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(continued)
(h) Seam strength. The strength of each different type of seam used in a thermal protective aid must be tested under the following conditions and procedures.
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment must be used in this test:
(i) A chamber in which air temperature can be kept at 25 °C (73.4 °F) ±2 °C (1.8 °F) and in which relative humidity can be kept at 50% ±5%.
(ii) A device to apply tension to the seam by means of a pair of top jaws and a pair of bottom jaws. Each set of jaws must grip the material on both sides so that it does not slip when the load is applied. Each front jaw must be 25 mm (1 inch) wide by 25 mm (1 inch) long. The distance between the jaws before the load is applied must be 75mm (3 inches).
(2) Test samples. Each test sample consists of two pieces of the material from which the thermal protective aid is constructed, each of which is 100 mm (4 inches) square. The two pieces are joined by a seam as shown in figure 160.171–17(m)(3). For each type of seam, 5 samples are required. Each sample may be cut from a thermal protective aid or may be prepared specifically for this test. One type of seam is distinguished from another by the type and size of stitch or other joining method used (including orientation of warp and fill, if any) and by the type and thickness of the materials joined at the seam.
(3) Test procedure. Each sample is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23 °C±2 °C and 50% ±5% relative humidity. Immediately after conditioning, each sample is mounted individually in the tension device as shown in figure 160.171–17(m)(3). The jaws are separated at a rate of 5 mm/second (12 in/minute). The maximum force to achieve rupture is recorded. The average force at rupture must be at least 225 Newtons (50 lb).
(i) Tear resistance. The tear resistance of the material from which a thermal protective aid is constructed must be determined by the method described in ASTM D 1004 (incorporated by reference, see §160.174–3). If more than one material is used, each material must be tested. If varying thicknesses of a material are used in the aid, samples representing the thinnest portion of the material must be tested. If multiple layers of a material are used in the aid, samples representing the layer on the exterior of the aid must be tested. Any material that is a composite formed of two or more materials bonded together is considered to be a single material. The average tearing strength of each material must be at least 45 Newtons (10 lb).
[CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986, as amended by CGD 84–069a, 52 FR 1197, Jan. 12, 1987; USCG–2000–7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000]
§ 160.174-23 Marking.
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(a) Each thermal protective aid must be marked with the words “Thermal Protective Aid,” the name of the manufacturer, the model, the date of manufacture or a lot number from which the date of manufacture may be determined, and the Coast Guard approval number.
(b) Each storage case must be marked with the words “Thermal Protective Aid” or the thermal protective aid must have a similar marking which is visible through a transparent storage case.
§ 160.174-25 Production testing.
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(a) Thermal protective aid production testing is conducted under the procedures in this section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
(b) One out of every 100 thermal protective aids produced must be given a complete visual examination. The sample must be selected at random from a production lot of 100 thermal protective aids and examined by or under the supervision of the independent laboratory. The sample fails if the visual examination shows that the aid does not conform to the approved design.
(c) If a defect in the thermal protective aid is detected upon visual examination, 10 additional samples from the same lot must be selected at random and examined for the defect.
(d) If one or more of the 10 samples fails the examination, each thermal protective aid in the lot must be examined for the defect for which the lot was rejected. Only thermal protective aids that are free of defects may be sold as Coast Guard approved.
[CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986; 51 FR 20650, June 6, 1986]
Subpart 160.176—Inflatable Lifejackets
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Source: CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.176-1 Scope.
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(a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards and procedures for approval of inflatable lifejackets, as well as requirements for associated manuals, servicing programs, and shore-side service facilities.
(b) Other regulations in this chapter provide that inflatable lifejackets must be:
(1) Serviced annually at designated servicing facilities; and
(2) Maintained in accordance with their user manuals.
(c) Inflatable lifejackets approved under this subpart—
(1) Rely entirely upon inflation for buoyancy;
(2) Meet the requirements for lifejackets in the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83);
(3) Have performance equivalent to Type I Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) with any one chamber deflated; and
(4) Are designed to be worn by adults.
