1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 1
This document is meant purely as a documentation tool and the institutions do not assume any liability for its contents
►B COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to safety belts and restraint systems
of motor vehicles
(77/541/EEC)
(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
Amended by:
►A1Act of Accession of Greece L 291 17 19.11.1979
▼B
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 28June 1977
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
safety belts and restraint systems of motor vehicles
(77/541/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic
Community and in particular Article 100 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament(1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social 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 existingregulations, in order in particular to allow the EEC type-approval
procedure which was the subject of Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6
February 1970 on the approximation of the laws of the Member Statesrelating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and their trailers(
3)t ob e
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 partof the seats have been laid down by Directive 74/60/EEC(
4); whereas
requirements for the internal fittings relating to the protection of thedriver against injury by the steering mechanism in the event of an impact
have been laid down by Directive 74/297/EEC(
5); whereas requirements
relating to the strength of the seats and their anchorages have been laiddown by Directive 74/408/EEC(
6); whereas requirements 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 and the identification of the
controls, will be laid down at a later date;
Whereas rules for seat belts and restraint systems include not only
design requirements but also their fitting in motor vehicles;
Whereas a harmonized component type-approval procedure for safety
belts and restraint systems makes it possible for each Member State tocheck compliance with the common design and testing requirements and
to inform the other Member States of its findings by sending a copy of
the component type-approval certificate completed for each type ofsafety 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 compulsory to fit safetybelts and restraint systems to vehicles covered by this Directive;1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 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 on the basis of the common requirements,
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE:
Article 1
1. Each Member State shall grant EEC component type-approval for
any type of three-point or lap safety belt and any type of restraint systemwhich satisfies the design and test requirements laid down in 2 of AnnexI and in Annexes IV to XIV.
2. The Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval shall take the measures required to ensure that productionmodels conform to the approved type, if need be in cooperation with thecompetent authorities in the other Member States.
3. For the purpose of implementing paragraph 2, it shall be sufficient
for a Member State to ensure that as a minimum the quality-controlprocedures laid down in 2.8.1 of Annex I are applied.
If, however, the checks are made by the Member State itself, or by
laboratories authorized by it, the methods used shall be such as to give
results at least as reliable as those that would be given by the proceduresprovided for in paragraph 1. The procedure laid down in 2.8.2 of AnnexI 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, orto his authorized representative, an EEC component type-approval markconforming 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 systemswhich have been type-approved pursuant to Article 1 and other devices.
Article 3
1. No Member State may prohibit the placing on the market of safety
belts and restraint systems on grounds relating to their design or methodof 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 componenttype-approval mark which consistently fail to conform to the approvedtype.
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 each Member State shall within one month
send to those of the other Member States a copy of the component type-approval certificate, an example of which is given in Annex II,completed for each type of safety belt and restraint system which theyapprove or refuse to approve.
Article 5
1. If a Member State which has granted EEC component type-
approval finds that a number of safety belts and restraint systems bearingthe same EEC component type-approval mark do not conform to the
type which it has approved, it shall take the necessary measures to
ensure that production models conform to the approved type. Thecompetent authorities of that State shall advise those of the otherMember States of the measures taken, which may, where there isconsistent failure to conform, extend to withdrawal of EEC componenttype-approval. The said authorities shall take the same measures if they1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 3
▼B
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 Statesconcerned shall endeavour to settle the dispute. The Commission shallbe 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 placing on
the market or use shall set out in detail the reasons on which it is based.Such decisions shall be notified to the party concerned, who shall at thesame time be informed of the remedies available to him under the lawsin force in the Member States and of the time limits allowed 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 or
restraint systems with which it is equipped, if these bear the EECcomponent type-approval mark and are fitted in accordance with therequirements 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 orrestraint systems, if these bear the EEC component type-approval mark
and are fitted in accordance with the requirements laid down in 3 of
Annex I.
Article 9
For the purposes of this Directive, ‘vehicle’ means any motor vehicle in
categories M and N as defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EECintended for use on the road, having at least four wheels and a maximumdesign 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 procedure
laid down in Article 13 of Directive 70/156/EEC.
Article 11
1. Member States shall bring into force the provisions necessary in
order to comply with this Directive within 18 months of its 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 Directive arecommunicated to the Commission.
Article 12
This Directive is addressed to the Member States.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 4
▼M1
▼B
▼B
ANNEX I
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL,
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
0. SCOPE
This Directive applies to safety belts and restraint systems which are
designed for installation in vehicles conforming to the definition in
Article 9 and are intended for separate use, i.e. as individual fittings,
by adults occupying forward-facing seats.
1. DEFINITIONS
For the purposes of this Directive:
1.1. ‘safety belt (seat belt, belt)’ means an assembly of straps with a
securing buckle, adjusting devices and attachments which is 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 an assembly is generally referred to as a ‘belt assembly’,
a term also embracing any device for energy absorption or belt
retraction;
1.1.1. ‘lap belt’ means a belt which passes across the front of the wearer's
pelvicregion;
1.1.2. ‘diagonal belt’ means a belt which passes diagonally across the front
of the chest, from the hip to the opposite shoulder;
1.1.3. ‘three-point belt’ means any belt assembly which is anchored at three
points and is a combination of a lap belt and a diagonal belt;
1.1.4. ‘harness belt’ means a belt assembly comprising a lap belt and
shoulder straps;
1.2. ‘belt type’ means a category of belts which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.2.1. rigid parts (buckle, attachments, retractor, etc.),1.2.2. the material, weave, dimensions and colour of the straps,
1.2.3. the geometry of the belt assembly;
1.3. ‘strap’means a flexible component designed to hold the body and to
transmit stresses to the belt anchorages;
1.4. ‘buckle’ means a quick-release device enabling the wearer to be held
by the belt. The buckle may incorporate the belt adjusting device;
1.5. ‘belt adjusting device’ means a device enabling the belt to be
adjusted according to the requirements of the individual wearer and
to the position of the seat. The adjusting device may be either part of
the buckle or a retractor;
1.6. ‘attachments’ means parts of the belt assembly, including the
necessary securing components, which enable it to be attached to the
belt anchorages;
1.7. ‘energy absorber’ means a device designed to disperse energy
independently of, or jointly with, the strap and forming part of a belt
assembly;
1.8. ‘retractor’ means a device for accommodating a part or the whole of
the strap of a safety belt;
1.8.1. ‘non-locking retractor’ (type 1) means a retractor from which the
strap is extracted to its full length by a small external force and which
allows of no adjustment of the strap which has been extracted;
1.8.2. ‘manually unlocking retractor’ (type 2) means a retractor requiring
the manual operation of a device by the user to unlock the retractor in
order to obtain the desired strap extraction and which locks
automatically when the said operation ceases;
1.8.3. ‘automatically locking retractor’ (type 3) means a retractor allowing
extraction of the strap to the desired length and which, when the
buckle is fastened, automatically adjusts the strap to the wearer.
Further extraction of the strap is not possible without deliberate
action on the part of the wearer;1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 5
▼B
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, extraction of the strap relative to the
retractor or any other automatic means (single sensitivity), or
1.8.4.2. any combination of these factors (multiple sensitivity);
1.9. ‘belt anchorages’ means the parts of the vehicle structure or seat
structure or any other part of the vehicle to which the safety belts are
to be secured;
1.10. ‘vehicle type’ as regards safety belts and restraint systems means a
category of power-driven vehicles which do not differ in such
essential respects as the dimensions, lines and constituent materials
of the components of the vehicle structure or seat structure or any
other part of the vehicle to which the safety belts and the restraint
systems are attached;
1.11. ‘restraint system’ means a system combining a seat, fixed to the
structure of the vehicle by appropriate means, and a safety belt for
which at least one anchorage is located on the seat structure;
1.12. ‘seat’means a structure which may or may not be integral with the
vehicle structure complete with trim, intended to seat one adult
person. The term covers both an individual seat and part of a bench
seat intended to seat one person;
1.13. ‘group of seats’ means either a bench-type seat, or seats which are
separate but side-by-side (i.e., fixed so that the front seat anchorages
of one of these seats are in line with the front or rear anchorages of
the other or between the anchorages of the other seat) and seat one or
more adults;
1.14. ‘bench seat’ means a structure complete with trim, intended to seat at
least two adults;
1.15. ‘adjustment system’ means the device by which the seat or its parts
can be adjusted to a position suited to the morphology of the seated
occupant. This device may, in particular, allow:
1.15.1. longitudinal displacement,1.15.2. vertical displacement,1.15.3. angular displacement;
1.16. ‘seat anchorage’ means the system by which the seat assembly is
secured to the vehicle structure, including the affected parts of the
vehicle structure;
1.17. ‘seat type’ means a category of seats which do not differ in such
essential respects as:
1.17.1. the structure, shape, dimensions and materials of the seat,
1.17.2. the type and dimensions of the adjustment systems and all locking
systems,
1.17.3. the type and dimensions of the belt anchorages on the seat, of the seat
anchorage and of the affected parts of the vehicle structure;
1.18. ‘displacement system’ means a device enabling the seat or one of its
parts to be displaced angularly or longitudinally, without a fixed
intermediate position, to facilitate passenger access;
1.19. ‘locking system’ means a device ensuring that the seat and its parts
are maintained in any position of use.
2. EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL
2.1. Application for EEC component type-approval
2.1.1. The application for EEC component type-approval of a type of safety
belt shall be submitted by the holder of the trade name or mark or by
his representative.
The application for EEC component type-approval of a type of
restraint system shall be submitted by the holder of the trade mark or
by his representative or by the manufacturer of the vehicle in which it
is to be installed or by his representative.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 6
▼B
2.1.2. It shall be accompanied by:
2.1.2.1. a technical description in triplicate of the belt type, specifying the
straps and rigid parts used and accompanied by appropriate drawings
and installation instructions in the case of retractors. The drawings
must show the position for the EEC component type-approval mark.
The description shall mention the colour of the model submitted for
approval and shall specify the vehicle type(s) for which this belt type
is intended. In the case of a restraint system, the description shall
include: drawings, on an appropriate scale, of the vehicle structure,
seat structure, adjustment systems and attachments, showing the
positions of the seat anchorages and belt anchorages and reinforce-
ments in sufficient detail; a specification of the materials used which
may affect the strength of the seat anchorages and belt anchorages; a
technical description of the seat anchorages and the belt anchorages;
2.1.2.2. five samples of a belt type without a retractor;
2.1.2.3. six samples of a belt type with a retractor;2.1.2.4. a 10-metre length of each type of strap used in the type of belt.
2.1.3. In the case of restraint systems, two samples, which may include two
of the samples of belts mentioned in 2.1.2.2, and, at the
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 technical service conducting approval tests for testing
the restraint system, shall be submitted by the applicant to the
service.
2.2. Markings
The samples of a belt type or type of restraint system submitted for
EEC component type-approval in accordance with 2.1 shall be
clearly and indelibly marked with the manufacturer's name, trade
name or mark.
2.3. General specifications
2.3.1. Each sample submitted in accordance with 2.1 shall conform to the
specifications set out in 2.3 to 2.7.
2.3.2. The belt or the restraint system shall be so designed and 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 corrosion test
prescribed in 2.7.2, neither signs of deterioration likely to impair the
proper functioning of the device nor any significant corrosion shall
be visible to the unaided eye of a qualified observer.
2.4.1.3. Rigid parts intended to absorb energy or to be subjected to or to
transmit a load shall not be fragile.
2.4.1.4. The rigid items and plasticparts of a safety belt must be so loc ated
and installed that, when a power-driven vehicle is in normal use, they
cannot become trapped under a sliding seat or in a door of the
vehicle. If one of the parts does not meet the above 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 plasticparts shall be removed and the remaining
assembly shall then be checked for its continued security. If the
remaining assembly is still secure, or if no visible cracks are present,
it shall be checked again in order to ascertain whether it meets the
requirements of 2.4.2, 2.4.3 and 2.6.
2.4.2. Buckle
2.4.2.1. The buckle shall be so designed as to preclude any possibility of
incorrect use. This means inter alia that it must not be possible for
the buckle to be left in a partially-closed position. The procedure for1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 7
▼B
opening the buckle must be obvious. Wherever the buckle is likely to
be in contact with the wearer, the width of its contact surface shall
not be less than 46 mm.
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 than
1 daN.
The buckle shall be so designed as to be easy to use and to grasp. It
shall be capable of being released when under the load specified in
2.7.9.2.
The buckle shall be released by pressing either a button or a similar
device. The surface to which this pressure is applied shall have, in
the position of actual unlocking:
— for enclosed devices, an area of not less than 4·5 cm2and a width
of not less than 15 mm;
— for non-enclosed devices, an area of not less than 2·5 cm2and a
width of not less than 10 mm.
This area shall be coloured red. No other part of the buckle shall be
of this colour.
2.4.2.3. The buckle shall be capable of withstanding repeated operation and,
before the dynamictest referred to in 2.7.8, shall undergo 500
opening and closing cycles. The springs of closing buckles shall, in
addition, be actuated 4 500 times in conditions of normal use.
2.4.2.4. The buckle, when tested in accordance with 2.7.6.3 shall operate
normally.
2.4.2.5. The force required to open the buckle in the test prescribed in 2.7.9
shall not exceed 6 daN.
2.4.2.6. The buckle shall be tested for strength in accordance with the
requirements of 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.5, as appropriate. It must not break,
be seriously distorted or become detached when subjected to the
prescribed load.
2.4.2.7. In the case of buckles which incorporate a component common to
two assemblies, if the buckle of one assembly can be assembled in
use with the mating part of that assembly and with that of 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 when
subjected to the prescribed load.
2.4.3.3. When a test is carried out in accordance with 2.7.6.6, the force
required to operate any manual device shall not exceed 5 daN.
2.4.4. Attachments
Attachments shall be tested for strength in accordance with the
requirements of 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.2. They must neither break nor
become detached when subjected to the prescribed load.
2.4.5. Retractors
Retractors shall fulfil the requirements specified below, including the
tests for strength prescribed in 2.7.6.1 and 2.7.6.2.
2.4.5.1. Automatically locking retractors2.4.5.1.1. The strap of a safety belt equipped with an automatically locking
retractor shall not move more than 30 mm between the locking
positions of the retractor. After a rearward movement by the wearer,
the belt must either remain in its initial position or return 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 the1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 8
▼B
strap shall be not less than 0·2 daN and not more than 0·7 daN when
similarly measured. If the strap passes through a guide or pulley, the
retracting force shall be measured in the free length between the
manikin and the guide or pulley. If the assembly incorporates a
device which, upon manual or automatic operation, prevents the strap
from being completely retracted, such a device shall not be operated
when the retracting force is assessed.
2.4.5.1.3. The strap shall be withdrawn from the retractor and allowed to retract
repreatedly, in accordance with the method described in 2.7.7.1, until
5 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have been completed. The
retractor shall then be subjected to the corrosion test prescribed in
2.7.2 followed by the dust resistance test described in 2.7.7.3. It shall
then satisfactorily complete a further 5 000 cycles after which it shall
still meet the requirements of 2.4.5.1.1 and 2.4.5.1.2. After the above
tests, the retractor shall still function correctly and stow the strap
efficiently.
2.4.5.2. Emergency locking retractors
2.4.5.2.1. An emergency locking retractor shall satisfy the following conditions
when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2:
2.4.5.2.1.1. it shall have locked when the vehicle deceleration reaches a value of
0·45 g;
2.4.5.2.1.2. it shall not lock at strap accelerations, measured in the direction of
the extraction, of less than 0·8 g;
2.4.5.2.1.3. it shall not lock when it is tilted to angles of 12º or less in any
direction from the installation position specified by its manufacturer;
2.4.5.2.1.4. it shall lock when it is tilted to angles of 27º or more in any direction
from the installation position specified by its manufacturer;
2.4.5.2.2. when tested in accordance with 2.7.7.2, an emergency locking
retractor with multiple sensitivity, one of which is strap sensitivity,
shall, in addition to meeting the above requirements, lock when the
strap acceleration is at least 1·5 g, measured in the direction of the
extraction;
2.4.5.2.3. in each of the tests mentioned in 2.4.5.2.1 and 2.4.5.2.2, the amount
of strap movement which may occur before the retractor locks shall
not exceed 50 mm, starting at the length specified in 2.7.7.2.1. In
order to comply with the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.2, a retractor shall
be considered as satisfactory if, at the strap 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 strap passes through a guide or pulley, the
retracting force shall be measured in the free length between the
manikin and the guide or pulley. If the assembly incorporates a
device which, upon manual or automatic operation, prevents the strap
from being completely retracted, such a device shall not be operated
when the retracting force is assessed;
2.4.5.2.5. the strap shall be withdrawn from the retractor and allowed to retract
repeatedly in accordance with the method described in 2.7.7.1 until
40 000 cycles of withdrawal and retraction have been completed. The
retractor shall then be subjected to the corrosion test prescribed in
2.7.2 followed by the dust resistance test described in 2.7.7.3. It shall
then satisfactorily complete a further 5 000 cycles of withdrawal and
retraction, after which it shall still meet the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1,
2.4.5.2.2, 2.4.5.2.3 and 2.4.5.2.4. After the above tests, the retractor
shall still function correctly and stow the strap efficiently.
