strap to the desired length and which,
whenthe buckle is fasten ed, automatically adjusts the strap to
the wearer. Further extractionof the strap is n ot possible without
deliberate actiononthe part of the wearer;
1.8.4. ‘emergency locking retractor (type 4)’ means a retractor which,
in normal driving conditions, does not restrict the freedom of
movement 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)’ means a retractor of the type defined in point 1.8.4,
but having special properties as regards use in vehicles of cate-
gories M2, M3, N1, N2 and N3(
1);
1.8.6. ‘belt adjustment device for height’ means a device enabling the
positioninheight of the upper loop of a belt to be adjusted
according to the requirements of the individual wearer and the
positionof the seat. Such a device may be con sidered 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-drivenvehicles which do n ot differ insuch
essential respects as the dimensions, lines and constituent mate-
rials of the components of the vehicle structure or seat structure
or any other part of the vehicle to which the safety belts and the
restraint systems are attached;
1.11. ‘restraint system’ means a system combining a seat, fixed to the
structure of the vehicle by appropriate means, and a safety belt
for which at least one anchorage is located on the seat structure;
1.12. ‘seat’ means a structure which may or may not be integral with
the vehicle structure complete with trim, intended to seat one
adult person. The term covers both an individual seat and part
of a bench seat intended to seat one person;
1.12.1. a ‘front passenger seat’ means any seat where the ‘foremost H-
poin t’ of the seat inquestionis inor infron t of the vertical
transverse plane through the driver's 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’ means the device by which the seat or its
parts canbe adjusted to a positionsuited to the morphology of
the seated occupant. This device may, in particular, allow:
1.15.1. longitudinal displacement;1.15.2. vertical displacement;
1.15.3. angular displacement;
1.16. ‘seat anchorage’ means the system by which the seat assembly is
secured to the vehicle structure, including the affected parts of
the vehicle structure;
1.17. ‘seat type’ means a category of seats which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.17.1. the structure, shape, dimensions and materials of the seat;1.17.2. the type and dimensions of the adjustment systems and all
locking systems;1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 8
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1.17.3. the type and dimensions of the belt anchorages on the seat, of the
seat anchorage and of the affected parts of the vehicle structure;
1.18. ‘displacement system’ means a device enabling the seat or one of
its parts to be displaced angularly or longitudinally, without a
fixed intermediate position, to facilitate passenger access;
1.19. ‘locking system’ means a device ensuring that the seat and its
parts are maintained in any position of use;
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’ means an 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’ means the space between two vertical longitu-
dinal planes, 400 mm apart and symmetrical with respect to the
H-point, and defined by rotation of the apparatus, described in
Annex II to Council Directive 74/60/EEC (2), 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 auto-
matically deploy a flexible structure intended to limit, by
compression of the gas contained within it, the gravity of the
contacts of one or more parts of 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’ means an arrangement of components which 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
collisionor of abrupt decelerationof the vehicle, by limitin g the
mobility of the wearer's body;
1.27. ‘rearward-facing’ means facing in the direction opposite to the
normal direction of travel of the vehicle.
2. EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
2.1. Application for EC component type-approval.
2.1.1. The application for EC 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 EC component type-approval pursuant to
Article 3(4) of Directive 70/156/EEC of a type of restraint
system shall be submitted by the manufacturer or by the manu-
facturer of the vehicle inwhich it is to be in stalled.
2.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Appendix 1 to
Annex II.
2.1.3. The following samples must be submitted to the technical service
conducting the type-approval tests.
2.1.3.1. Six samples of which one for reference purposes.2.1.3.2. A 10-metre length of each type of strap used in the type of belt.
2.1.3.3. The technical service conducting the component type-approval
tests shall be entitled to request further samples.
2.1.4. Inthe case of restrain t 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's
choice, either a vehicle representative of the vehicle type to be
approved, or the part or parts of the vehicle considered essential
by the service.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 9
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2.1.5. Inthe case of child restrain t systems four samples shall be
supplied:
2.1.5.1. a 10-metre length of each category of strap used in the child
restraint, except the crotch strap of which two metres shall be
supplied; and
2.1.5.2. instructions and details of packaging in accordance with
paragraph 14 of Annex XVII.
2.1.5.3. The technical service conducting the component type-approval
tests shall be entitled to request further samples.
2.1.5.4. Inthe case of carry-cots, if the carry-cot restrain t may be used in
combination with a number of types of carry-cots, the restraint
manufacturer shall supply a list of the latter.
2.1.5.5. Where anapproved adult safety belt is used to secure the child
restraint, the application must stipulate the category of adult
safety belt to be used, e.g. static lap belts.
2.1.6. The competent authority shall verify the existence of satisfactory
arrangements for ensuring effective control of conformity of
productionbefore type-approval is gran ted.
2.2. Markings.2.2.1. The samples of a belt type or type of restraint system submitted
for EC component type-approval in accordance with 2.1.3 or
2.1.4 shall be clearly and indelibly marked with the manufac-
turer's name, trade name or mark.
2.2.2. The samples of child restraint submitted for approval in accor-
dance with points 2.1.5 and 2.1.5.1 shall be clearly and
indelibly marked with the manufacturer's name, initials or trade
mark.
2.2.2.1. One of the parts made of plastics of the child restraint device
(such as shell, impact shield, booster cushion, etc.), except the
belt(s) or harness shall be marked clearly (and indelibly) with
the year of production.
2.2.2.2. If the restraint is to be used in combination with an adult safety
belt the correct routing of the webbing shall be clearly indicated
by means of a drawing permanently attached to the restraint. If
the restraint is held in place by the adult safety-belt the routes
of the webbing for forward and rear-facing modes shall be
clearly distinguished on the product by colour coding. The
colours for the safety-belt route to be used whenthe device is
installed forward facing shall be red and when installed rearfa-
cing shall be blue. The same colours shall also be used on the
labels onthe device that illustrates the methods of use. The sepa-
rate routes of the lap and shoulder sections of the safety-belt
shall each be distinguished on the product by colour coding
and/or words. The marking defined above shall be visible with
the restraint in the vehicle. For Group 0 restraints, this marking
shall also be visible with the child inthe restrain t.
2.2.2.3. Rearward-facing child restraints shall have a permanently
attached label, visible in the installed position, with the warning:
this label shall be provided in the language of the country where
the device is sold.
2.2.2.4. In the case of restraints that can be used forward and rear-facing,
include the words:1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 10
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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. Inthe case of child restrain t systems each sample submitted in
accordance with 2.1 shall conform to the relevant requirements
contained in Annex XVII.
2.3.3. 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. Rigid parts.
2.4.1. General.
2.4.1.1. The rigid parts of the safety belt, such as buckles, adjusting
devices, attachments and the like, shall not have sharp edges
liable to cause wear or breakage of the straps by chafing.
2.4.1.2. All parts of a belt assembly liable to be affected by corrosion
shall be suitably protected against it. After undergoing the corro-
sion test prescribed in 2.7.2, neither signs of deterioration likely
to impair the proper functioning of the device nor any significant
corrosionshall be visible to the un aided eye of a qualified
observer.
2.4.1.3. Rigid parts intended to absorb energy or to be subjected to or to
transmit a load shall not be fragile.
2.4.1.4. The rigid items and parts made of plastic 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 parts does not 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 parts made of
plastic 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 againinorder to ascertainwhether it meets the require-ments of 2.4.2, 2.4.3 and 2.6.
2.4.1.5. The use of materials with properties of polyamide 6 as regards
water retention is prohibited in all mechanical parts for which
such a phenomenon is likely to have an adverse 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 ina partially-closed position . The proce-
dure for opening the buckle must be obvious. The parts of the
buckle likely to contact the body of the wearer shall present a
sectionof n ot less than20 cm
2and 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's body is comprised between20 an d 40 cm2.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 11
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2.4.2.2. The buckle, even when not under load, shall remain closed,
whatever its position. It must not be possible to release it with a
force less than1 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 in2.7.9.2.
The buckle shall be released by pressing either a button or a
similar device. The surface to which this pressure is applied
must have the following dimensions with the button in the
release position 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 this colour.
2.4.2.3. The buckle must be capable of withstanding repeated operation
and, before the dynamic test referred to in 2.7.8, must undergo
5000 opening and closing cycles under normal conditions of
use. Inthe case of harn ess belt buckles, this test may be carried
out without all the tongues being introduced.
2.4.2.4. The buckle, whentested inaccordan ce with 2.7.6.3 shall operate
normally.
2.4.2.5. The force required to openthe buckle inthe test prescribed in
2.7.9 shall not exceed 6 daN.