§ 160.176-2 Application.
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(a) Inflatable lifejackets approved under this subpart may be used to meet carriage requirements for Type I PFD's only on:
(1) Uninspected submersible vessels; and
(2) Inspected vessels for which a servicing program has been approved by the Commandant.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.176-3 Definitions.
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(a) Commandant means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. Address: Commandant (G-MSE–4), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001.
(b) First quality worksmanship means construction which is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or serviceability.
(c) Functional deterioration means—
(1) Damage such as deformation in hardware or a rip, tear, or loose stitches;
(2) Decline in any performance characteristic; or
(3) Any other change making the lifejacket unfit for use.
(d) Functional residual capacity (FRC) means the amount of lung volume a person has remaining at the bottom of the normal breathing cycle when at rest.
(e) Inflation medium means any solid, liquid, or gas, that, when activated, provides inflation for buoyancy.
(f) Inspector means an independent laboratory representative assigned to perform the duties described in §160.176–15 of this subpart.
(g) PFD means personal flotation device as defined in 33 CFR 175.13.
(h) Reference vest means a model AK–1 PFD meeting subpart 160.047 of this part, except that, in lieu of the weight and displacement values prescribed in Tables 160.047–4(c)(2) and §160.047–(4)(c)(4), each front insert must have a weight of kapok of at least 8.25 oz. and a volume displacement of 9.0 ±0.25 lb., and the back insert must have a weight of kapok of at least 5.5 oz. and a volume displacement of 6.0 ±0.25 lb. To achieve the specified volume displacement, front insert envelopes may be larger than the dimensions prescribed by §160.047–1(b).
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Second stage donning means adjustments or steps necessary to make a lifejacket provide its intended flotation characteristics after the device has been properly donned and then inflated.
[CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.176-4 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). To enforce any edition other than the one listed in paragraph (b) of this section, notice of the change must be published in the Federal Register and the material made available to the public. All approved material is on file at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and at the U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G-MSE–4), 2100 Second Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001, and is available from the sources indicated in paragraph (b) of this section. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart, and the sections affected are:
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.
ASTM B 117–97, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus—160.176–8; 160.176–13
ASTM D 751–95, Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics—160.176–13
ASTM D 975–98, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils—160.176–13
ASTM D 1434–82 (1988), Standard Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Characteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting—160.176–13
Federal Aviation Administration Technical Standard Order
Policy and Procedure Br., AWS–110, Aircraft Engineering Division, Office of Airworthiness, 800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC 20591
TSO-C13d, Federal Aviation Administration Standard for Life Preservers, January 3, 1983—160.176–8
Federal Standards
Naval Publications and Forms Center, Customer Service, Code 1052, 5801 Tabor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120
In Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A (dated July 20, 1978) the following methods:
(1) Method 5100, Strength and Elongation, Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method—160.176–13
(2) Method 5132, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Falling-Pendulum Method—160.176–13
(3) Method 5134, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Tongue Method—160.176–13
(4) Method 5804.1, Weathering Resistance of Cloth; Accelerated Weathering Method—160.176–8
(5) Method 5762, Mildew Resistance of Textile Materials; Soil Burial Method—160.176–8
Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams, and Stitching, January 25, 1965—160.176–9
Military Specifications
Naval Publications and Forms Center, Customer Service, Code 1052, 5801 Tabor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120
MIL-L-24611—Life Preserver Support Package For Life Preserver, MK 4, dated May 18, 1982—160.176–8
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly National Bureau of Standards)
C/O Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402
Special Pub. 440, Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names; “The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary”, 1976—160.176–9
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 12 Laboratory Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995. P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995
UL 1191, “Components for Personal Flotation Devices”, November 11, 1984—160.176–8; 160.176–13
[CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 97–057, 62 FR 51049, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67185, Dec. 1, 1999; 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004]
§ 160.176-5 Approval procedures.
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(a) Modifications to general procedures. Subpart 159.005 of this chapter contains the approval procedures. Those procedures must be followed, except as modified in this paragraph.