2.5. Straps
2.5.1. General
2.5.1.1. The characteristics of the straps shall be such as to ensure that their
pressure on the wearer's body is distributed as evenly as possible over
their whole width and that they do not twist, even under load. They
shall have energy-absorbing and energy-dispersing capacities.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 9
▼B
2.5.1.2. The width of the strap under a load of 980 daN shall not be less than
46 mm. This dimension shall be measured during the breaking-
strength test prescribed in 2.7.5, and without stopping the machine.
2.5.2. Strength after room-conditioning
In the case of the two strap samples conditioned in conformity with
2.7.3.1, the breaking load of the strap, determined in accordance with
2.7.5, shall be not less than 1 470 daN. The difference between the
breaking loads of the two samples shall not exceed 10 % of the
greater of the breaking loads measured.
2.5.3. Strength after special conditioning
In the case of the two strap samples conditioned in conformity with
one of the provisions of 2.7.3 (except 2.7.3.1), the breaking load of
the strap shall be not less than 75 % of the average of the loads
determined in the test referred to in 2.5.2, and not less than 1 470
daN. The technical service may dispense with one or more of these
tests if the composition of the material used, or information already
available, renders the test or tests superfluous.
2.6. Belt assembly or restraint system
2.6.1. Requirements for dynamic testing
2.6.1.1. The belt assembly or restraint system shall be subjected to a dynamic
test in conformity with 2.7.8.
2.6.1.2. The dynamictest shall be performed on two belt assemblies whic h
have not previously been under load, except in the case of belt
assemblies forming part of restraint systems, when the dynamictest
shall be performed on the restraint systems intended for one group of
seats which have not previously been under load. The buckles of the
belt assemblies to be tested shall have met the requirements of
2.4.2.3. In the case of safety belts with retractors, the retractor shall
have been subjected to the test for durability of the mechanism given
in 2.7.7.1, the corrosion test given in 2.7.2 and the test for dust
resistance given in 2.7.7.3. During the test, the following require-
ments shall be met:
2.6.1.2.1. 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;
2.6.1.2.2. the forward displacement of the manikin shall be between 80 and 200
mm at pelvic level in the case of lap belts. In the case of other types
of belts, the forward displacement shall be between 80 and 200 mm
at pelviclevel and between 100 and 300 mm at c hest level. These
displacements are the displacements in relation to the measurement
points shown in Annex VIII, fig. 6.
2.6.1.3. In the case of a restraint system:2.6.1.3.1. the movement of the chest reference point may exceed that specified
in 2.6.1.2.2 if it can be shown, either by calculation or by a further
test, that no part of the torso or the head of the manikin used in the
dynamic test would have come into contact with any forward rigid
part of the vehicle, apart from contact of the chest with the steering
assembly, if the latter meets the requirements of Directive 74/297/
EEC and provided that contact does not occur at a speed higher than
24 km/h. For this assessment, the seat shall be considered to be in the
position specified in 2.7.8.1.5;
2.6.1.3.2. in the case of a two-door vehicle, the displacement and locking
systems enabling the occupants of the rear seats to leave the vehicle
must still be operable by hand after the dynamictest.
2.6.2. Strength after abrasion procedure
2.6.2.1. For both samples conditioned in conformity with 2.7.3.6, the
breaking load shall be assessed in accordance with 2.5.2 and 2.7.6.
It shall be at least equal to 75 % of the average of the breaking loads
determined during tests on unabraded straps, and not less than the
minimum load specified for the items being tested. The difference
between the breaking loads of the two samples shall not exceed 20 %
of the greater of the breaking loads measured.
2.6.2.2. The items to be subjected to an abrasion procedure and the
procedures to be followed are indicated in the following table. A
new sample shall be used for each procedure.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 10
▼B
Type 1
procedureType 2
procedureType 3
procedure
Attachment — — x
Guide or pulley — x —
Buckle-loop — x x
Adjusting device x x x
Parts sewn to the strap — — x
2.7. Tests
2.7.1. Use of samples submitted for EEC component type-approval of a type
of belt or restraint system (see Annex XIV)
2.7.1.1. Two belt assemblies are required for the assembled-belt test, for the
buckle-opening test and for the cold impact test.
2.7.1.2. One belt assembly shall be used as a source of samples of belt
components for the corrosion and buckle-strength tests.
2.7.1.3. Two belt assemblies are required for the abrasion procedure and the
micro-slip test.
2.7.1.4. The additional belt assembly mentioned in 2.1.2.3 shall be used for
the corrosion test.
2.7.1.5. The sample of strap shall be used for testing the breaking strength of
the strap. Part of this sample shall be preserved for as long as the
component type-approval remains valid.
2.7.1.6. The technical service responsible for approval testing shall be
entitled to ask for a number of samples in addition to those referred
to in 2.1.2.2, 2.1.2.3 and 2.1.2.4.
2.7.2. Corrosion test
2.7.2.1. A complete safety belt assembly shall be positioned in a test chamber
as prescribed in Annex XIII. In the case of an assembly incorporatinga retractor, the strap shall be unwound to full length, less 300 ± 3
mm.
Except for short interruptions that may be necessary, e.g. for
checking and replenishing the salt solution, the exposure test shall
proceed continuously for a period of fifty hours.
2.7.2.2. On completion of the exposure test, the assembly shall be gently
washed or dipped in clean running water at a temperature not
exceeding 38 ºC so as to remove any salt deposit that may have
formed, and then allowed to dry at room temperature for 24 hours
before being inspected in accordance with 2.4.1.2.
2.7.3. Conditioning of straps for the breaking-strength test
Samples cut from the strap, as referred to in 2.1.2.4, shall be
conditioned as follows.
2.7.3.1. Room-conditioning
The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmosphere
having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ±
5 %. If the test is not carried out immediately after conditioning, the
sample shall be placed in a hermetically sealed receptacle until the
test begins. The breaking load shall be determined within five
minutes of the strap's removal from the conditioning atmosphere or
receptacle.
2.7.3.2. Light-c onditioning
2.7.3.2.1. The provisions of Recommendation ISO/R 105—1959, ‘Test for
colour fastness of textiles’, as amended by Addendum I (ISO/R
105—1959/A1 — 1963) and Addendum II (ISO/R 105/II — 1963)
shall apply. The strap shall be exposed to light for the time necessary
to produce fading of Standard Blue Dye No 7 to a contrast equal tograde four on the grey scale.
2.7.3.2.2. After exposure, the strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in
an atmosphere having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative
humidity of 65 ± 5 %. The breaking load shall be determined within1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 11
▼B
five minutes of the sample's removal from the conditioning
installation.
2.7.3.3. Cold-conditioning
2.7.3.3.1. The strap shall be kept for a minimum of 24 hours in an atmosphere
having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ±
5% .
2.7.3.3.2. The strap shall then be kept for 1½ hours on a plane surface in a low-
temperature chamber in which the air temperature is − 30 ± 5 ºC. It
shall then be folded and the fold shall be loaded with a mass of 2 kg
previously cooled to − 30 ± 5 ºC. When the strap has been kept under
load for 30 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-conditioning2.7.3.4.1. The strap shall be kept for three hours in a heating cabinet in an
atmosphere having a temperature of 60 ± 5 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 water2.7.3.5.1. The strap shall be kept fully immersed for three hours in distilled
water, at a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC, to which a trace of a wetting
agent has been added. Any wetting agent suitable for the fibre under
test may be used.
2.7.3.5.2. The breaking load shall be determined within 10 minutes of the
strap's removal from the water.
2.7.3.6. C onditioning by abrasion
2.7.3.6.1. The abrasion procedure shall be performed on every device in which
the strap is in contact with a rigid part of the belt. However, the type
1 abrasion test (2.7.3.6.4.1) need not be carried out on the belt-
adjusting device where the micro-slip test (2.7.4) shows that the strap
slips less than half the prescribed amount. The setting on the test
apparatus shall approximately maintain the relative position of strap
and contact area.