2.4.2.6. The buckle shall be tested for strength in accordance with the
requirements of 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.5, as appropriate. It must not
break, be seriously distorted or become detached whensubjected
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
accordance 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
whensubjected to the prescribed load.
2.4.3.3. Whena test is carried out inaccordan ce with 2.7.6.6, the force
required to operate any manual device shall not exceed 5 daN.
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 point 2.7.6.2
of the present Directive where they have not been tested on the
vehicle in application of amended council Directive 76/115/
EEC (3) 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 anautomatically lockin g
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 remaininits in itial positionor return1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 12
▼M6
to that position automatically on subsequent forward movements
by the wearer.
2.4.5.1.2. If the retractor is part of a lap belt, the retracting force of the
strap shall be not less than 0,7 daN when measured in the free
length between the manikin and the retractor in accordance with
2.7.7.4. If the retractor is part of a diagonal strap the retracting
force of the strap shall be not less than 0,2 daN and not more
than0,7 daN whensimilarly measured. If the strap passes
through a guide or pulley, the retracting force shall be measured
in the freelength between the manikin and the guide or pulley. If
the assembly incorporates a device which, upon manual or auto-
matic 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 withdrawnfrom the retractor an d allowed to
retract repeatedly, inaccordan ce with the method described in
2.7.7.1, until 5 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have
beencompleted. The retractor shall thenbe subjected to the
corrosiontest prescribed in2.7.2 followed by the dust resistan ce
test described in2.7.7.3. It shall thensatisfactorily complete afurther 5 000 cycles after which it shall still meet the require-
ments 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 effi-
ciently.
2.4.5.2. Emergency locking retractors.2.4.5.2.1. An emergency locking retractor shall satisfy the following condi-
tions when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2. In the case of a
single sensitivity, according to point 1.8.4.1, only the specifica-
tions regarding deceleration of the vehicle are valid.
2.4.5.2.1.1. It shall have locked whenthe vehicle decelerationreaches a
value of 0,45 g inthe case of type 4 or 0,85 g inthe 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 inthe 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
positionspecified by the man ufacturer.
2.4.5.2.1.4. It shall lock when the sensor is inclined to an angle of not less
than27º inthe case of type 4 or n ot less than40º inthe 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 is dependent on an external signal 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. However, this requirement 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.
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. Inorder to comply with the requiremen ts of
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 is part of a lap belt, the retracting force of the
strap shall be not less than 0,7 daN when measured in the free
length between the manikin and the retractor, in accordance
with 2.7.7.4. If the retractor is part of a diagonal strap; the
retracting force of the strap shall be not less than 0,2 daN and
not more than 0,7 daN when similarly measured. If the strap1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 13
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passes through a guide or pulley, the retracting force shall be
measured in the free length between the manikin and the guide
or pulley if the assembly incorporates a device which, upon
manual or automatic operation, prevents the strap from being
completely retracted, such a device shall not be operated when
the retracting force is assessed.
2.4.5.2.5. The strap shall be withdrawnfrom the retractor an d allowed to
retract repeatedly inaccordan ce with the method described in2.7.7.1 until 40000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have
beencompleted. The retractor shall thenbe subjected to the
corrosiontest prescribed in2.7.2 followed by the dust resistan ce
test described in2.7.7.3. It shall thensatisfactorily complete a
further 5 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction, after which it
shall still meet the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1, 2.4.5.2.2, 2.4.5.2.3
and 2.4.5.2.4. After the above tests, the retractor shall still func-
tion 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
beenactivated by temperature an d 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 onthe wearer's body is distributed as even ly as
possible over their whole width and that they do not twist, even
under load. They shall have energy-absorbing and energy-disper-
sing capacities. The straps shall have finished salvages which
shall not become unravelled in use.
2.5.1.2. The width of the straps 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 accor-
dance with 2.7.5, shall be not less than 1470 daN. The
difference between the breaking loads of the two samples shall
not exceed 10 % of the greater of the breaking loads measured.
2.5.3. Strength after special conditioning.
In the case of the two strap samples conditioned in conformity
with one of the provisions of 2.7.3 (except 2.7.3.1), the breaking
load of the strap shall be not less than 75 % of the average of the
loads determined in the test referred to in 2.5.2, and not less than
1470 daN. The technical service may dispense with one or more
of these tests if the compositionof the material used, or in forma-
tionalready available, ren ders the test or tests superfluous.
2.6. Belt assembly or restraint system.2.6.1. Requirements for dynamic testing.
2.6.1.1. The belt assembly or restraint system shall be subjected to a
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 under1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 14
▼M6
load. The buckles of the belts to be tested shall satisfy the
requirements set out in point 2.4.2.3. In the case of safety belts
with retractors, the retractor shall have beensubjected to the dust
resistance test laid down in point 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 point 2.7.10.2.
2.6.1.2.1. The belts shall have undergone the corrosion test defined in
point 2.7.2, after which the buckles shall be subjected to afurther 500 opening and closing cycles under normal conditions
of use.
2.6.1.2.2. Inthe case of safety belts with retractors, the latter shall have
beensubjected to the tests described inpoin ts 2.4.5.1 or 2.4.5.2.
If, however, a retractor has already beensubjected to the corro-
sion test pursuant to the provisions of point 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 point 1.8.6 above, the test shall
be carried out with the device adjusted inthe most un favourable
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 Council Directive 76/115/
EEC (
4), the technical service responsible for the tests can, if it
so wishes, apply the provisions of point 2.7.8.1 hereafter.
2.6.1.2.4. Inthe case of a safety belt with a pre-loadin g device the
minimum displacement specified in point 2.6.1.4.1 below may
be reduced by half. For the purpose of this text, the pre-loading
device shall be inoperation .
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
occupant 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 inthe case of lap belts. Incase of a
harness belt the minimum displacement specified for the pelvis
may be reduced by half. Inthe 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. These displa-
cements are the displacements in relation to the measurement
points shown in Annex VIII, Figure 6.
2.6.1.3.3. In the case of a safety belt intended to be used in an outboard
front seating position protected by an airbag in front of it, the
displacement of the chest reference point may exceed that speci-
fied inparagraph 2.6.1.3.2 above if its speed at this value does
not exceed 24 km/h.
2.6.1.4. Inthe case of a restrain t system:2.6.1.4.1. the movement of the chest reference point may exceed that
specified in2.6.1.3.2 if it canbe shown , either by calculationor
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 Council Directive 74/297/EEC (
5) and provided
that contact does not occur at a speed higher than 24 km/h. For
this assessment, the seat shall be considered to be in the position
specified in2.7.8.1.5.
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
displacements may be greater than those specified in point
2.6.1.3.2 inthe case where the upper an chorage fitted to the
seat profits by the derogation provided in point 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 Appendices 3 and 4 to Annex
II.
2.6.2. Strength after abrasion procedure.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 15
▼M6
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
loads measured. Inthe type 1 an d type 2 procedures, the
tensile-strength test shall be conducted on the strap samples
only (point 2.7.5). In type 3 procedures, the tensile-strength test
shall be conducted on the strap and relevant rigid parts (point
2.7.6).
2.6.2.2. The items to be subjected to anabrasionprocedure an d the
procedures to 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 — — ×
Guide or pulley — × —
Buckle loop — × ×
Adjusting device × — ×
Parts sewnto the strap — — ×
2.7. Tests.
2.7.1. Use of samples submitted for EC 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 point 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.
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
mountings, 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. The sample of strap shall be used for testing the breaking
strength of the strap. Part of this sample shall be preserved for
as long as the component type-approval remains valid.
2.7.2. Corrosiontest.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 50 hours.
2.7.2.2. Oncompletionof the exposure test, the assembly shall be gen tly
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.
Samples cut from the strap, as referred to in2.1.2.2, shall be
conditioned as follows.
2.7.3.1. Room-conditioning.
The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmo-
sphere having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 16
▼M6
of 65 ± 5 %. If the test is not carried out immediately after
conditioning, the sample shall be placed in an 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-conditioning.
2.7.3.2.1. The 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 type 7 to a contrast equal
to grade four onthe grey scale.
2.7.3.2.2. The strap shall thenbe kept for a min imum of 24 hours at anair
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
determined within five minutes of its removal from the condi-
tioning 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 atmo-
sphere 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 one and a half hours on a plane
surface ina low-temperature chamber inwhich the air tempera-
ture is -30 ± 5 ºC. It shall thenbe folded an d 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 minutes in the
same 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.
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 indistilled
water, at a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC, to which a trace of a
wetting agent, has been added. Any wetting agent suitable for
the fibre under test may be used.
2.7.3.5.2. The breaking load shall be determined within 10 minutes of the
strap's removal from the water.