(1) Preapproval review under §§159.005–5 and 159.005–7 may be omitted if a similar design has already been approved.
(2) The information required under §159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter must be included in the application.
(3) The application must also include the following:
(i) The Type of performance (i.e. Type I or Type V) that the lifejacket is designed to provide.
(ii) Any special purpose(s) for which the lifejacket is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use is planned.
(iii) Buoyancy and torque values along with tolerances to be allowed in production. The Coast Guard normally will approve tolerances of up to ±10% unless prototypes are tested at greater extremes or greater tolerances are otherwise justified.
(iv) The text of any optional marking to be provided in addition to required text.
(v) The service manual and written guidelines required by §§160.176–19(c) and 160.176–19(d) of the part and the user's manual required by §160.176–21 of this part.
(vi) A list of proposed servicing facilities.
(4) The description of quality control procedures required by §159.005–9 of this chapter to be submitted with the test report may be omitted as long as the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures comply with §160.176–15 of this part.
(5) The test report must include, in addition to information required by §159.005–9 of this chapter, a report of inspection of each proposed servicing facility. The report must include the time, date, place, and name of the person doing the inspection and observations that show whether the facility meets §§160.176–19(b)(2), 160–176–19(b)(4), and 160.176–19(d) of this part.
(6) The certificate of approval, when issued, is accompanied by a letter to the manufacturer listing the servicing facilities that have been approved. Copies of the letter are also provided for each facility.
(7) An approval will be suspended or terminated under §159.005–15 of this chapter if the manufacturer fails to maintain approved servicing facilities that meet §160.176–19 of this part.
(b) Manuals and guidelines. The manuals and servicing facility guidelines required by this subpart are reviewed with the application for lifejacket approval. Changes will be required if needed to comply with §§160.176–19 and 160.176–21 of this part.
(c) Approval of servicing facilities. (1) Approval of servicing facilities initially proposed for use is considered during and as a part of the lifejacket approval process described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Other servicing facilities may subsequently be considered for approval, upon submission of a letter of application to Commandant containing each of the applicable items required of manufacturers and laboratories under §159.005–5 of this chapter and the following:
(i) A copy of guidelines meeting §160.176–19(d) of this part, if different from those originally approved with the lifejacket;
(ii) A list of the sources the servicing facility proposes to use for parts and manuals for the servicing of the make and model of lifejacket applied for; and
(iii) A report of inspection prepared by an independent laboratory which includes the time, date, and place of the inspection, the name of the inspector, and observations that show whether the facility meets §§160.176–19(b)(2) through 160.176–19(b)(4) and 160.176–19(d) of this part.
(3) To conduct servicing at a remote or mobile site, the servicing facility must be authorized in its letter of approval to conduct this type of servicing. Approval for servicing at these sites is obtained according to paragraph (c)(2) of this section except that portable or mobile equipment must be available when evaluating the compliance with §160.176–19(b)(3) of this part.
(4) Each change to equipment, procedure, or qualification and training of personnel of an approved servicing facility must be also approved.
(d) Waiver of tests. If a manufacturer requests that any test in this subpart be waived, one of the following must be provided to the Commandant as justification for the waiver:
(1) Acceptable test results on a lifejacket of sufficiently similar design.
(2) Engineering analysis showing that the test is not applicable to the particular design or that by design or construction the lifejacket can not fail the test.
(e) Alternative requirements. A lifejacket that does not meet requirements in this subpart may still be approved if the device—
(1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in place of or in addition to requirements in this subpart; and
(2) Provides at least the same degree of safety provided by other lifejackets that do comply with this subpart.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29441, June 27, 1991]
§ 160.176-6 Procedure for approval of design or material revision.
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(a) Each change in design, material, or construction must be approved by the Commandant before being used in lifejacket production.
(b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials may only be made by the Commandant.
§ 160.176-7 Independent laboratories.