2.7.3.6.2. The samples to be subjected to abrasion shall be kept for a 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 daNFrequency
HzNumber of
cyclesShift mm
Type 1 procedure 2·5 0·5 5 000 300 + 20
Type 2 procedure 0·5 0·5 45 000 300 ± 20
Type 3 procedure (1) 0—5 0·5 45 000 —
(1) See 2.7.3.6.4.3.
The shift given in the fifth column of this table represents the
amplitude of a back-and-forth motion applied to the strap.
2.7.3.6.4. Particular procedure conditions.2.7.3.6.4.1. Type 1 procedure: for cases where the strap slides through an
adjusting device.
The 2·5 daN load shall be vertically and permanently applied to one
section of the strap.
The other section, set horizontally, shall be subjected to a back-and-
forth motion.
The adjusting device shall be so placed that the horizontal section of
the strap shall remain under load (see Annex XII, fig. 1).1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 12
▼B
2.7.3.6.4.2. Type 2 procedure: for cases where the strap changes direction in
passing through a rigid part.
The angles of both sections of the strap shall be as shown in Annex
XII, fig. 2.
The 0·5 daN load shall be permanently applied.
2.7.3.6.4.3. Type 3 procedure: for cases where the strap is fixed to a rigid part by
sewing or similar means.
The total shift shall be 300 ± 20 mm and the 5 daN load shall be
applied only during the time corresponding to a shift of 100 ± 20 mm
for each half period (see Annex XII, fig. 3).
2.7.4. Micro-slip test (see Annex XII, fig. 3) .
2.7.4.1. The components or devices to be subjected to the micro-slip test shall
be kept for a minimum of 24 hours before testing in an atmosphere
having a temperature of 20 ± 5 ºC and a relative humidity of 65 ±
5% .
The test shall be carried out at a temperature between 15 and 30 ºC.
2.7.4.2. It shall be ensured that the free section of the adjusting device points
either up or down on the test bench, as in the vehicle.
2.7.4.3. A 5 daN load shall be attached to the lower end of the section of
strap.
The other end shall be subjected to a back-and-forth motion the total
amplitude being 300 ± 20 mm (see figure).
2.7.4.4. If there is a free end serving as reserve strap, it must in no way be
fastened or clipped to the section under load.
2.7.4.5. It shall be ensured that on the test bench the strap, in the slack
position, descends in a concave curve from the adjusting device, as in
the vehicle.
The 5 daN load applied on the test bench shall be guided vertically in
such a way as to prevent the load swaying and the belt twisting.
The attachment shall be fixed to the 5 daN load as in the vehicle.
2.7.4.6. Before the actual start of the test, a series of 20 cycles shall be
completed so that the self-tightening system settles properly.
2.7.4.7. 1 000 cycles shall be completed at a frequency of 0·5 cycle per
second, the total amplitude being 300 ± 20 mm. The 5 daN load shall
be applied only during the time corresponding to a shift of 100 ± 20
mm for each half period.
2.7.5. Test of breaking strength of strap (statictest)
2.7.5.1. The test shall be carried out each time on two new samples of strap,
of sufficient length, conditioned in accordance with one of the
provisions of 2.7.3.
2.7.5.2. Each strap shall be gripped between the clamps of a tensile-testing
machine. The clamps shall be so designed as to avoid breakage of the
strap at or near the point of contact with the clamps. The speed of
traverse shall be about 100 mm per minute. The free length of the
sample between the clamps of the machine at the start of the test
shall be 200 ± 40 mm.
2.7.5.3. When the load reaches 980 daN, the width of the strap shall be
measured without stopping the machine.
2.7.5.4. The load shall then be increased until the strap breaks, and the
breaking load shall be noted.
2.7.5.5. If the strap slips or breaks at the point of contact with one of the
clamps or within 10 mm of either of them, the test shall be invalid
and a new test shall be carried out on another sample.
2.7.6. Static test of belt components incorporating rigid parts
2.7.6.1. The buckle and the adjusting device shall be connected to the tensile-
testing apparatus by the parts of the belt assembly to which they are
normally attached, and the load shall then build up to 980 daN.
However, if the buckle or the adjusting device is part of the
attachment, the buckle or adjusting device shall be tested with the
attachment, in accordance with 2.7.6.2, except in the case of
retractors with a return pulley or guide at the upright. Where a1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 13
▼B
retractor is tested as an adjusting device, the length of strap
remaining wound on the reel shall be the length resulting from
locking with the strap unwound as close as possible to full length less
450 mm.
2.7.6.2. The attachments shall be tested in the way described in 2.7.6.1, but
the load shall be 1 470 daN and, subject to the provisions of the
second sentence of 2.7.8.1., shall be applied in the least favourable
conditions likely to occur in a vehicle in which the belt is correctly
installed. In the case of retractors, the test shall be performed with thestrap completely unwound from the reel.
2.7.6.3. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed in a low-
temperature chamber at − 10 ± 1 ºC for two hours. After being
removed from the chamber the mating parts of the buckle shall then
be locked together manually.
2.7.6.4. Two samples of the complete belt assembly shall be placed in a low-
temperature chamber at − 10 ± 1 ºC for two hours. The rigid items
and plasticparts under test shall then be laid in turn upon a flat steel
surface (which has been kept with the samples in the low-
temperature chamber), placed on the horizontal surface of a compact
rigid block with a mass of at least 100 kg; within 30 seconds of their
being removed from the low-temperature chamber, an 18 kg steel
mass shall be allowed to fall under gravity from a height of 300 mm
onto the item. The impact face of the mass shall have a hardness of at
least 45 HRC and take the form of a convex surface having a
transverse radius of 10 mm and a longitudinal radius of 150 mm. One
sample shall be tested with the axis of the curved bar in line with the
strap, and the other sample shall be tested at 90º to the strap.
2.7.6.5. Buckles having parts common to two safety belts shall be loaded in
such a way as to simulate the conditions of use in a vehicle with the
seats in the mid-position of their adjustment. The direction of
application of the load shall be established in accordance with
2.7.8.1. A load of 1 470 daN shall be applied simultaneously to each
of the straps. Suitable apparatus for the above test is shown in Annex
XI.
2.7.6.6. When testing any manual adjusting device, the strap shall be drawn
steadily through that device, having regard to normal conditions of
use, at a rate of approximately 100 mm/s, and the maximum force
shall be measured to the nearest 0·1 daN after the first 25 mm of strap
movement. The test shall be carried out in both directions of strap
travel through the adjusting device, the strap being cycled 10 times
prior to measurement.
2.7.7. Additional tests for retractors
2.7.7.1. Durability of retractor mechanism2.7.7.1.1. The strap shall be withdrawn and allowed to retract for the required
number of cycles at a rate of not more than 30 cycles per minute. In
the case of emergency locking retractors, a snatch shall be introduced
at each fifth cycle to lock the retractor. The snatches shall occur in
equal numbers at each of five different extractions, namely, 90, 80,
75, 70 and 65% of the total length of the strap on the retractor.
However, where more than 900 mm is provided, the above
percentages shall be related to the final 900 mm of strap which
remain wound on the retractor.
2.7.7.1.2. Suitable apparatus for the tests specified in 2.7.7.1.1 is shown in
Annex IV.
2.7.7.2. Locking of emergency locking retractors2.7.7.2.1. The retractor shall be tested for locking when 300 ± 3 mm of strap
remain wound on the retractor reel.
2.7.7.2.1.1. In the case of a locking retractor actuated by strap movement, the
extraction shall be in the direction in which it normally occurs when
the retractor is installed in a vehicle.
2.7.7.2.1.2. When retractors are being tested for sensitivity to vehicle decelera-
tion, they shall be tested at the above extraction in both directions
along two mutually perpendicular axes, which are horizontal if the
retractor is to be installed in a vehicle as specified by the safety belt
manufacturer. One of these test directions shall be chosen by the
technical service conducting the approval test so as to give the most
adverse conditions with respect to actuation of the locking
mechanism.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 14
▼B
2.7.7.2.2. Suitable apparatus for the tests specified in 2.7.7.2.1 is described in
Annex V. The design of any such apparatus shall be such that the
required acceleration is achieved at an average rate of increase of at
least 10 g per second.
2.7.7.2.3. For the purpose of testing the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.3 and
2.4.5.2.1.4, the retractor shall be mounted on a horizontal table and
the table tilted at a speed not exceeding 2º per second until locking
has occurred. The test shall be repeated in other directions so as to
ensure that the requirements are fulfilled.