2.7.3.6. Conditioning by abrasion.2.7.3.6.1. The abrasionprocedure shall be performed onevery device in
which the strap is incon tact with a rigid part of the belt.
However, the type 1 abrasion test (2.7.3.6.4.1) need not be
carried out onthe belt-adjustin g device where the micro-slip
test (2.7.4) shows that the strap slips less thanhalf 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 abrasionshall 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 %. 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
procedure:
Load (daN)Frequency
(Hz)No of
cyclesShift (mm)
Type 1 procedure 2,5 0,5 5 000 300 ± 20
Type 2 procedure 0,5 0,5 45000 300 ± 201977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 17
▼M6
Load (daN)Frequency
(Hz)No of
cyclesShift (mm)
Type 3 procedure (1) 0 - 5 0,5 45000 —
(1) See 2.7.3.6.4.3.
The shift giveninthe fifth columnof this table represen ts 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,
Figure 1).
2.7.3.6.4.2. Type 2 procedure: incases where the strap chan ges direction
once in passing through a rigid part.
The angles which both strap 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.
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, Figure 3).
2.7.4. Micro-slip test (see Annex XII, Figure 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
atmosphere having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative
humidity of 65 ± 5 %.
The test shall be carried out at a temperature between15 an d
30 ºC.
2.7.4.2. It shall be ensured that the free section of the adjusting device
points either up or down on the test bench, as in the vehicle.
2.7.4.3. A 5 daN load shall be attached to the lower end of the section of
strap.
The other end shall be subjected to a back-and-forth motion the
total amplitude being 300 ± 20 mm (see figure).
2.7.4.4. If there is a free end serving as reserve strap, it must in no way
be fastened or clipped to the section under load.
2.7.4.5. It shall be ensured that on the test bench the strap, in the slack
position, descends in a concave curve from the adjusting device,
as inthe vehicle.
The 5 daN load applied onthe test ben ch shall be guided verti-
cally 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. 1000 cycles shall be completed at a frequency of 0,5 cycle per
second, the total amplitude being 300 ± 20 mm. The 5 daN load
shall be applied only during the time corresponding to a shift of
100 ± 20 mm for each half period.
2.7.5. Test of breaking strength of strap (static test).1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 18
▼M6
2.7.5.1. The test shall be carried out each time ontwo n ew 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 betweenthe clamps of a ten sile-
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. Whenthe 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 within10 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. Inthe case of harn ess belts, the buckleshall be connected to the testing apparatus by the straps which
are attached to the buckle and the tongue or two tongues located
inanapproximately symmetrical way to the geometric cen tre of
the buckle. If the buckle or adjusting device is part of the attach-
ment 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 point 2.7.6.2, except in the case
of retractors with a returnpulley at the upper strap an chorage.
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.
2.7.6.2. The attachments and any belt adjustment devices for height shall
be tested in the manner described in 2.7.6.1, but the load shall be
1470 daN and, subject to the provisions of the second sentence
of 2.7.8.1, shall be applied in the least favourable conditions
likely to occur ina vehicle inwhich the belt is correctly
installed. In the case of retractors, the test shall be performed
with the strap completely unwound from the reel.
2.7.6.3. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed ina
low-temperature chamber at -10 ± 1 ºC for two hours. Immedi-
ately after being removed from the chamber the mating parts of
the buckle shall thenbe locked together man ually.
2.7.6.4. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed ina
low-temperature chamber at a temperature of -10 ± 1 ºC for twohours. All rigid items and parts made of plastic under test shall
thenbe laid inturnona flat steel surface (which has beenkept
with the samples inthe low temperature chamber), placed onthe
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, an18 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 90 º 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 inthe mid-positionof their adjustmen t. The direc-
tionof applicationof the load shall be established inaccordan ce
with 2.7.8.1. A load of 1470 daN shall be applied simulta-
neously 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 out1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 19
▼M6
in both directions of strap travel through the adjusting device, the
strap being cycled 10 times prior to measurement.
2.7.7. Additional tests for retractors.
2.7.7.1. Durability of retractor mechanism.2.7.7.1.1. The strap shall be withdrawnan d allowed to retract for the
required number of cycles at a rate of not more than 30 cycles
per minute. In the case of emergency locking retractors, a snatch
shall be introduced at each fifth cycle to lock the retractor. The
snatches shall occur in equal numbers at each of five different
extractions, namely, 90, 80, 75, 70 and 65 % of the total length
of the strap onthe retractor. However, where more than900 mm
is provided, the above percentages shall be related to the final
900 mm of strap which remainwoun d onthe retractor.
2.7.7.1.2. Suitable apparatus for the tests specified in2.7.7.1.1 is shownin
Annex IV.
2.7.7.2. Locking of emergency locking retractors.
2.7.7.2.1. The retractor shall be tested for locking when 300 ± 3 mm of
strap remainwoun d onthe retractor reel.
2.7.7.2.1.1. In the case of a locking retractor actuated by strap movement,
the extractionshall be inthe directioninwhich it n ormally
occurs whenthe retractor is in stalled ina vehicle.
2.7.7.2.1.2. When retractors are being tested for sensitivity to vehicle decel-
eration, 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 speci-
fied 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 in2.7.7.2.1 is described
in Annex V. The design of any such test apparatus shall ensure
that the required accelerationis achieved before the webbin g is
drawnout of the retractor by more than5 mm an d that the with-
drawal takes place at anaverage rate of in crease 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 2 º per second until
locking has occurred. The test shall be repeated in other direc-
tions 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 ina test chamber, as shownin
Annex VI. Its relative position shall be the same as that in which
it is mounted in the vehicle. The test chamber shall contain a
quantity of dust which meets the requirements of 2.7.7.3.2.
500 mm of the strap shall be extracted from the retractor and
kept extracted, except that it shall be subjected to 10 complete
cycles of retraction and withdrawal within one or two minutes
after each agitationof 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
indiameter at a gauge pressure of 5,5 × 10
5± 0,5 × 105Pa.
2.7.7.3.2. The dust used inthe test described in2.7.7.3.1 shall con sist of
about 1 kg of dry quartz. The particle size distributionshall 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 force.
2.7.7.4.1. The retracting force shall be measured with the safety belt
assembly fitted to a manikin, as in the dynamic test prescribed1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 20
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in2.7.8. The strap ten sionshall be measured as close as possible
to the points of contact with (but just clear of) the manikin,
while the strap is being retracted at an approximate speed of
0,6 m per minute.
2.7.8. Dynamic tests of the belt assembly or the restraint system.
2.7.8.1. The belt assembly shall be mounted on a trolley equipped with
the seat and the anchorages defined in Annex VII. If, however,
the belt assembly is intended for a specific vehicle or for specific
types of vehicle, the distances between the manikin and the
anchorages shall be determined by the service conducting the
tests, in accordance either with the fitting instructions supplied
with the belt, or with the data supplied by the manufacturer of
the vehicle. Inthat case, whenthe dyn amic test has beencarried
out for a type of vehicle it need not be repeated for other types
of vehicle where each anchorage point is less than 50 mm distant
from the corresponding anchorage point of the tested belt. Alter-
natively, manufacturers may determine a hypothetical anchorage
position for testing in order to enclose the maximum number of
real anchorage points. If the belt is equipped with a belt adjust-
ment 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. In the case of a safety belt or restraint system with pre-loading
devices relying on component parts other than those incorporated
inthe belt assembly itself, the belt assembly shall be moun ted in
conjunction with the necessary additional vehicle parts on the
test trolley in the manner prescribed in points 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
conventional frontal impact test at 50 km/h in conformity with
ISO procedure 3560 (1975/11/1 — Road vehicles — Frontal
fixed barrier collisiontest method) that the device complies
with the requirements of the Directive.
If a safety belt forms part of anassembly which is the subject of
an application for component type-approval as a restraint system,
this safety belt must be mounted on that part of the vehicle struc-
ture to which it is normally fitted and that part must be attached
to the test trolley as follows.
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 lessenthe n ormal deformationof the structure.
No forward part of the vehicle shall be present which, by
limiting the forward movement of the manikin, apart from thefeet, would reduce the load imposed onthe restrain t system
during the test. The discarded parts of the structure can be
replaced by parts of equivalent strength, provided that they do
not hinder the forward movement of the manikin.
2.7.8.1.3. A securing device shall be regarded as satisfactory if it produces
no effect on an area extending over the whole width of the struc-
ture, and if the vehicle or the structure is blocked or immobilised
in front at a distance of not less than 500 mm from the ancho-
rage of the restraint system tested. At the rear, the structure
shall be secured at a distance behind the anchorages which is
sufficient to ensure that the requirements of 2.7.8.1.2 are
fulfilled.