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A list of independent laboratories which have been accepted by the Commandant for conducting or supervising the following tests and inspections required by this subpart, may be obtained from the Commandant:
(a) Approval tests.
(b) Production tests and inspections.
(c) Inspection of approved servicing facilities.
(d) Testing of materials for the purpose of making the certification required by §160.176–8(a)(3) of this part.
§ 160.176-8 Materials.
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(a) General—(1) Acceptance, certification, and quality. All components used in the construction of lifejackets must meet the requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter.
(2) Condition of materials. All materials must be new.
(3) Temperature range. Unless otherwise specified in standards incorporated by reference in this section, all materials must be usable in all weather conditions throughout a temperature range of -30 °C to +65 °C (-22 °F to +150 °F).
(4) Weathering resistance. Each non-metallic component which is not suitably covered to shield against ultraviolet exposure must retain at least 40% of its strength after being subjected to 300 hours of sunshine carbon arc weathering as specified by Method 5804.1 of Federal Test Method Standard Number 191A.
(5) Fungus resistance. Each non-metallic component must retain at least 90% of its strength after being subjected to the mildew resistance test specified by Method 5762 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A when untreated cotton is used as the control specimen. Also, the gas transmission rate of inflation chamber materials must not be increased by more than 10% after being subjected to this test. Materials that are covered when used in the lifejacket may be tested with the covering material.
(6) Corrosion resistance. Each metal component must—
(i) Be galvanically compatible with each other metal part in contact with it; and
(ii) Unless it is expendable (such as an inflation medium cartridge), be 410 stainless steel, have salt water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless steel, or perform its intended function and have no visible pitting or other damage on any surface after 720 hours of salt spray testing according to ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see §160.176–4).
(7) Materials not covered. Materials having no additional specific requirements in this section must be of good quality and suitable for the purpose intended.
(b) Fabric—(1) All fabric. All fabric must—
(i) Be of a type accepted for use on Type I life preservers approved under subpart 160.002 of this part; or
(ii) Meet the Type V requirements for “Fabrics for Wearable Devices” in UL 1191 except that breaking strength must be at least 400 N (90 lb.) in both directions of greater and lesser thread count.
(2) Rubber coated fabric. Rubber coated fabric must be of a copper-inhibiting type.
(c) Inflation chamber materials—(1) All materials. (i) The average permeability of inflation chamber material, determined according to the procedures specified in §160.176–13(y)(3) of this part, must not be more than 110% of the permeability of the materials determined in approval testing prescribed in §160.176–13(y)(3) of this part.
(ii) The average grab breaking strength and tear strength of the material, determined according to the procedures specified in §§160.176–13(y)(1) and 160.176–13(y)(2) of this part, must be at least 90% of the grab breaking strength and tear strength determined from testing prescribed in §§160.176–13(y)(1) and 160.176–13(y)(2) of this part. No individual sample result for breaking strength or tear strength may be more than 20% below the results obtained in approval testing.
(2) Fabric covered chambers. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are covered with fabric must meet the requirements specified for—
(i) “Bladder” materials in section 3.2.6 of MIL-L-24611(SH) if the material is an unsupported film; or
(ii) Coated fabric in section 3.1.1 of TSO-C13d if the material is a coated fabric.
(3) Uncovered chambers. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are not covered with fabric must meet the requirements specified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section.
(d) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam. Thread and fabric combinations must have similar elongation and durability characteristics.
(e) Webbing. Webbing used as a body strap, tie tape or drawstring, or reinforcing tape must meet §160.002–3(e), §160.002–3(f), §160.002–3(h) of this part respectively. Webbing used for tie tape or drawstring must easily hold a knot and be easily tied and untied. Webbing used as reinforcing tape must not chafe the wearer.
(f) Closures—(1) Strength. Each buckle, snap hook, dee ring or other type of fastening must have a minimum breaking strength of 1600 N (360 lbs). The width of each opening in a closure, through which body strap webbing passes, must be the same as the width of that webbing.