2.7.7.3. Dust resistance
2.7.7.3.1. The retractor shall be placed in a test chamber, as shown in Annex
VI. Its relative position shall be the same as that in which it is
mounted in the vehicle. The test chamber shall contain a quantity of
dust which meets the requirements of 2.7.7.3.2. 500 mm of the strap
shall be extracted from the retractor and kept extracted, except that it
shall be subjected to 10 complete cycles of retraction and withdrawal
within one or two minutes after each agitation of the dust.
For a period of five hours, the dust shall be agitated every 20 minutes
for five seconds by compressed air which is dry and free of
lubricating oil, passing through an aperture 1·5 ± 0·1 mm in diameter
at a gauge pressure of 5·5 × 105± 0·5 × 105Pa.
2.7.7.3.2. The dust used in the test described in 2.7.7.3.1 shall consist of about
1 kg of dry quartz. The particle size distribution shall be as follows:
(a) passing through a 150 µm aperture, 104 µm wire diameter: 99
to 100 %;
(b) passing through a 105 µm aperture, 64 µm wire diameter: 76 to
86 %;
(c) passing through a 75 µm aperture, 52 µm wire diameter: 60 to
70 %.
2.7.7.4. Withdrawal and retracting forces2.7.7.4.1. The withdrawal and retracting forces shall be measured with the
safety belt assembly fitted to a manikin, as in the dynamictest
prescribed in 2.7.8. The strap tension shall be measured as close as
possible to the points of contact with (but just clear of) the manikin,
while the strap is being withdrawn or 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
date supplied by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
2.7.8.1.1. In the case of belt assemblies forming part of a restraint system, the
latter shall be mounted on the part of the vehicle structure to which it
is normally fitted, and that part shall be attached to the test trolley in
the manner prescribed below.
2.7.8.1.2. The method used to secure the vehicle during the test shall not be
such as to strengthen the anchorages of the seats or safety belts, or to
lessen the normal deformation of the structure.
No forward part of the vehicle shall be present which, by limiting the
forward movement of the manikin, apart from the feet, would reduce
the load imposed on the restraint system during the test. The
discarded parts of the structure can be replaced by parts of equivalent
strength, provided that they do not hinder the forward movement of
the manikin.
2.7.8.1.3. A securing device shall be regarded as satisfactory if it produces no
effect on an area extending over the whole width of the structure, and
if the vehicle or the structure is blocked or immobilized in front at a
distance of not less than 500 mm from the anchorage of the restraint
system tested. At the rear, the structure shall be secured at a distance
behind the anchorages which is sufficient to ensure that the
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 approval1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 15
▼B
tests as providing the most adverse conditions of strength consistent
with the positioning of the manikin in the vehicle. The positions of
the seats shall be stated in the report. If the seat has a back which is
adjustable for inclination, the back shall be locked as specified by the
manufacturer or, in the absence of any specification, it shall be
locked in such a manner as to form an effective angle as near as
possible to 25º.
2.7.8.1.5. For the purpose of assessing the requirements of 2.6.1.3.1, the seat
shall be regarded as being in its most forward driving or travellingposition appropriate to the dimensions of the manikin.
2.7.8.1.6. All seats of the same group shall be tested simultaneously.
2.7.8.2. The belt assembly shall be attached to the manikin specified in
Annex VIII as follows. A board 25 mm thick shall be placed between
the back of the manikin and the seat back. The belt shall be firmly
adjusted to the manikin. The board shall then be removed and the
manikin so positioned that the whole length of its back is in contact
with the seat back. If the buckle is of the eccentric type, it shall lock
only through the action of its spring; it shall not be forced or snapped
into the locked position. If a metal-to-metal buckle is used, a check
shall be made to ensure that the method of coupling the two parts is
not capable of reducing the reliability of locking or the strength of
the buckle.
2.7.8.3. The free ends of the straps shall extend sufficiently far beyond the
adjusting devices to allow for slip.
2.7.8.4. The trolley shall then be propelled in such a way that, at the moment
of impact, its free running speed is 50 ± 1 km/h and the manikin
remains stable. The stopping distance of the trolley shall be 400 ± 50
mm. The trolley shall remain horizontal throughout deceleration.
Deceleration of the trolley shall be achieved by using the apparatus
shown in Annex VII or any other device giving equivalent results.
The apparatus shall meet the performance requirements given in
Annex IX.
2.7.8.5. The trolley speed immediately before impact and the maximum
forward displacement of the manikin shall be measured.
2.7.8.6. After impact, the belt assembly or restraint system and its rigid parts
shall be inspected visually, without opening the buckle, in order to
determine whether there has been any failure or breakage. In the case
of restraint systems, a check shall also be made, after the test, to
establish whether the parts of the vehicle structure which are attached
to the trolley have undergone any permanent deformation. Any such
deformation found shall be taken into account in any calculation
made in accordance with 2.6.1.3.1.
2.7.9. Buckle-opening test
2.7.9.1. Belt assemblies which have already undergone the dynamic test in
accordance with 2.7.8, shall be used for this test.
2.7.9.2. The belt assembly shall be detached from the test trolley without the
buckle being opened. A straight traction load of 30 daN shall be
applied to the buckle. Where the buckle is connected to a rigid part,
the force shall be applied while respecting the angle formed by the
buckle and the rigid section during the dynamic test. At a speed of
400 mm/min ± 20 mm/min a normal load shall be applied to the
geometric centre of the buckle opening button. This load shall be
applied along a constant axis. During application of the buckle
opening force, the buckle shall be held in place by a rigid support.
The normal load referred to above shall not exceed the limit specified
in 2.4.2.5. The point of contact of the test equipment shall be
shperical in form with a radius of 2·5 mm ± 0·1 mm. It shall have a
polished metal surface.
2.7.9.3. The buckle-opening force shall be applied by a spring-balance or
another measuring device in the manner and direction which are
normal for opening the buckle.
2.7.9.4. The buckle-opening force shall be measured and any failure of the
buckle noted.
2.7.9.5. After the buckle-opening test, the components of the belt assembly or
restraint system which have undergone the tests prescribed in 2.7.8
shall be inspected and the extent of the damage sustained by the belt
assembly or restraint system in the dynamictest shall be rec orded in
the test report.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 16
▼B
2.7.10. Test report
The test report shall record the results of the tests prescribed in 2.7
and, in particular, the trolley speed, the maximum forward
displacement of the manikin, the position of the buckle and any
failure or breakage. If, pursuant to 2.7.8.1, the anchorage require-
ments of Annex VII have not been respected, the report shall describe
how the belt assembly or the restraint system is mounted and specify
important angles and dimensions. The report shall also mention any
distortion or breakage of the buckle that occurred during the test.
In the case of a restraint system, the test report shall also specify the
method of attaching the vehicle structure-to the trolley, the position
of the seats and the tilt of the seat backs. If the forward displacement
of the manikin has exceeded the values prescribed in 2.6.1.2.2, the
report shall state whether the requirements of 2.6.1.3.1 have been
met.
2.8. Verification of conformity
2.8.1. Minimum requirements for verification of conformity
2.8.1.1. The manufacturer or his authorized representative holding the EEC
component type-approval mark shall be obliged to carry out
continuous quality control, or see that it is carried out, so as to
ensure that production of the belt assemblies is uniform and conforms
to the provisions of this Directive.
2.8.1.2. The manufacturer or his authorized representative shall be held
responsible for:
(a) the existence of quality control procedures;
(b) the availability of equipment necessary for the verification of
conformity;
(c) keeping records of test results, test reports and any documents
attached;
(d) the use of the test results to verify and ensure the consistency of
the belt assemblies manufactured, allowing for the variations
admissible in industrial production.
2.8.1.3. The samples selected for verification of conformity shall undergo
such tests as may be chosen by agreement with the competent
authority from among those described in 2.6 and 2.7.
2.8.1.4. The following minimum requirements in particular must be complied
with.
2.8.1.4.1. All assemblies incorporating emergency-locking retractors must be
checked for compliance with the requirements of 2.4.5.2.1.1, in
accordance with the specific instructions contained in 2.4.5.2.3.
2.8.1.4.2. The check on the resistance of the samples of production belts in the
dynamic test shall be carried out in accordance with the procedure
laid down in 2.7.8. This check shall be carried out on a statistical and
random basis, and in any event with a frequency of 1 in 25 000 belts
produced or one per month of production, whichever is the greater.
A minimum frequency of one per year shall be permitted where
annual production is 5 000 assemblies or less.
During the test, after impact, the assembly shall be visually
examined, without opening the buckle, to establish whether there
has been any failure or breakage. If an assembly should fail the test,
the manufacturer shall select further samples and take the necessary
steps to ensure the conformity of production.