2.7.8.1.4. The seats shall be adjusted and placed in the driving or travelling
position considered by the technical service conducting the
approval tests as providing the most adverse conditions of
strength consistent with the positioning of the manikin in the
vehicle. The positions of the seats shall be stated in the report.
If the seat back is adjustable, it must be locked as specified by
the manufacturer or, in the absence of any specification, locked
in such a manner as to form an effective angle as near as
possible to 25 º inthe case of vehicles incategories M1 an d N1
and as close as possible to 15 º in the case of vehicles of all
other categories.
2.7.8.1.5. For the purpose of assessing the requirements of 2.6.1.4.1, the
seat shall be regarded as being in its most forward driving or
travelling position appropriate to the dimensions of the manikin.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 21
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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. A check shall be made to ensure
that the mode of engagement of the two parts of the buckle
entails no risks of reducing the reliability of locking.
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 thenbe propelled insuch a way that, at the
moment of impact, its free running speed is 50 ± 1 km/h and
the manikin remains stable. The stopping distance of the trolley
shall be 400 ± 50 mm. The trolley shall remainhorizon tal
throughout deceleration. Deceleration of the trolley shall be
achieved by using the apparatus shown in Annex VII or any
other device giving equivalent results. The apparatus shall meet
the performance requirements given in Annex IX.
2.7.8.5. The trolley speed immediately before impact, the forward displa-
cement of the manikin and the speed of the chest at a 300 mm
displacement of the chest shall be measured.
2.7.8.6. After impact, the belt assembly or restraint system and its rigid
parts shall be inspected visually, without opening the buckle, in
order to determine whether there has been any failure or
breakage. Inthe case of restrain t systems, a check shall also be
made, after the test, to establish whether the parts of the vehicle
structure which are attached to the trolley have undergone any
permanent deformation. Any such deformation found shall be
taken into account in any calculation made in accordance with
2.6.1.4.1.
2.7.9. Buckle-opening test.2.7.9.1. Belt assemblies which have already undergone the dynamic test
inaccordan ce 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. A load shall be applied to the buckle
by direct tractionvia 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 is in a locked position, its
minimum is deemed to be 2. If the buckle is connected to a rigid
part, account must be taken, when the force is applied, of the
angle formed by the buckle and the rigid part during the dynamic
test. 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
axis running parallel to the initial direction of motion of the
button. The buckle must be held in place by a rigid support
whenthe force required to openthe buckle is applied. The
abovementioned load must not exceed the limit specified in point
2.4.2.5. The point of contact of the test assembly must be sphe-
rical, with a radius of 2,5 ± 0,1 mm. It must have a smooth metal
surface.
2.7.9.3. The buckle-opening force shall be measured and any failure of
the buckle noted.
2.7.9.4. 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 —
Conditioning.
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 thenbe raised to 100 ± 5 ºC for two hours.
Subsequently 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 againto the safety belt.
2.7.11. Test report.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 22
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The test report shall record the results of the tests prescribed in
2.7 and, in particular, the trolley speed, the maximum forward
displacement of the manikin, the position of the buckle, the
buckle-opening force, and any failure or breakage. If, pursuant
to 2.7.8.1, the anchorage requirements of Annex VII have not
beenrespected, 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.
Inthe case of a restrain t system, the test report shall also specify
the method of attaching the vehicle structure to the trolley, the
positionof the seats an d the tilt of the seat backs. If the forward
displacement of the manikin has exceeded the values prescribed
in2.6.1.3, the report shall state whether the requiremen ts of
2.6.1.4.1 have beenmet.
2.8. Conformity of production.
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 requirements set forth in 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 and 2.7
above.
2.8.2. In order to verify that the requirements of point 2.8.1 are met,
suitable controls of the production shall be carried out.
2.8.3. As a general rule, measures to ensure the conformity of produc-
tion shall be taken in accordance with the provisions laid down
inArticle 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 this Directive or
in Annex 16 of the document referred to in Annex XVII, as
applicable.
2.9. Instructions.
2.9.1. Inthe case of a safety belt supplied separately from the vehicle,
the packaging and installation instructions must clearly state the
vehicle type(s) for which it is intended.
2.9.2. Every child restraint system shall be accompanied by the instruc-
tions specified in Annex X.
3. REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING INSTALLATION IN THE
VEHICLE
3.1. Vehicle equipment (6).
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 cate-
gories M and N (except those vehicles in categories M2 and
M3 which are designed for both urban use and standing passen-
gers) must be equipped with safety belts or restraint systems
which satisfy the requirements of this Directive.
3.1.2. The types of safety belts or restraint systems for each seating
positionwhere in stallationis 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 belts type B are specified in Annex
XV lap belts type Br3 are permitted except inthe case that, in
use, they retract to such anexten t as to reduce comfort ina
notable way after normal buckling up.
3.1.3. If a vehicle is fitted with an integrated child restraint system it
shall comply with the relevant requirements contained in Annex
XVII.
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 belts of the types
permitted in Annex XV may be provided as an alternative to
lap belts for 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 onthe diagon al strap.
3.1.6. Except for vehicles of category M, an emergency locking
retractor of type 4N (1.8.5) may be permitted instead of a1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 23
▼M6
retractor of type 4 (1.8.4) where it has beenshownto the satis-
faction of the services responsible for the tests that the fitting of
a type 4 retractor would not be practical.
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 in 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 is capable of entering into static
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 ‘protec-
tive 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 planes which are symme-
trical 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 geometrical projectionof the sphere could be passed.
A seat is considered to be in 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. At every seating position in Annex XV marked with the symbol
, three-point belts of a type specified in Annex XV shall be
provided unless one of the following conditions is fulfilled:
— there is a seat or other vehicle parts conforming to point 3.5
of Appendix 1 of Annex III to Council Directive 74/408/
EEC (7) directly infron t, or
— n o part of the vehicle is inor, whenthe vehicle is inmotion ,
capable of being in the reference zone, or
— parts of the vehicle within the said reference zone comply
with the energy absorbing requirements set out in Appendix
6 of Annex III to 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 point 3.1.12 every passenger seating posi-
tionwhich is fitted with anair bag shall be provided with a
warning against the use of a rearward-facing child restraint on
that 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 infron t of a personabout to
install a rearward-facing child restraint on the seat in question.
Anexample of a possible designof pictogram is showninFigure
1. A permanent reference should be visible at all times, in case
the warning is not visible when the door is closed.
3.1.12. The requirements of point 3.1.11 shall 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 air bag
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 require-
ments of point 3.1.1 shall only apply to those orientations
designated for normal use when the vehicle is travelling on a
road, in accordance with this Directive. A note to this effect shall
be included in the information document.
3.2. General requirements.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 24
▼M6
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. Inparticular 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 cushionan d/or
the seat back canbe folded to permit access to the rear of the
vehicle or to carry goods or luggage, after folding and restoring
those seats to the seating position, the safety belts provided for
those seats shall be accessible for use or be easily recovered
from under or behind the seat by one person, according to
instructions 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
installation 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 inthe lap sectionof the belt by extern al appli-
cation of tension in the diagonal section of the belt.
3.3. Special requirements for rigid parts incorporated in safety belts
or restraint systems.
3.3.1. Rigid parts, such as the buckles, adjusting devices and attach-
ments, shall not increase the risk of bodily injury to the wearer
or to other occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
3.3.2. The device for releasing the buckle shall be clearly visible to and
within easy reach of the wearer and shall be so designed that it
cannot be opened inadvertently or accidentally. The buckle shall
also be located insuch a positionthat it is readily accessible to a
rescuer needing to release the wearer in an emergency.
The buckle shall be so installed that, both when not under load
and when sustaining the wearer's weight, it is capable of being
released by the wearer with a single simple movement of either
hand in one direction. In the case of safety belts or restraint
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 this Annex.
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 whenseated an d 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
positionof 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.
3.4. Inorder to in form the vehicle user(s) of the provisionmade for
the transport of children, the requirements of Annex XVIII shall
be met.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 25
▼M6
4. APPLICATION FOR EC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A VEHICLE
TYPE IN RESPECT OF THE INSTALLATION OF ITS
SAFETY BELTS AND RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
4.1. The applicationfor approval pursuan t to Article 3(4) of
Directive 70/156/EEC of a vehicle type with regard to the instal-
lation of its safety belts and restraint systems shall be submitted
by the vehicle manufacturer.