(2) Means of Locking. Each closure used to secure a lifejacket to the body, except a zipper, must have a quick and positive locking mechanism, such as a snap hook and dee ring.
(3) Zipper. If a zipper is used to secure the lifejacket to the body, it must be—
(i) Easily initiated;
(ii) Non-jamming;
(iii) Right handed;
(iv) Of a locking type; and
(v) Used in combination with another type of closure that has a quick and positive means of locking.
(g) Inflation medium. (1) No inflation medium may contain any compound that is more toxic than CO2 if inhaled through any of the oral inflation mechanisms.
(2) Any chemical reaction of inflation medium during inflation must not produce a toxic residue.
(h) Adhesives. Adhesives must be waterproof and acceptable for use with the materials being bonded.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Retroreflective Material. Each lifejacket must have at least 200 sq. cm. (31 sq. in.) of retroreflective material on its front side, at least 200 sq. cm. on its back side, and at least 200 sq. cm. of material on each reversible side. The retroreflective material must be Type I material that is approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The retroreflective material attached on each side must be divided equally between the upper quadrants of the side. Attachment of retroreflective material must not impair lifejacket performance or durability.
(k) PFD light. Each lifejacket must have a PFD light that is approved under subpart 161.012 of this chapter and that meets the requirements of Regulations III/30.2 and III/32.3 of the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83). The light must be securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket. Attachment of the light must not impair lifejacket performance.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Whistle. Each lifejacket must have a whistle of the ball type or multi-tone type and of corrosion-resistant construction. The whistle must be securely attached to the lifejacket by a lanyard. The lanyard must be long enough to permit the whistle to reach the mouth of the wearer. If the lanyard would normally allow the whistle to hang below the waist of the average size wearer, the whistle must be stowed in a pocket on the lifejacket. The attachment of the whistle must not impair lifejacket performance.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29441, June 27, 1991; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993; USCG–2000–7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000]
§ 160.176-9 Construction.
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(a) General Features. Each inflatable lifejacket must—
(1) Have at least two inflation chambers;
(2) Be constructed so that the intended method of donning is obvious to an untrained wearer;
(3) If approved for use on a passenger vessel, be inside a sealed, non-reusable package that can be easily opened;
(4) Have a retainer for each adjustable closure to prevent any part of the closure from being easily removed from the lifejacket;
(5) Be universally sized for wearers weighing over 40 kg. (90 pounds) and have a chest size range of at least 76 to 120 cm. (30 to 52 in.);
(6) Unless the lifejacket is designed so that it can only be donned in one way, be constructed to be donned with either the inner or outer surface of the lifejacket next to the wearer (be reversible);
(7) Not have a channel that can direct water to the wearer's face to any greater extent than that of the reference vest defined in §160.176–3(h) of this part;
(8) Not have edges, projections, or corners, either external or internal, that are sharp enough to damage the lifejacket or to cause injury to anyone using or maintaining the lifejacket;
(9) Have a means for drainage of entrapped water;
(10) Be primarily vivid reddish orange, as defined by sections 13 and 14 of the “Color Names Dictionary,” on its external surfaces;
(11) Be of first quality workmanship;
(12) Unless otherwise allowed by the approval certificate—
(i) Not incorporate means obviously intended for attaching the lifejacket to the vessel; and
(ii) Not have any instructions indicating attachment to a vessel is intended; and
(13) Meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe, if necessary, to approve unique or novel designs.
(b) Inflation mechanisms. (1) Each inflatable lifejacket must have
(i) At least one automatic inflation mechanism;
(ii) At least two manual inflation mechanisms on separate chambers;
(iii) At least one oral inflation mechanism on each chamber; and
(iv) At least one manual inflation mechanism or one automatic inflation mechanism on each inflation chamber.
(2) Each inflation mechanism must
(i) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained wearer;
(ii) Not require tools to activate the mechanism;
(iii) Be located outside its inflation chamber; and
(iv) Be in a ready to use condition.