2.8.2. Minimum requirements for spot checks made by Member States
2.8.2.1. The frequency of spot checks shall be such that the tests specified in
2.8.2.2 are performed on at least 1 in 5 000 safety belts and restraint
system of each approved type produced, with a minimum frequency
of one and a maximum frequency of 50 for any 12 months of
production.
2.8.2.2. Belts selected for verification of conformity with an approved type
shall undergo such tests as may be chosen by the competent authority
from among those described in 2.6 and 2.7.
At least 10 % of the belts selected for verification of conformity, but
with a minimum of one and a maximum of five for 12 months
production, shall undergo a dynamic test.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 17
▼B
2.8.2.3. If one of the samples fails the test to which it is subjected, a further
test shall be carried out on three other samples.
If one of the latter fails the test, Article 3 (2) shall be applied.
2.8.2.4. Tests shall be carried out on belts offered or intended for sale.
2.9. Instructions
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by the instructions specified
in Annex X.
3. INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
3.1. Vehicle equipment
Any vehicle covered by Article 9, in categories M1or N1, or category
M2(except vehicles of a permissible maximum weight exceeding
3 500kg and those which include places specially designed for
standing passengers) must be equipped with safety belts or restraint
systems which satisfy the requirements of this Directive and have the
following belt arrangements (with which neither non-locking locking
retractors (1.8.1) or manually unlocking retractors (1.8.2) can be
used).
In cases where the other vehicles covered by Article 9 are fitted with
safety belts or restraint systems, these must comply with all the
requirements of this Directive, with the exception of sections 3.1.1 to
3.1.3.
3.1.1. for the front outboard seating positions, three-point safety belts with
emergency locking retractors having multiple sensitivity (1.8.4);
however,
3.1.1.1. for the passenger seat, automatically locking retractors (1.8.3) are
permitted;
3.1.1.2. for the passenger seat of category M2vehicles, lap-belts, whether or
not fitted with retractors, are 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.
3.1.2. for front central seating positions, three-point safety belts, whether or
not fitted with retractors;
3.1.2.1. however, for front central seating positions, lap-belts, whether or not
fitted with retractors, shall be considered adequate where the
windscreen is located outside the reference zone defined in Annex
II to Directive 74/60/EEC;
as regards safety belts, the windscreen shall be considered as part of
the reference zone when it is capable of entering into static contact
with the test apparatus according to the method described in Annex II
to Directive 74/60/EEC;
3.1.2.2. notwithstanding 3.1.2 and 3.1.2.1 and until 1 January 1979, each
front central seat may be equipped with only a lap-belt, whether or
not fitted with retractors;
3.1.3. at rear seating positions of vehicles in category M1, lap-belts or three-
point belts, whether or not fitted with retractors;
3.1.4. on three-point belts fitted with retractors, one retractor must operate
at least on the diagonal strap.
3.1.5. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, on vehicles in categories
N1and M2, an emergency locking retractor of type 4N (1.8.5) may be
permitted instead of a retractor of type 4 (1.8.4), where it has been
shown to the satisfaction of the services responsible for the tests that
the fitting of a type 4 retractor would impede the driver.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 18
▼M1
▼B
▼M1
▼B
▼M1
▼B
3.2. General requirements
3.2.1. Safety belts and restraint systems shall be fixed to anchorages
conforming to the specifications of Directive 76/115/EEC.
3.2.2. The safety belts and the restraint systems shall be so installed that,
when properly worn, they will work satisfactorily and reduce the riskof bodily injury in the event of an accident. In particular they shall be
so installed that:
3.2.2.1. the straps are not liable to assume a dangerous configuration;
3.2.2.2. when worn correctly, the risk of the strap slipping from the shoulder
is reduced to a minimum;
3.2.2.3. the risk of the strap deteriorating through contact with sharp rigid
parts of the vehicle or seat structure is reduced to a minimum.
3.3. Special requirements for rigid parts incorporated in safety belts
or restraint systems
3.3.1. Rigid parts, such as the buckles, adjusting devices and attachments,
shall not increase the risk of bodily injury to the wearer or to other
occupants of the vehicle in the event of an accident.
3.3.2. The device for releasing the buckle shall be clearly visible to and
within easy reach of the wearer and shall be so designed that it
cannot be opened inadvertently or accidentally. The buckle shall also
be located in such a position that it is readily accessible to a rescuer
needing to release the wearer in an emergency.
The buckle shall be so installed that, both when not under load and
when sustaining the wearer's weight, it is capable of being released
by the wearer with a single simple movement of either hand in one
direction. In the case of safety belts or restraint systems for front
outboard seating positions, the buckle shall also be capable of being
locked in the same manner.
A check shall be made to ensure that, if the buckle is in contact with
the wearer, the width of the contact surface is not less than 46 mm.
3.3.3. When the belt is being worn, it shall either adjust automatically to fit
the wearer or be so designed that the manual adjusting device is
readily accessible to the wearer when seated and is convenient and
easy to use. It shall also be possible for it to be tightened with one
hand to suit the build of the wearer and the position of the vehicle
seat.
3.3.4. Safety belts or restraint systems incorporating retractors shall be so
installed that the retractors are able to operate correctly and stow the
strap efficiently.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 19
▼B
ANNEX II
MODEL EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE
(Maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 20
▼B
ANNEX III
EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARK
1. GENERAL
1.1. Every safety belt or restraint system conforming to a type approved
under this Directive shall bear an EEC component type-approval mark.
The EEC component type-approval mark shall consist of:
1.1.1. a rectangle surrounding the lower-case letter ‘e’ followed by the
distinguishing letter(s) or number of the Member State which has
granted the EEC component type-approval:
1 for Germany,
2 for France,
3 for Italy,4 for the Netherlands,6 for Belgium,
11 for the United Kingdom,
13 for Luxembourg,
18 for Denmark,
IRL for Ireland,
E for Greece;
1.1.2. the EEC component type-approval number, located below the
rectangle;
1.1.3. the following additional symbol or symbols located above the
rectangle:
1.1.3.1. the letter ‘A’ in the case of a three-point belt, the letter ‘B’ in the case
of a lap belt and the letter ‘S’ in the case of a special type belt.
1.1.3.2. The symbols described in 1.1.3.1 shall be supplemented by the
following marks:
1.1.3.2.1. the letter ‘e’ in the case of a belt fitted with an energy absorber;1.1.3.2.2. the letter ‘r’ in the case of a safety belt fitted with a retractor, followed
by the number of the type of retractor used, in accordance with 1.8 of
Annex I, and the letter ‘m’ if the retractor used is an emergency
locking retractor with multiple sensitivity.
1.1.3.3. The symbols described in 1.1.3.1 shall be preceded by the letter ‘Z’
when the safety belt is part of a restraint system.
1.2. The details described in 1.1 shall be clearly legible and indelible, and
must be provided either by means of a label or by direct marking. The
label or marking shall be resistant to wear.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 21
▼A1
▼B
▼B
2. DIAGRAMS OF EEC COMPONENT TYPE-APPROVAL MARKS
2.1.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
three-point belt (‘A’) fitted with an energy absorber (e) and approved
in the Netherlands (e 4) under the number 2439.
2.2.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
lap belt (‘B’) fitted with a type 4 retractor with multiple sensitivity and
approved in the Netherlands (e 4) under the number 2439.
2.3.
The belt bearing the above EEC component type-approval mark is a
special type of belt (‘S’), fitted with an energy absorber (e), forming
part of a restraint system (‘Z’) and approved in the Netherlands (e 4)
under the number 2439.
Note:
The EEC component type-approval number and symbol(s) shall be
placed close to the rectangle and either above or below the letter ‘e’or
to the left or right of that letter. The digits of the component type-
approval number shall be placed on the same side of the letter ‘e’ and
shall face in the same direction. The additional symbol(s) shall be
diametrically opposite the component type-approval number. The use
of roman numerals as component type-approval numbers must be
avoided so as to prevent any confusion with other symbols.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 22
▼B
ANNEX IV
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST DURABILITY OF RETRACTOR MECHANISM
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 23
▼B
ANNEX V
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS TO TEST LOCKING OF EMERGENCY
LOCKING RETRACTORS
A suitable apparatus is illustrated in the figure and consists of a motor-driven
cam, the follower of which is attached by wires to a small trolley mounted on a
track. The cam follower incorporates a ‘lost motion’ device which absorbs any
movement should the reel lock before the full stroke of the follower is completed.