4.2. A model for the information document is given 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 EC TYPE-APPROVAL
5.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EC 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 EC type-approval certificate is givenin :
5.2.1. Annex II, Appendix 3 for applications referred to in 2.1;
5.2.2. Annex II, Appendix 4 for applications 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.
6. MODIFICATION OF THE TYPE AND AMENDMENTS TO
APPROVALS
6.1. Inthe case of modification s to either the type of vehicle or of the
safety belt or restraint system approved pursuant to this Direc-
tive, the provisions of Article 5 of Directive 70/156/EEC shall
apply.
Figure1
Pictogram
(see Paragraph 3.1.11)
(1) Vehicle categories defined in Annex IIA to Directive 70/156/EEC.
(2) OJ L 38, 11.2.1974, p. 2.
(3) OJ L 24, 30.1.1976, p. 6.
(4) OJ L 24, 30.1.1976, p. 6.
(5) OJ L 165, 20.6.1976, p. 16.
(6) In addition to the requirements of 3.1, Member States may, under national law, accept
other types of safety belts or restraint systems covered by this Directive for certainvehicle types.
(
7) OJ L 221, 12.8.1974, p. 1.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 26
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ANNEX II
TYPE-APPROVALDOCUMENTATION1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 27
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Appendix 1
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 28
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1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 29
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Appendix 2
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 30
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1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 31
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Appendix 3
MODEL
[maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm)]
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 32
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1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 33
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Addendum
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 34
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Appendix 4
MODEL
(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 35
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1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 36
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Addendum
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 37
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ANNEX III
ECCOMPONENTTYPE-APPROVALMARK
1.1. Every safety belt or restraint system conforming to a type
approved under this Directive shall bear an EC component type-
approval mark.
The EC 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 EC component type-approval:
1 for Germany,
2 for France,
3 for Italy,
4 for the Netherlands,
5 for Sweden,
6 for Belgium,9 for Spain,
11 for the United Kingdom,
12 for Austria,
13 for Luxembourg,
17 for Finland,18 for Denmark,
21 for Portugal,
23 for Greece,
IRL for Ireland.
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
figures indicating the sequence number assigned to the latest
major technical amendment to Directive 77/541/EEC on the
date EC component type-approval was granted. In this Directive
the sequence number is 04 for adult safety belts and restraint
systems and 03 for child restraint systems.
1.1.3. The following additional symbol or symbols located above the
rectangle.
1.1.3.1. The letter ‘A’ inthe case of a three-poin t 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 in1.1.3.1 shall be supplemen ted by the
following marks.
1.1.3.2.1. The letter ‘e’ inthe case of a belt fitted with anen ergy absorber.1.1.3.2.2. The letter ‘r’ inthe case of a safety belt fitted with a retractor,
followed by the number of the type of retractor used, in accor-
dance 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’ inthe case of a safety belt with a pre-loadin g
device.
1.1.3.3. The symbols described in1.1.3.1 shall be preceded by the letter
‘Z’ whenthe safety belt is part of a restrain t system.
1.1.4. Belts fitted with a type 4N retractor shall also bear a symbol
consisting of a rectangle with a vehicle of category M1 crossed
out, indicating that the use of this type of retractor is prohibited
invehicles of that category.
1.1.5. If the safety-belt is approved following the provisions of the
paragraph 2.6.1.3.3. of Annex I to this Directive, it shall be
marked with the word ‘AIRBAG’ ina rectan gle.
1.1.6. In the case of child restraints the following additional text
located above the rectangle:
1.1.6.1. the word(s) ‘universal’, ‘restricted’, ‘semi-universal’ or ‘vehicle
specific’ depending on the category of restraint,1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 38
▼M6
1.1.6.2. the mass range for which the child restraint has been designed,
namely:
less than10 kg; less than13 kg; 9 to 18 kg; 15 to 25 kg; 22 to
36 kg; less than18 kg; 9 to 25 kg; 15 to 36 kg; less than25 kg;
9 to 36 kg; less than36 kg,
1.1.6.3. the symbol ‘Y’ in the case of a device containing a crotch strap,
1.1.6.4. the symbol ‘S’ in the case of a ‘Special needs restraint’.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 EC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
MARKS
2.1.
The belt bearing the above EC component type-approval mark is
a three-point belt ‘A’ fitted with an energy absorber (e) and
approved in the Netherlands (e 4) according to this Directive
(04) under the base approval number 2439.
2.2.
The belt bearing the above EC component type-approval mark is
a lap belt ‘B’ fitted with a type 4 retractor with multiple sensi-
tivity and approved in the Netherlands (e 4) according to this
Directive (04) under the base approval number 2439.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 39
▼M6
2.3.
The belt bearing the above EC component type-approval mark is
a special type of belt ‘S’, fitted with anen ergy absorber (e),
forming part of a restraint system ‘Z’ and approved in the Neth-
erlands (e 4) according to this Directive (04) under the base
approval number 2439.
2.4.
The belt bearing this type-approval mark is a three-point belt ‘A’
having a multiple-sensitivity ‘m’ type 4N ‘r4N’ retractor, in
respect of which EC component type-approval was granted in
the Netherlands ‘e4’ according to this Directive (04) under the
base approval number 2439. This belt shall not be fitted to vehi-
cles of category M1.
Note:The base approval number and symbol(s) shall be placed
close to the rectangle.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 40
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2.5.
The belt bearing this type-approval mark is a three-point belt ‘A’
fitted with an energy absorber ‘e’, approved as meeting the
specific requirements of paragraphs 2.6.1.3.3 of Annex I to this
Directive, having a multiple-sensitivity ‘m’ type 4 ‘r4’ retractor,
in respect of which EC component type-approval was granted in
the Netherlands ‘e4’ according to this Directive (04) under the
approval number 2439. This belt has to be fitted to a vehicle
equipped with an airbag in the given seating position.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 41
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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 is attached by wires to a small trolley mounted on
a track. The cam follower incorporates a ‘lost motion’ device which absorbs any
movement should the reel lock before the full stroke of the follower is
completed. The cam design and motor speed combination is such as to give
the required accelerationat a rate of in crease of accelerationas specified in
2.7.7.2.2 of Annex 1, and the stroke is arranged to be in excess of the maximum
permitted strap movement before locking.
On the trolley a carrier is mounted which can be swivelled 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 — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 42
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ANNEX VI
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST THE DUST RESISTANCE
OFRETRACTORS
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 43
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ANNEX VII
DESCRIPTIONOF 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 onrestrain t systems the
trolley, with the vehicle structure attached, shall have a mass of
800 kg. However, if necessary, 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
Except inthe case of tests onrestrain t systems, the seat shall be
of rigid construction and present a smooth surface. The particu-
lars giveninFigure 1 hereto shall be respected, care bein g 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 ends of the belt are to be connected
to the trolley or to the load transducer, 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. Other-
wise, 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
whena load of 98 daN is applied to it inthat direction . The
trolley shall be so constructed that no permanent deformation
shall occur in the parts bearing the anchorages during the test.
The tolerance on the position of the anchorage points is such that
each anchorage point shall be situated at most at 50 mm from
corresponding points 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, inall other cases, onthe arc of a circle with
centre K and radius 350 mm.
3.1. Inthe case of a belt equipped with a belt adjustmen t device for
height as defined in 1.8.6 of this Directive, this shall be secured
either to a rigid frame, or to a part of the vehicle onwhich it is
normally mounted which shall be securely fixed on the test
trolley.
4. STOPPING DEVICE
This device consists of two identical absorbers mounted in
parallel, except inthe case of restrain t systems whenfour absor-
bers shall be used for a nominal mass of 800 kg. If necessary, an
additional absorber shall be used for each 200 kg increase of
nominal mass.
Each absorber comprises:
— anouter casin g 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
showninFigures 2, 3 an d 4. The characteristic values of the
energy-absorbing material are given below. Immediately before1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 44
▼M6
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 the dynamic
testing of safety belts 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 accep-
table.
CHARACTERISTIC VALUES OF THE ENERGY-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: Ao≥400 %
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
Compressionset (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: maximum variation ± 3
— breaking strength: decrease < 10 % of R
o
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— mass: decrease < 1 %
Immersioninoil (ASTM method No 1 Oil):
70 hours at 100 ºC — shore hardness A: maximum variation ± 4
— breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 5 %
Immersioninoil (ASTM method No 3 Oil):
70 hours at 100 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 15 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 20 %
Immersionindistilled water:
one week at 70 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 35 % of Ro
— elongation: increase: < 20 % of Ao1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 45
▼M6
Figure1
Trolley, seat, anchorage
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 46
▼M6
Figure2
Stopping device
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 47
▼M6
Figure3
Stopping device
(polyurethane tube)
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 48
▼M6
Figure4
Stopping device
(olive-shaped knob)
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 49
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ANNEX VIII
DESCRIPTIONOFMANIKIN
1. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MANIKIN
1.1. General
The main characteristics of the manikin are indicated in the
following figures and tables:
Figure 1: side view of head, neck and torso;
Figure 2: front view of head, neck and torso;Figure 3: side view of hip, thighs and lower leg;Figure 4: front view of hip, thighs and lower leg;Figure 5: principal dimensions;
Figure 6: manikin in sitting position, showing:
— locationof the cen tre of gravity,
— location of points at which displacement shall be
measured,
— shoulder height;
table 1: mass of head, neck, torso, thigh and lower leg
table 2: references, names, materials and principal dimen-
sions of the components of the manikin.