(3) Each oral inflation mechanism must
(i) Be easily accessible after inflation for the wearer to “top off” each chamber by mouth;
(ii) Operate without pulling on the mechanism;
(iii) Not be able to be locked in the open or closed position; and
(iv) Have a non-toxic mouthpiece.
(4) Each manual inflation mechanism must
(i) Provide an easy means of inflation that requires only one deliberate action on the part of the wearer to actuate it;
(ii) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge; and
(iii) Be operated by pulling on an inflation handle that is marked “Jerk to Inflate” at two visible locations.
(5) Each automatic inflation mechanism must
(i) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge and water sensitive element;
(ii) Have an obvious method of indicating whether the mechanism has been activated; and
(iii) Be incapable of assembly without its water sensitive element.
(6) The marking required for the inflation handle of a manual inflation mechanism must be waterproof, permanent, and readable from a distance of 2.5 m (8 feet).
(c) Deflation mechanism. (1) Each chamber must have its own deflation mechanism.
(2) Each deflation mechanism must
(i) Be readily accessible to either hand when the lifejacket is worn while inflated;
(ii) Not require tools to operate it;
(iii) Not be able to be locked in the open or closed position; and
(iv) Have an intended method of operation which is obvious to an untrained wearer.
(3) The deflation mechanism may also be the oral inflation mechanism.
(d) Sewn seams. Stitching used in each structural seam of a lifejacket must provide performance equal to or better than a Class 300 Lockstitch meeting Federal Standard No. 751a.
(e) Textiles. All cut edges of textile materials must be treated or sewn to minimize raveling.
(f) Body strap attachment. Each body strap assembly must be securely attached to the lifejacket.
§ 160.176-11 Performance.
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(a) General. Each inflatable lifejacket must be able to pass the tests in §160.176–13 of this part.
(b) Snag Hazard. The lifejacket must not present a snag hazard when properly worn.
(c) Chamber Attachment. Each inflation chamber on or inside an inflatable lifejacket must not be able to be moved to a position that-
(1) Prevents full inflation; or
(2) Allows inflation in a location other than in its intended location.
(d) Comfort. The lifejacket must not cause significant discomfort to the wearer during and after inflation.
§ 160.176-13 Approval Tests.
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(a) General. (1) This section contains requirements for approval tests and examinations of inflatable lifejackets. Each test or examination must be conducted or supervised by an independent laboratory. The tests must be done using lifejackets that have been constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications in the application for approval. Unless otherwise specified, only one lifejacket, which may or may not have been subjected to other tests, is required to be tested in each test. One or more lifejackets that have been tested as prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for the tests prescribed in paragraphs (j), (n), (q), and (r) of this section. The tests prescribed in paragraph (y) of this section require one or more lifejackets as specified in that paragraph.
(2) All data relating to buoyancy and pressure must be taken at, or corrected to, an atmospheric pressure of 760 mm (29.92 inches) of mercury and a temperature of 20 °C (68 °F).
(3) The tests in this section are not required to be run in the order listed, except where a particular order is specified.
(4) Some tests in this section require a lifejacket to be tested while being worn. In each of these tests the test subjects must represent a range of small, medium, and large heights and weights. Unless otherwise specified, a minimum of 18 test subjects, including both males and females, must be used. The test subjects must not be practiced in the use of the lifejacket being tested. However, they must be familiar with the use of other Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Unless specified otherwise, test subjects must wear only swim suits. Each test subject must be able to swim and relax in the water.
Note: Some tests have inherent hazards for which adequate safeguards must be taken to protect personnel and property in conducting the tests.
(b) Donning. (1) No second stage donning is allowed in the tests in this paragraph. Test subjects may read the donning instructions to be provided with the device, if any. An uninflated lifejacket with size adjustment at its mid-range is given to each test subject with the instruction: “Please don as quickly as possible, adjust to fit snugly, and inflate.” Each subject must, within one minute, don the uninflated lifejacket, adjust it to fit snugly, and then activate the manual inflation mechanism.
Note: For this test the manual inflation mechanism may be disabled.