The cam design and motor speed combination is such as to give the requiredacceleration at a rate of increase of acceleration as specified in 2.7.7.2.2 of Annex
I, and the stroke is arranged to be in excess of the maximum permitted strap
movement before locking.
On the trolley a carrier is mounted which can be swivelled to enable the retractor
to be mounted in varying positions relative to the direction of movement of the
trolley.
When testing retractors for sensitivity to strap movement, the retractor is mounted
on a suitable fixed bracket and the strap is attached to the trolley.
When carrying out the above tests any brackets, etc. supplied by the manufacturer
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
representative.
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 24
▼B
ANNEX VI
EXAMPLE OF AN APPARATUS FOR DUST RESISTANCE TESTS
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 25
▼B
ANNEX VII
DESCRIPTION OF TROLLEY, SEAT, ANCHORAGES AND STOPPING
DEVICE
1. TROLLEY
For tests on safety belts the trolley, carrying the seat only, shall have a mass of
400 ± 20 kg. For tests on restraint systems the trolley, with the vehicle
structure attached, shall have a mass of 800 kg. However, if 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 in the case of tests on restraint systems, the seat shall be of rigid
construction and present a smooth surface. The particulars given in fig. 1
hereto shall be respected, care being taken that no metal part can come into
contact with the belt.
3. ANCHORAGES
The anchorages shall be positioned as shown in fig. 1. The circular marks
which correspond to the arrangement of the anchorages, show where the ends
of the belt are to be connected to the trolley or to the load transducer, as the
case may be. The structure carrying the anchorages shall be rigid. The upper
anchorage must not be displaced by more than 0·2 mm in the longitudinal
direction when a load of 98 daN is applied to it in that direction. The trolley
shall be so constructed that no permanent deformation shall occur in the parts
bearing the anchorages during the test.
4. STOPPING DEVICE
This device consists of two identical absorbers mounted in parallel, except in
the case of restraint systems when four absorbers shall be used for a nominal
mass of 800 kg. If necessary, an additional absorber shall be used for each 200
kg increase of nominal mass.
Each absorber comprises:
— an outer casing formed from a steel tube,
— a polyurethane energy-absorber tube,— a polished-steel olive-shaped knob penetrating into the absorber,
— a shaft and an impact plate.
The dimensions of the various parts of this absorber are shown in the diagrams
reproduced in figs. 2, 3 and 4. The characteristics of the absorbing material are
given in the table below. Immediately before each test the tubes shall be
maintained for a minimum of 12 hours at a temperature of between 15 and 30
ºC without being used.
The requirements which the stopping device must meet are given in Annex IX.
Any other device giving equivalent results can be accepted.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ABSORBING MATERIAL
(ASTM method D 735 unless otherwise stated)
Shore hardness A: 95 ± 2Breaking strength: R
o≥343 daN/cm2
Minimum elongation: Ao400 %
Modulus:— at 100 % elongation: 108 daN/cm2
— at 300 % elongation: 235 daN/cm2
Low-temperature brittleness (ASTM method D 736): five hours at − 55 ºC
Compression set (method B): 22 hours at 70 ºC ≤45 %
Density at 25 ºC: 1·05 to 1·10
Ageing in air (ASTM method D 573):1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 26
▼B
— 70 hours at 100 ºC — shore hardness A: max. variation ± 3
— breaking strength: decrease <10 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— mass: decrease < 1 %
Immersion in oil (ASTM method No 1 Oil):
— 70 hours at 100 ºC — shore hardness A: max. variation ± 4
— breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 10 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 5 %
Immersion in oil (ASTM method No 3 Oil):
— 70 hours at 100 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 15 % of Ro
— elongation: decrease < 15 % of Ao
— volume: swelling < 20 %
Immersion in distilled water:
— one week at 70 ºC — breaking strength: decrease < 35 % of Ro
— elongation: increase 20 % of Ao1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 27
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 28
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 29
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 30
▼B
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 31
▼B
ANNEX VIII
DESCRIPTION OF MANIKIN
1. SPECIFICATIONS OF THE MANIKIN
1.1.General
The main characteristics of the manikin are indicated in the following
figures and tables:
fig. 1: side view of head, neck and torso;
fig. 2: front view of head, neck and torso;
fig. 3: side view of hip, thighs and lower leg;fig. 4: front view of hip, thighs and lower leg;
fig. 5: principal dimensions;
fig. 6: manikin in sitting position, showing:
— location of the centre of gravity,
— location of points at which displacement shall be measured,— shoulder height;
table 1: references, names, materials and principal dimensions of the
components of the manikin;
table 2: mass of head, neck, torso, thigh and lower leg.
1.2.Description of the manikin
1.2.1. Lower leg structure (see figs. 3 and 4)
The lower leg structure consists of three components:
— a sole plate (30),
— a shin tube (29),
— a knee tube (26).
The knee tube has two lugs which limit the movement of the lower leg in
relation to the thigh.
The lower leg can rotate rearwards about 120º from the straight position.
1.2.2. Thigh structure (see figs. 3 and 4)
The thigh structure consists of three components:
— a knee tube (22),
— a thigh bar (21),— a hip tube (20).
Movement of the knee is limited by two cut-outs in the knee tube (22)
which engage with the lugs of the leg.
1.2.3. Torso structure (see figs. 1 and 2)
The torso structure consists of the following components:
— a hip tube (2),
— a roller chain (4),— ribs (6) and (7),— a sternum (8),
— chain attachments (3 and, partly, 7 and 8).
1.2.4. Neck(see figs. 1 and 2)
The neck consists of seven polyurethane discs (9). The degree of stiffness
of the neck can be adjusted by means of a chain tensioner.
1.2.5. Head(see figs. 1 and 2)
The head (15) is hollow; the polyurethane is reinforced by steel bands (17).
The chain tensioner which enables the neck to be adjusted consists of a
polyamide block (10), a tubular spacer (11) and a tensioning component
(12 and 13). The head can rotate at the joint between the first and second
cervical vertebrae (the atlas-axis joint), which consists of an adjuster
assembly (14 and 18), a spacer (16) and a polyamide block (10).1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 32
▼B
1.2.6. Knee joint (see fig. 4)
The lower leg and thighs are connected by a tube (27) and a tensioner (28).
1.2.7. Hip joint (see fig. 4)
The thighs and torso are connected by a tube (23), friction plates (24) and a
tensioner (25).
1.2.8. Polyurethane
Type: PU 123 CH compoundHardness: 50 to 60 shore A
1.2.9. Overall
The manikin is covered by a special overall
2. CORRECTION OF THE MASS
In order to calibrate the manikin to certain values and its total mass, the
mass distribution must be adjusted by means of six correction weights of 1
kg each which can be fitted to the hip joint. Six other polyurethane weights
of 1 kg each can be fitted to the back of the torso.
3. CUSHION
A cushion shall be positioned between the chest of the manikin and the
overall. This cushion must be made of polyethylene foam complying with
the following specification:
— hardness: 7 to 10 shore A,
— thickness: 25 ± 5 mm.
It shall be replaceable.
4. ADJUSTMENT OF THE JOINTS
4.1.General
In order to achieve reproducible results, it is necessary to specify and
control the friction at each joint.
4.2.Knee joint:
tighten the knee joint;set the thigh and lower leg vertical;rotate the lower leg through 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 joints for the purposes of adjustment;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 own
weight;
lock the tensioner in this position.
4.4.Atlas-axis joint:
adjust the atlas-axis joint so that it just resists its own weight in the fore
and aft directions.