1.2. Descriptionof the man ikin
1.2.1. Lower leg structure (see Figures 3 and 4)
The lower leg structure consists of three components:
— a sole plate (30),
— a shintube (29),
— a knee tube (26).
The knee tube has two lugs which limit the movement of the
lower leg inrelationto the thigh.
The lower leg canrotate rearwards about 120º from the straight
position.
1.2.2. Thigh structure (see Figures 3 and 4)
The thigh structure consists of three components:
— a knee tube (22),
— a thigh bar (21),
— a hip tube (20).
Movement of the knee is limited by two cut-outs in the knee
tube (22) which engage with the lugs of the leg.
1.2.3. Torso structure (see Figures 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 Figures 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 Figures 1 and 2)
The head (15) is hollow; the polyurethane is reinforced by steel
bands (17). The chain tensioner which enables the neck to be
adjusted consists of a poiyamide block (10), a tubular spacer
(11) and a tensioning component (12 and 13). The head can
rotate at the joint berween 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).
1.2.6. Knee joint (see Figure 4)1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 50
▼M6
The lower leg and thighs are connected by a tube (27) and a
tensioner (28).
1.2.7. Hip joint (see Figure 4)
The thighs and torso are connected by a tube (23), friction plates
(24) and a tensioner (25).
1.2.8. Polyurethane
Type: PU 123 CH compound
Hardness: 50 to 60 shore A
1.2.9. Overall
The manikin is covered by a special overall.
2. CORRECTION OF THE MASS
In order to calibrate the manikin to certain values and its total
mass, the mass distributionmust be adjusted by mean s of six
correctionweights of 1 kg each which canbe fitted to the hip
joint. Six other polyurethane weights of 1 kg each can be fitted
to the back of the torso.
3. CUSHION
A cushion shall be positioned between the chest of the manikin
and the overall. This cushion must be made of polyethylene
foam complying with the following specification:
— hardness: 7 to 10 shore A
— thickness: 25 ± 5 mm.
It shall be replaceable.
4. ADJUSTMENT OF THE JOINTS4.1. General
Inorder to achieve reproducible results, it is n ecessary to specify
and control the friction at each joint.
4.2. Knee joint:
tighten the knee joint;set the thigh and lower leg vertical;rotate the lower leg through 30º;gradually slacken the tensioner until the lower leg starts to fall
under its own weight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.3. Hip joints:
increase the rigidity of the hip ioints for the purposes of adjust-
ment;
place the thighs in a horizontal position and the torso in a
vertical position;
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 ownweight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.4. Atlas-axis joint:
adjust the atlas-axis joint so that it just resists its own weight in
the fore and aft directions.
4.5. Neck:
the neck can be adjusted by means of the chain tensioner (13);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.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 51
▼M6
TABLE 1
Components of manikin Mass in kilograms
Head and neck 4,6 ± 0,3
Torso and arms 40,3 ± 1,0
Thighs 16,2 ± 0,5
Lower leg and foot 9,0 ± 0,5
Total mass including correction weights 75,5 ± 1,0
TABLE 2
Refer-
ence NoName Material Dimensions
1 Body polyurethane -
2 Hip tube steel 76 × 70 × 100 mm
3 Chainattachmen ts steel 25 × 10 × 70 mm
4 Roller chainsteel ¾mm
5 Shoulder plane polyurethane -
6 Ribs (rolled section) steel 30 × 30 × 3 × 250 mm
7 Ribs perforated steelplate 400 × 85 × 1,5 mm
8 Sternum perforated steelplate 250 × 90 × 1,5 mm
9 Discs (6) polyurethane ∅90 × 20 mm, ∅
80 × 20 mm
∅75 × 20 mm; ∅
70 × 20 mm
∅65 × 20 mm, ∅
60 × 20 mm
10 Block polyamide 60 × 60 × 25 mm
11 Tubular spacer steel 40 × 40 × 2 × 50 mm
12 Tensioning bolt steel M16 × 90 mm
13 Tensioner nut steel M16
14 Tensioner for atlas-
axis jointsteel ∅12 × 130 mm
(M12)
15 Head polyurethane -
16 Tubular spacer steel ∅18 × 13 × 17 mm
17 Reinforcement plate steel 30 × 3 × 500 mm
18 Tensioner nut steel M12
19 Thighs polyurethane -
20 Hip tube steel 76 × 70 × 80 mm21 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 Frictionplates (4) steel 160 × 75 × 1 mm
25 Tensioner assembly steel M12 × 320 mm plates
and nuts
26 Knee tube steel 52 × 46 × 160 mm
27 Knee connecting tube steel 44 × 39 × 190 mm
28 Tensioner plate steel ∅70 × 4 mm
29 Shintube steel 50 × 50 × 2 × 460 mm
30 Sole plate steel 100 × 170 × 3 mm
31 Torso correction
weights (6)polyurethane 1 kg each1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 52
▼M6
Refer-
ence NoName Material Dimensions
32 Cushionpolyurethan e foam 350 × 250 × 25 mm
33 Overall cottonan d polyamide
straps
34 Hip joint correction
weights (6)steel mass 1 kg each1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 53
▼M6
Figure1
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 54
▼M6
Figure2
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 55
▼M6
Figures3and4
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 56
▼M6
Figures5and6
Manikin seated in position shown in Annex VII, Figure 1.
G = centre of gravity,
T = torso measurement point (located at the front on the centre line of the manikin),P = pelvis measurement point (located at the back on the centre line of the manikin).1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 57
▼M6
ANNEX IX
DESCRIPTION OF THE CURVE OF TROLLEY DECELERATION
ACCORDINGTOTIME
(Curvefortestingstoppingdevices)
tg
A1 0 1 5
B1 5 2 0C2 5 2 6
D4 5 2 6
E5 5 2 0
F6 0 0
G1 8 3 2H6 0 3 2
I8 0 0
The decelerationcurve of the trolley weighted with in ert masses to produce a
total of 455 kg ± 20 kg for safety belt tests and 910 kg ± 40 kg for restraint
system tests, where the nominal mass of the trolley and vehicle structure is
800 kg, must remain within the hatched area above. If necessary, the nominal
mass of the trolley and attached vehicle structure can be increased by incre-ments of 200 kg, in which case an additional inert mass of 28 kg shall be
added per increment. In no case shall the total mass of the trolley, the vehicle
structure and the inert masses differ from the nominal value for calibration tests
by more than ± 40 kg. The stopping distance during calibration of the trolley
shall be 400 ± 20 mm and the speed of the trolley shall be 50 ± 1 km/h.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 58
▼M6
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(1).1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 59
(1) These requirements are in accordance with Recommendation ISO R 6478/1980.
▼M6
ANNEX X
INSTRUCTIONSFORUSE
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by instructions covering the following
points in the language or languages of the Member State in which it is to be
placed onsale.
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 belts to fit tightly when in use,— the correct positioning of the straps and the need to avoid
twisting them,
— the fact that each belt should be used by one occupant
only and that a belt must not be put round a child seated
ona passen ger's lap;
(c) the method of fastening and unfastening the buckle;
(d) the method of adjusting the belt;
(e) the method of operating any retractor which is incorporated
in the assembly and the method of checking that it has
locked;
(f) the recommended methods of cleaning the belt and reassem-
bling 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 or, when a seat belt is equipped with a pre-
loading device, when the latter has been 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 designpermits parts to be disassembled,
instructions to ensure correct reassembly must be given;
(i) the fact that the belt is intended for use by occupants of adult
build;
(j) stowage of the belt whenn ot inuse.
3. Inthe 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 more than nine seats, including that of the driver.
4. The vehicle manufacturer shall include in the vehicle handbook
advice onthe suitability of each passen ger seat positionfor the
carriage of childrenup to 12 years old (or 1,5 m tall), or the
fitting of child restraint systems. The information shall be given
in the national language, or at least one of the national
languages, of the country in which the vehicle is offered for sale.