(2) The average time of all subjects to complete the test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must not exceed 30 seconds. The criteria in this paragraph do not apply to the tests in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section.
(3) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is repeated with each subject wearing an insulated, hooded parka and gloves made from heavy, cotton-jersey (knit) fabric.
(4) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is then repeated twice more with a fully inflated lifejacket. In the first test the subjects must wear swim suits and in the second test, parka and gloves.
(c) Inflation Testing. No second stage donning is allowed in the tests in this paragraph. A lifejacket with each automatic inflation mechanism disabled must be used for the tests prescribed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section. For the tests prescribed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, remove any non-reusable cover or packaging from the lifejacket, but do not open any cover or closure which is intended to be closed when the lifejacket is worn in the uninflated condition.
(1) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and is instructed to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds and then, on command, inflate the lifejacket using only oral inflation mechanisms. Within 30 seconds after the command is given, the lifejacket must be sufficiently inflated to float each subject with respiration unimpeded.
(2) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and is instructed to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds, bring both hands to the surface, and then, on command, inflate the lifejacket using each manual inflation mechanism. Each test subject must find and operate all the manual inflation mechanisms within 5 seconds after the command is given. The manual inflation mechanisms must inflate the lifejacket sufficiently to float the wearers within 5 seconds after the mechanisms are operated. Within 20 seconds after activation each subject must be floating in the position described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(3) One small and one large test subject don uninflated lifejackets and jump feet first from a height of 1 meter into the water. The automatic inflation mechanisms must inflate the lifejackets sufficiently to float the wearers within 10 seconds after the subjects enter the water. Within 20 seconds after entering the water each subject must be floating in the position described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(4) Air at a pressure of 4.2 kPa (0.6 psig) is applied separately to each oral inflation mechanism of the lifejacket. In each application the chamber must fully inflate within 1 minute.
(5) Each oral inflation mechanism of an unpacked lifejacket is connected to a regulated air source constantly supplying air at a pressure of 7 kPa (1 psig). Each mechanism must pass at least 100,000 cc of air per minute.
(d) Flotation stability—(1) Uninflated flotation stability. Lifejackets with their automatic inflation mechanisms disabled must be used for this test. Each subject dons an uninflated lifejacket, enters the water, and assumes an upright, slightly back of vertical, position. Each subject then relaxes. For each subject that floats, the uninflated lifejacket must not tend to turn the wearer face-down when the head is allowed to fall back.
(2) Righting action. (i) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket, enters the water, allows the automatic inflation mechanism to inflate the lifejacket, and swims for 30 seconds. While swimming, freedom of movement and comfort are observed and noted by the person conducting the test. Freedom of movement and comfort must comply with §160.176-11(d). Also, each subject must demonstrate that the lifejacket can be adjusted while the subject is in the water.
(ii) Each subject then takes three gentle breast strokes and while still face-down in the water, relaxes completely while slowly exhaling to FRC. Each subject remains in this limp position long enough to determine if the lifejacket will turn the subject from the face-down position to a position in which the subject's breathing is not impaired. The time from the last breast stroke until breathing is not impaired is recorded. Each subject repeats these steps two additional times, and the average time for the three righting actions is calculated. This average time must not exceed 5 seconds.
(iii) If the lifejacket does not have automatic inflation mechanisms for all chambers, the tests in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(ii) of this section are repeated with each lifejacket fully inflated.
(iv) Each subject then performs the test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section with one chamber of the lifejacket deflated. This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test the lifejacket with a different chamber deflated until each chamber has been tested in this manner.
(v) Each subject then performs the test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section but exhales to FRC at the end of the third breast stroke and holds the breath prior to relaxing.
