Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2012C00357:front:0:p16
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2012C00357
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 44686–47336

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.

           6.2.1.2. All parts of the belt assembly liable to be affected by corrosion shall be suitably protected against it.  After undergoing the corrosion test prescribed in paragraph 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.

           6.2.1.3. Rigid parts intended to absorb energy or to be subjected to or to transmit a load shall not be fragile.

           6.2.1.4. The rigid items and parts made of plastics of a safety‑belt must be so located and installed that they are not liable, during every day use of a power‑driven vehicle, to become trapped under a moveable seat or in a door of that vehicle.  If any of these items and parts do not comply with the above conditions, they shall be subjected to the cold impact test specified in paragraph 7.5.4. below.  After the test, if any visible cracks are present in any plastic cover or retainer of rigid item, the complete plastic part shall then be removed and the remaining assembly shall then be assessed against its continued security.  If the remaining assembly is still secure, or no visible cracks are present, it will then be further assessed against the test requirements specified in paragraphs 6.2.2., 6.2.3. and 6.4.

6.2.2 Buckle

           6.2.2.1. 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 condition.  The procedure for opening the buckle must be evident.  The parts of the buckle likely to contact the body of the wearer shall present a section of not less than 20 cm2 and at least 46 mm in width, measured in a plane situated at a maximal distance of 2.5 mm from the contact surface.  In the case of harness belt buckles, the latter requirement shall be regarded as satisfied if the contact area of the buckle with the wearer's body is comprised between 20 and 40 cm2.

           6.2.2.2. The buckle, even when not under tension, shall remain closed whatever the position of the vehicle.  It shall not be possible to release the buckle inadvertently, accidentally or with a force of less than 1 daN.  The buckle shall be easy to use and to grasp; when it is not under tension and when under the tension specified in paragraph 7.8.2. below, it shall be capable of being released by the wearer with a single