4.1. For each forward-facing passenger seat position, the manufac-
turer shall either:
4.1.1. indicate that the seat position is suitable for child restraints of the
universal category;
4.1.2. provide a list of restraint systems of the universal or semi-
universal, restricted or vehicle-specific categories, suitable for
that vehicle seat position, indicating the age ranges for which
the restraints are intended;
4.1.3. provide a built-in child restraint indicating the age range(s) for
which the restraint is intended in each configuration as appro-
priate; or
4.1.4. any combination of 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.1.3.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 60
▼M6
4.1.5. If a particular age range is not covered by 4.1.1 - 4.1.4 with
respect to a particular seat position, the manufacturer shall indi-
cate that children of that age range should not be carried in that
seat position.
4.1.6. Anexample of a suitable format for this in formationis givenin
Appendix 1 to this Annex.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 61
▼M6
Appendix 1
Age groupSeating position
Front passenger Rear passenger Rear centre Additional seats
< 10 kg (0 to 9 months) X U L —
< 13 kg (0 to 24 months) U U L —
9 to 18 kg (9 to 48 months) UV U L —
15 to 36 kg (4 to 12 years) U U B —
KEY
U: Suitable for ‘universal’ category restraints approved for use in this age group.
UF: Suitable for forward-facing ‘universal’ category restraints approved for use in this age group.L: Suitable for particular child restraints given on attached list. These restraints may be of the
‘specific vehicle’, ‘restricted’, ‘semi-universal’ or ‘universal’ categories.
B: Built-inrestrain t approved for this age group.X: Seat positionn ot suitable for childreninthis age group.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 62
▼M6
ANNEX XI
DUALBUCKLETEST
(outlinedin2.7.6.5ofAnnexI)
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 63
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ANNEX XII
ABRASIONANDMICROSLIPTESTS
Figure1
Type 1 test
Examples of test arrangements corresponding to the type of adjusting device1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 64
▼M6
Figure2
Type 2 test
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 65
▼M6
Figure3
Type 3 test and microslip test
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 66
▼M6
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 atomising nozzles, sample supports, provision for
heating the chamber and the necessary means of control. The
size and constructional details of the apparatus shall be optional,
provided that the test conditions are met.
1.2. It is important to ensure that drops of solution accumulated on
the ceiling or cover of the chamber do not fall on test samples,
and
1.3. that drops of solutionwhich fall from test samples are n ot
returned to the reservoir and then atomised again.
1.4. The apparatus shall not be constructed of materials which affect
the corrosiveness of the mist.
2. LOCATION OF TEST SAMPLES IN THE MIST CABINET2.1. 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 prin-
cipal directionof horizon tal flow of mist through the chamber.
The strap opening in the retractor shall also be facing this prin-
cipal direction.
2.3. Each sample shall be so placed as to permit the mist to settle
freely onall samples.
2.4. Each sample shall be so placed as to prevent salt solution drip-
ping from one sample to another.
3. SALT SOLUTION
3.1. The salt solutionshall be prepared by dissolvin g 5 ± 1 parts by
mass of sodium chloride in95 parts of distilled water. The salt
shall be sodium chloride substantially free from nickel and
copper and containing in the dry state not more than 0,1 % of
sodium iodide and not more than 0,3 % of impurities in total.
3.2. The solutionshall be such that whenatomised at 35 ºC the
collected solutionis inthe pH ran ge of 6,5 to 7,2.
4. AIR SUPPLY
The compressed air supply to the nozzle or nozzles for atomising
the salt solution shall be free from oil and impurities, and main-
tained at a pressure of between 70 kN/m
2and 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 cleanmist 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 hori-
zontal collecting area, an average of between 1,0 and 2,0 ml of
solutionper hour is collected ineach collector whenmeasured
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 — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 67
▼M6
ANNEX XIV
CHRONOLOGICALORDEROFTESTS
Corresponding Directive
ITEMTestSamples
Belt or RS No Strap No
12345123456789 1 0 1 1
2.2, 2.3.2, 2.4.1.1, 2.5.1.1 Inspection of belt or RS ×
2.4.2.1, 2.4.2.2 Inspection of buckle ×××××
2.4.2.6, 2.4.2.7, 2.7.6.1,
2.7.6.5Buckle strength test ×
2.4.3.2, 2.7.6.1 Strength test on
adjusting device (and
where necessary on
retractors) ×
2.4.4, 2.7.6.2 Strength test of attach-
ments (and where
necessary of retractors) ×
2.4.2.4, 2.7.6.3 Low temperature test on
buckle × ×
2.4.1.4, 2.7.6.4 Low temperature impact
test onrigid parts × ×
2.4.3.3, 2.7.6.6 Ease of adjustment ×
Conditioning/testing of
belt or restraint system
before dynamic test:
2.4.2.3, 2.6.1.2 durability of buckle × ×
2.4.1.2, 2.7.2 corrosionresistan ce of
rigid parts × ×
conditioning of retrac-
tors
2.4.5.1.1, 2.4.5.2.1,
2.4.5.2.2, 2.4.5.2.3,
2.7.7.2locking threshold × ×
2.4.5.1.2, 2.4.5.2.4,
2.7.7.4retracting force × ×
2.4.5.1.3, 2.4.5.2.5,
2.7.7.1durability × ×
2.4.5.1.3, 2.4.5.2.5, 2.7.2 corrosion× ×
2.4.5.1.3, 2.4.5.2.5,
2.7.7.3dust × ×
2.4.5.1.2, 2.7.5 Testing of strap width × ×
Strap strength test after:
2.5.2, 2.7.5, 2.7.3.1 room conditioning × ×
2.5.3, 2.7.5, 2.7.3.2 light conditioning × ×
2.5.3, 2.7.5, 2.7.3.3 low temperature condi-
tioning × ×
2.5.3, 2.7.5, 2.7.3.4 heat conditioning × ×
2.5.3, 2.7.5, 2.7.3.5 water conditioning × ×
2.4.3.1, 2.7.4 Microslip test × ×
2.6.2, 2.7.3.6 Abrasiontest × ×
2.6.1, 2.7.8 Dynamic test × ×
2.4.2.5, 2.4.2.7, 2.7.8,
2.7.9Buckle-opening test × ×
2.7.1.4 Retention of strap
sample ×1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 68
ANNEX XV
MINIMUMREQUIREMENTSFORSAFETYBELTSANDRETRACTORS
Vehicle categoryForward facing seating positions
Rear facing seating posi-
tionsOutboard seating positions Centre seating positions
Front Other than front Front Other than front
M1 Ar4m Ar4m Ar4m Ar4 Ar4m B, Br3, Br4m
M2≤3,5 T Ar4m, Ar4Nm Ar4m, Ar4Nm Ar4m, Ar4Nm Ar4m, Ar4Nm Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
M2> 3,5 TBr3, Br4m, Br4Nm or
Ar4m, Ar4Nm
Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm orAr4m, Ar4Nm
 Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm orAr4m, Ar4Nm
 Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm orAr4m, Ar4Nm
 Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
M3See point 3.1.10 for
conditions when a lap
belt is permitted.See point 3.1.10 for
conditions when a lap
belt is permitted.See point 3.1.10 for
conditions when a lap
belt is permitted.See point 3.1.10 for
conditions when a lap
belt is permitted.
N1Ar4m, Ar4Nm B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or noneB, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or A, Ar4m, Ar4Nm *B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or noneNone
Point 3.1.8 and 9 lap
belt required in
exposed seating posi-
tions.Point 3.1.7 lap belt
permitted if the wind-
screenis n ot inrefer-
ence zone.Point 3.1.8 and 9 lap
belt required in
exposed seating posi-
tions.
N2B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or A, Ar4m, Ar4Nm *B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or none #B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or A, Ar4m, Ar4Nm *B, Br3, Br4m, Br4Nm
or none #None
N3Point 3.1.7 lap belt
permitted if the wind-
screenis outside refer-
ence zone and for
driver's seat.Point 3.1.8 and 9 lap
belt required in
exposed seating posi-
tions.Point 3.1.7 lap belt
permitted if the wind-
screenis n ot inrefer-
ence zone.Point 3.1.8 and 9 lap
belt required in
exposed seating posi-
tions.▼M61977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 69
A: three-point (lap and diagonal) belt.
B: two-point (lap) belt.r: retractor.m: emergency locking retractor with multiple sensitivity.3: automatically locking retractor.4: emergency locking retractor.N: higher response threshold (see Annex 1, Points 1.8.3 to 1.8.5).