4.5.Neck:
the neck can be adjusted by means of the chain tensioner (13);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 — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 33
▼B
TABLE 1
Refer-
ence NoName Material Dimensions
1 Body polyurethane —
2 Hip tube steel 76 × 70 × 100 mm
3 Chain attachments steel 25 × 10 × 70 mm
4 Roller chain steel 3/4 mm
5 Shoulder plane polyurethane —
6 Ribs (rolled section) steel 30 × 30 × 3 × 250 mm7 Ribs perforated steelplate 400 × 85 × 1·5 mm
8 Sternum perforated steelplate 250 × 90 × 1·5 mm
9 Discs (6) polyurethane ø 90 × 20 mm
ø 80 × 20 mm
ø 75 × 20 mm
ø 70 × 20 mm
ø 65 × 20 mm
ø 60 × 20 mm
10 Block polyamide 60 × 60 × 25 mm
11 Tubular spacer steel 40 × 40 × 2 × 50 mm
12 Tensioning bolt steel M 16 × 90 mm
13 Tensioner nut steel M 16
14 Tensioner for atlas-axis
jointsteel ø 12 × 130 mm (M 12)
15 Head polyurethane —
16 Tubular spacer steel ø 18 × 13 × 17 mm
17 Reinforcement plate steel 30 × 3× 500 mm
18 Tensioner nut steel M 12
19 Thighs polyurethane —
20 Hip tube steel 76 × 70 × 80 mm
21 Thigh bar steel 30 × 30 × 440 mm22 Knee tube steel 52 × 46 × 40 mm
23 Hip connecting tube steel 70 × 64 × 250 mm
24 Friction plates (4) steel 160 × 75 × 1 mm
25 Tensioner assembly steel M 12 × 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 Ø 70 × 4 mm
29 Shin tube steel 50 × 50 × 2 × 460 mm
30 Sole plate steel 100 × 170 × 3 mm
31 Torso correction weights
(6)polyurethane 1 kg each
32 Cushion polyethylene foam 350 × 250 × 25 mm
33 Overall cotton and polyamide
straps
34 Hip joint correction
weights (6)steel mass 1 kg each1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 34
▼B
TABLE 2
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 74·5 ± 1·01977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 35
▼B
Fig. 11977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 36
▼B
Fig. 21977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 37
▼B
Fig. 3
 Fig. 41977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 38
▼B
Fig. 6
Manikin seated in position shown in Annex VII, fig. 1.
G = Centre of gravity
T = Torso measurement point (located at the front on the centre line of the
manikin)
P = Pelvis measurement point (located at the back on the centre line of the
manikin)1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 39
▼B
ANNEX IX
DESCRIPTION OF CURVE OF TROLLEY'S DECELERATION AS
FUNCTION OF TIME
(Curve for testing stopping devices)
The deceleration curve of the trolley weighted with inert masses to produce a
total of 455 kg ± 20 kg for safety belt tests and 910 kg ± 40 kg for restraint
system tests, where the nominal mass of the trolley and vehicle structure is 800
kg, must remain within the hatched area above. If necessary, the nominal mass of
the trolley and attached vehicle structure can be increased by increments of 200
kg, in which case an additional inert mass of 28 kg shall be added per increment.
In no case shall the total mass of the trolley, the vehicle structure and the inert
masses differ from the nominal value for calibration tests by more than ± 40 kg.
The stopping distance during calibration of the trolley shall be 400 ± 20 mm.
In both the above cases the measurement equipment shall have a response which
is substantially flat up to 60 Hz with a roll off at 100 Hz. Mechanical resonances
associated with transducer mounting should not distort readout data. Considera-
tion should be given to the effect of cable length and temperature on frequency
response(1).1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 40
(1) These requirements are in accordance with SAE recommended practice J 211a and will
later be replaced by a reference to an ISO standard at present in preparation.
▼B
ANNEX X
INSTRUCTIONS
Every safety belt shall be accompanied by instructions covering the following
points in the language or languages of the Member State in which it is to be
placed on sale:
1. Installation instructions (not required if the manufacturer supplies the 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 on a passenger's lap;
(c) the method of fastening and unfastening the buckle;
(d) the method of adjusting the belt;
(e) the method of operating any retractor which is incorporated in the
assembly and the method of checking that it has locked;
(f) the recommended methods of cleaning the belt and reassembling it after
cleaning where appropriate;
(g) the need to replace the safety belt when it has been in use in a serious
accident or shows signs of severe fraying or of having been cut;
(h) the fact that the belt must not be altered or modified in any way since such
changes may render the belt ineffective; in particular where the design
permits parts to be disassembled, instructions to ensure correct reassembly
must be given;
(i) the fact that the belt is intended for use by occupants of adult build;(j) stowage of the belt when not in use.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 41
▼B
ANNEX XI
DUAL BUCKLE TEST
(outlined in 2.7.6.5 of Annex I)
1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 42
▼B
ANNEX XII
ABRASION AND MICROSLIP TESTS
Fig. 1
Type 1 test
Examples of test arrangements corresponding to the type of adjusting device1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 43
▼B
Fig. 2
Type 2 test1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 44
▼B
Fig. 3
Type 3 test and micro-slip test1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 45
▼B
ANNEX XIII
CORROSION TEST
1. TEST APPARATUS
1.1. The apparatus shall consist of a mist chamber, a salt solution reservoir, a
supply of suitably conditioned compressed air, one or more atomizing
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 solution which fall from test samples are not returned to the
reservoir and then atomized again.
1.4. The apparatus shall not be constructed of materials which affect the
corrosiveness of the mist.
2. LOCATION OF TEST SAMPLES IN THE MIST CABINET
2.1. Samples, except retractors, shall be supported or suspended between 15º and
30º from the vertical and preferably parallel to the principal direction of
horizontal flow of mist through the chamber, as determined, in relation to the
dominant surface being tested.
2.2. Retractors shall be supported or suspended in such a manner that the axes of
the reels for storing the strap are normal to the principal direction of
horizontal flow of mist through the chamber. The strap opening in the
retractor shall also be facing this principal direction.
2.3. Each sample shall be so placed as to permit the mist to settle freely on all
samples.
2.4. Each sample shall be so placed as to prevent salt solution dripping from one
sample to another.
3. SALT SOLUTION
3.1. The salt solution shall be prepared by dissolving 5 ± 1 parts by mass of
sodium chloride in 95 parts of distilled water. The salt shall be sodium
chloride substantially free from nickel and copper and containing in the dry
state not more than 0·1 % of sodium iodide and not more than 0·3 % of
impurities in total.
3.2. The solution shall be such that when atomized at 35 ºC the collected solution
is in the pH range of 6·5 to 7·2.
4. AIR SUPPLY
The compressed air supply to the nozzle or nozzles for atomizing the salt
solution shall be free from oil and impurities, and maintained at a pressure of
between 70 kN/m2and 170 kN/m2.
5. CONDITIONS IN THE MIST CHAMBER
5.1. The exposure zone of the mist chamber shall be maintained at 35 ± 5 ºC. At
least two clean mist collectors shall be placed within the exposure zone to
prevent drops of solution from the test samples or any other source from
accumulating. The collectors shall be placed near the test samples, one as
near as possible to the nozzles and the other as far away as possible from the
nozzles. The mist shall be such that, for each 80 cm2of horizontal collecting
area, an average of between 1·0 and 2·0 ml of solution per hour is collected
in each collector when measured over at least 16 hours.
5.2. The nozzle or nozzles shall be directed or baffled in such a manner that the
spray does not strike directly onto the test samples.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 46
▼B
ANNEX XIV
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF TESTS
Relevant Provi-
sions
ItemsTestSamples
Belt No Strap sample No
123456123456789 1 0
2.2, 2.3.2,
2.4.1.1, 2.4.2.1,
2.5.1.1Inspection of belt assembly
×
2.4.2.2 Inspection of buckle ××××××
2.4.1.2, 2.7.2 Corrosion tests on all rigid parts ×
2.4.3.2, 2.7.5.1 Strength of adjusting device ×
2.4.3.1, 2.4.3.3,
2.7.5.6Ease of adjustment
×
2.4.4, 2.7.5.2 Strength of attachments ×
2.4.2.3 Durability of buckle × ×
2.4.2.4, 2.7.5.3 Low temperature operation of
buckle × ×
2.4.2.6, 2.7.5.1,
2.7.5.5Strength of buckle
×
2.4.1.4, 2.7.5.4 Low temperature impact on all
rigid parts × ×
2.4.5, 2.7.6.1,
2.7.2, 2.7.6.3,
2.7.6.2, 2.7.6.4Operation of retractor
×
2.5.1.2, 2.7.5 Check on strap width ×
2.5.2, 2.7.3.1,
2.7.4Strength of strap after room-condi-
tioning ×
2.5.3, 2.7.4 Strength of strap after special
conditioning:
2.7.3.2 — light-conditioning × ×
2.7.3.3 — cold-conditioning × ×
2.7.3.4 — heat-conditioning × ×
2.7.3.5 — exposure to water × ×
2.6.2, 2.7.3.6 Abrasion × ×
2.4.3, 2.7.3.7 Micro-slip × ×
2.4.2.7, 2.6.1,
2.4.2.6, 2.7.2,
2.7.6.3, 2.7.7Dynamictest on belt assembly
××
2.4.2.5, 2.4.2.7,
2.7.8Buckle-opening test
××
Note:In addition, one belt sample is required for reference purposes.1977L0541 — EN — 24.07.1981 — 002.001 — 47