ANNEX 15

Explanatory notes

The explanatory notes given in this annex concern interpretation difficulties of some paragraphs of the Regulation. They are meant as a guide for the Technical Services performing the tests.

Paragraph 2.10.1.

A quick adjuster can also be a device with a rotation shaft and spring similar to a retractor with a manual release. The adjuster should be tested to the requirements of paragraphs 7.2.2.5. and 7.2.3.1.3.

Paragraph 2.19.2.

A semi-universal restraint specified for fitting to the rear seat in both a saloon and an estate type vehicle in which the whole belt assembly is identical is one ‘type’.

Paragraph 2.19.3.

The significance of changes in the dimensions and/or mass of the seat, padding or impact shield and the energy-absorbing characteristics or colour of the material are to be considered when deciding whether a new type has been created.

Paragraphs 2.19.4. and 2.19.5.

These paragraphs shall not apply to any safety belts separately approved in accordance with UN Regulation No 16 which is necessary to anchor the child restraint to the vehicle or to restrain the child.

Paragraph 6.1.2.

For rearward-facing child restraints the correct position of the top of the restraint relative to the child dummy head is ensured by installing the largest dummy, for which the device was specified, in the most reclined configuration, and making sure that a horizontal line at the eye height passes below the top of the seat.

Paragraph 6.1.8.

The 150 mm requirement also applies to carry cots.

Paragraph 6.2.4.

The limit of acceptable movement of the shoulder belt is that the lower edge of the shoulder portion of the standard safety-belt shall not be lower than the dummy’s elbow at the point of maximum excursion of the dummy.

Paragraph 6.2.9.

Common understanding is that it applies also to devices that have such a lock-off even if they are not required for that group. Thus the test would be applied to a group 2 only device, but at the prescribed force, i.e. twice the mass of group I dummy.

Paragraph 7.1.3.

The overturning test will be conducted using the same installation procedure and parameters as those defined for the dynamic test.

Paragraph 7.1.3.1.

Stopping of the rig during the overturning is not allowed.

Paragraph 7.1.4.1.4.

The paragraph aims to ensure that the CRS will sustain all imposed loads during the dynamic test, keeping the child in position, by maintaining the original position and configuration. Any change in the original configuration, including change in the reclining position or in the support leg length shall be considered a failure. Any load bearing part or component failure, like adult safety belt contact points (identified as a belt route), anti-rotation device or CRS chair shell shall be considered a failure, except where such behaviour is clearly identified as load limiting device function.

Paragraph 7.1.4.1.10.1.2.

Completely recessed means that with the leg in the stowed position, no part of the leg protrudes beyond the surface of the base or shell, such that it has no effect on the position of the CRS on the test bench. See the following figures for clarification examples.

Paragraph 7.1.4.2.2.

The wording of this paragraph refers to accelerations representing tensile loads in the spine of the dummy.

Paragraph 7.1.4.3.1.

Visible signs of penetration means penetration of the clay by the abdominal insert (under pressure from the restraint) but not bending of the clay without compression in a horizontal direction as for instance is brought about by simple bending of the spine. See also interpretation of paragraph 6.2.4.

Paragraph 7.2.1.5.

The first sentence is complied with if the hand of the dummy could reach the buckle.

Paragraph 7.2.2.1.

This shall be used to ensure that separately approved guide-straps shall be easily attached and detached.

Paragraph 7.2.4.1.1.

Two straps are required. Measure the breaking load of the first strap. Measure the width of the second strap at 75 percent of this load.

Paragraph 7.2.4.4.

Items which may be disassembled or unthreaded and where incorrect reassembly is probable for an untrained user and could result in a dangerous configuration shall not be allowed.

Paragraph 8.1.2.2.

‘Fastened to the seat’ means the test seat as prescribed in Annex 6. ‘Specific devices may’ means that a ‘specific’ restraint would normally be tested for overturning when installed in the test seat, but that testing in the vehicle seat was allowed.

Paragraph 8.1.3.6.3.2.

The hinged board or similar flexible device is intended to simulate the removal of clothing from the child and a failure to re-adjust the harness system. Where the child is restrained by a system that adjusts to fit the child’s physique without external intervention (where the adult belt is used or the harness contains automatic or emergency locking retractors), it shall not be necessary to use the hinged board. For child restraint systems where the length of the straps can be fixed (for example a harness without retractors or the adult belt is used with a lock-off), the use of the hinged board is required. The hinged board must be used for the setup of CRS using belted impact shields.

Paragraph 8.2.2.1.1.

‘Having regard to normal conditions of use’ means that this test should be performed with the restraint mounted on the test or vehicle seat but without the dummy.

The dummy shall be used only to position the adjusting device. In the first instance the straps should be adjusted in accordance with paragraphs 8.1.3.6.3.2. or 8.1.3.6.3.3. (whichever is appropriate). The test should then be conducted after removal of the dummy.

Paragraph 8.2.5.2.6.

This paragraph shall not apply to guide straps which are approved separately under this Regulation.

Paragraph 10.1.3.