Note:In all cases S-type belts may be fitted in place of an A or B type belt, provided anchorages complying with Directive 76/115/EEC are used.▼M61977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 70
▼M6
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
locking retractors
According to the provisions of item 2.7.7.2, in the most unfa-
vourable direction as appropriate after having undergone the
durability testing detailed in items 2.7.2, 2.7.7.1 and 2.7.7.3, as
a requirement of item 2.4.5.2.5.
1.2. Verificationof the durability of automatically lockin g retractors
According to the provisions of item 2.7.7.1, supplemented by the
tests in items 2.7.2 and 2.7.7.3, as a requirement of 2.4.5.1.3.
1.3. Test for strength of straps after conditioning
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.5, after condi-
tioning according to the requirements of items 2.7.3.1 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 condi-
tioning according to the requirements described in item 2.7.3.6.
1.4. Microslip test
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.4.
1.5. Test of the rigid parts
According to the procedure described in item 2.7.6.
1.6. Verification of the performance requirements of the safety belt or
restraint system when subjected to the dynamic test
1.6.1. Tests with conditioning1.6.1.1. 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 has previously been subjected to
45000 cycles of 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
10000 cycles of the endurance test of the retractor prescribed
initem 2.7.7.1 an d also to the tests prescribed initems 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, ona safety belt which has beensubjected to the test
prescribed in. items 2.4.2.3 and 2.7.2.
1.6.2. Tests without any conditioning
According to the provisions set out in items 2.7.8 and 2.7.9.
2. TEST FREQUENCY AND RESULTS2.1. The frequency of testing according 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
assemblies shall be verified:
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 inclina-
tioncanbe more thanthe prescribed speed inso far as it does1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 71
▼M6
not affect the test results. Test results shall meet the requirements
of item 2.4.5.2.1.4.
2.2.1. Tests with conditioning
2.2.1.1. In the case of belts fitted with an emergency locking retractor,
— where the daily productionis greater than1 000 belts: on e in
100000 belts produced, with a minimum frequency of one
every two weeks,
— where the daily productionis smaller thanor equal to
1 000 belts: one in 10000 belts produced, with a minimum
frequency of one per year,
per sort of locking mechanism, shall be subjected to the test
prescribed in Item 1.6.1.1 of this Annex.(1)
2.2.1.2. Inthe case of belts fitted with anautomatically-lockin g retractor
and of static belts,
— where the daily productionis greater than1 000 belts: on e in
100000 belts produced, with a minimum frequency of one
every two weeks,
— where the daily productionis smaller thanor equal to
1 000 belts: one in 10000 belts produced, with a minimum
frequency of one per year,
shall be subjected to the test prescribed inItem 1.6.1.2 or 1.6.1.3
of this Annex respectively.
2.2.2. Tests without conditioning2.2.2.1. 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 this Annex:
2.2.2.1.1. for a productionof n ot less than5 000 belts per day, two belts
per 25000 produced with a minimum frequency of one per day,
per sort of locking mechanism;
2.2.2.1.2. for a productionof less than5000 belts per day, on e belt per
5000 produced with a minimum frequency of one per year, per
sort of locking mechanism.
2.2.2.2. Inthe case of belts fitted with anautomatically lockin g 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 productionof n ot less than5 000 belts per day, two belts
per 25000 produced with a minimum frequency of one per day,
per approved type,
2.2.2.2.2. for a productionof less than5000 belts per day, on e belt per
5000 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 1.
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 this Annex by means of a simplified adapted
method.
2.2.3.1. In the case of approval following paragraph 2.6.1.3.3 of Annex I
to this Directive and paragraph 1.6.1 of this Annex, it is only
specified that no part of the belt shall be destructed or disen-
gaged, and that a speed of 24 km/h of the chest reference point
at 300 mm displacement shall not be exceeded.
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 onat least three other samples. Inthe case of dyn amic tests
if one of the latter fails the test, the holder of the approval or his
duly accredited representative shall notify the competent
authority which has granted type approval indicating what steps
have been taken to re-establish the conformity of production.
(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.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 72
▼M6
ANNEX XVII
REQUIREMENTSFORCHILDRESTRAINTSYSTEMS
The requirements for the approval of child restraint systems are found in
Paragraphs 2, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 14 of Regulation 44 of the United Nations
Economic Commission for Europe(1), together with Annexes 3 to 21, up to
and including the 03 series of amendments.
(References in Paragraphs 6 to 8 above to Regulations 14, 16 and 21 are under-
stood as Directive 76/115/EEC, this Directive and Directive 74/60/EEC.)1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 73
(1) Reproduced and published in the Official Journal.
▼M6
ANNEX XVIII
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS FOR CHILDRESTRAINT
SYSTEMS
The requirements for the installation of child restraint systems are found in
Annex 13 of Consolidated Resolution R.E.3 of the United Nations Economic
Commission for Europe, Item 5.2 and Appendix 2, reproduced in Appendix to
this Annex.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 74
▼M6
Appendix 1
The text reproduced below refers to Annex 13 (Item 5.2 and Appendix 2 ) of the
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Consolidated Resolution
R.E.3. (document TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1 of 11 August 1997).
ANNEX 13
RECOMMENDATION ON THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE INSTAL-
LATION OF SAFETY BELTS ANDRESTRAINT SYSTEMS FOR
ADULT OCCUPANTS OF MOTOR VEHICLES ON FORWARD AND
REARWARDFACINGSEATS
5.2. A ‘universal’ category child restraint means a child restraint
approved to the ‘universal’ category of ECE Regulation No 44,
03 series of amendments. Seat positions which are indicated by
the vehicle manufacturer as being suitable for the installation of
child restraints of the ‘universal’ category shall comply with the
provisions of Appendix 2 to this Annex.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 75
▼M6
Appendix 2
Provisionsconcerningtheinstallationof‘universal’categorychildrestraint
systemsinstalledwiththesafetybeltequipmentofthevehicle
1. GENERAL
1.1. The test procedure and the requirements in this appendix shall be
used to determine the suitability of seat positions for the installa-
tion of child restraints of the ‘universal’ category.
1.2. The tests may be carried out inthe vehicle or ina represen tative
part of the vehicle.
2. TEST PROCEDURE
2.1. Adjust the seat to its fully rearward and lowest position.2.2. Adjust the seat-back angle to the manufacturer's design position.
In the absence of any specification, an angle of 25 degrees from
the vertical, or the nearest fixed position of the seat-back, should
be used.
2.3. Set the shoulder anchorage to the lowest position.2.4. Place a cotton cloth on the seat-back and cushion.
2.5. Place the fixture (as described inFigure 1 of this appen dix) on
the vehicle seat.
2.6. If the seating position is intended to accommodate a forward-
facing or rearward-facing universal restraint system, proceed
according to paragraphs 2.6.1, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 and 2.10. If the
seating position is intended to accommodate only a forward-
facing universal restraint system, proceed according to
paragraphs 2.6.2, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9 and 2.10.
2.6.1. Arrange the safety belt strap around the fixture in approximately
the correct positionas showninFigures 2 an d 3, thenlatch the
buckle.
2.6.2. Arrange the safety belt lap strap approximately in the correct
positionaroun d the lower part of the fixture of 150 mm radius
as showninFigure 3, thenlatch the buckle.
2.7. Ensure that the fixture is located with its centre line on the
apparent centre line of the seating position ± 25 mm with its
centre line parallel with the centre line of the vehicle.
2.8. Ensure that all webbing slack is removed. Use sufficient force to
remove the slack, do not attempt to tension the webbing.
2.9. Push rearwards on the centre of the front of the fixture with a
force of 100 N ± 10 N, applied parallel to the lower surface,
and remove the force.
2.10. Push vertically downwards on the centre of the upper surface of
the fixture with a force of 100 N ± 10 N, and remove the force.
3. REQUIREMENTS
3.1. The base of the fixture shall contact both the forward and rear-
ward parts of the seat cushion surface. If such contact does not
occur due to the belt access gap inthe test fixture, this gap may
be covered inlin e with the bottom surface of the test fixture.
3.2. The lap portionof the belt shall touch the fixture onboth sides at
the rear of the lap belt path (see Figure 3).
3.3. Should the above requirements not be met with the adjustments
indicated in paragraphs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3, the seat, seat-back and
safety belt anchorages may be adjusted to an alternative position
designated by the manufacturer for normal use at which the
above installation procedure shall be repeated and the require-
ments again verified and met.1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 76
▼M6
Figure1
Fixture specifications
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 77
▼M6
Figure2
Installation of fixture onto vehicle seat
(See point 2.6.1)
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 78
▼M6
Figure3
Check for compatibility
(See points 2.6.1 and 3.2)
1977L0541 — EN — 16.03.2000 — 009.001 — 79