(3) Static measurements. At the end of each test with each subject in §160.176–13(d)(2)(ii), through §160.176–13(d)(2)(v)—
(i) The freeboard (the distance from the water surface to the bottom of the mouth) must be at least 100 mm (4.0 in.) without repositioning of any part of the body and at least 120 mm (4.75 in.) after the head is positioned on the lifejacket for maximum freeboard and then relaxed;
(ii) The distance from water surface to the lower portion of the ear canal must be at least 50 mm (2 in.);
(iii) The torso angle (the angle between a vertical line and a line passing through the shoulder and hip) must be between 20° and 65° (back of vertical);
(iv) The face-plane angle (the angle between a vertical line and a line passing through the most forward part of the forehead and chin) must be between 15° and 60° (back of vertical);
(v) The lowest mark on a vertical scale 6 m (20 ft.) from and in front of the subject which the subject can see without moving the head must be no higher than 0.3 m (12 in.) from the water level.
(vi) The subject when looking to the side, must be able to see the water within 3 m (10 ft.) away; and
(vii) At least 75% of the retroreflective material on the outside of the lifejacket, and the PFD light, must be above the water.
(4) Average requirements. The test results for all subjects must be averaged for the following static measurements and must comply with the following:
(i) The average freeboard prior to positioning the head for maximum freeboard must be at least 120 mm (4.75 in.);
(ii) The average torso angle must be between 30° and 50° (back of vertical); and
(iii) The average face-plane angle must be between 20° and 50° (back of vertical).
(5) “HELP” Position. Starting in a relaxed, face-up position of static balance, each subject brings the legs and arms in towards the body so as to attain the “HELP” position (a fetal position, but holding the head back). The lifejacket must not turn the subject face down in the water.
(e) Jump test. (1) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and with hands above head, jumps feet first, into the water from a height of 4.5 m (15 ft.). No second stage donning is allowed during this test and the lifejacket must—
(i) Inflate automatically, float the subject to the surface, and stabilize the body with the mouth out of the water;
(ii) Maintain its intended position on the wearer;
(iii) Not be damaged; and
(iv) Not cause injury to the wearer.
(2) The jump test in paragraph (e)(1) of this section is repeated using a lifejacket which has been fully inflated manually.
(3) The jump test in paragraph (e)(2) of this section is then conducted with one chamber deflated.This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test the lifejacket with a different chamber deflated until each chamber has been tested in this manner.
Note: Before conducting these tests at the 4.5 m height, subjects should first do the test from heights of 1 m and 3 m to lessen the possibility of injury. It is suggested that subjects wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt to prevent abrasions when testing the device in the inflated condition and that the teeth should be tightly clenched together when jumping.
(f) Water emergence—(1) Equipment. A pool with a wooden platform at one side must be used for this test.The platform must be 300 mm (12 in.) above the water surface and must not float on the water. The platform must have a smooth painted surface. Alternatively, a Coast Guard approved inflatable liferaft may be used in lieu of a platform.
(2) Qualifying. Each test subject enters the water wearing only a bathing suit and swims 25 m. The subject must then be able to emerge from the pool onto the platform using only his or her hands on the top of the platform as an aid and without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. Any subject unable to emerge onto the platform within 30 seconds is disqualified for this test. If less than 2/3 of the test subjects qualify, substitute subjects must be used.
(3) Test. Each qualified subject dons an inflated lifejacket, enters the water and swims 25 m. Afterward, at least 2/3 of the qualified subjects must then be able to climb out of the pool in the manner prescribed in paragraph (f)(2) of this section within 45 seconds while wearing the lifejacket. If marking on the lifejacket so indicates, and if the wearer can read the marking while the lifejacket is being worn, the subjects may deflate the device during the 45 second attempt.
(g) Lanyard pull test and strength. (1) An uninflated lifejacket is placed on a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176–13(n)(2) and suspended vertically.
(2) The inflation handle of each manual inflation mechanism is attached to a force indicator. The force indicator is then used to activate each manual inflation mechanism separately. The force required to activate each mechanism is recorded. In each test the force must be between 25 and 70 N (5 and 15 lb.).
(3) A weight of 225 N (50 lb.) is in turn attached to the inflation handle of each manual inflation mechanism. The weight is then allowed to hang freely for 5 minutes from each manual inflation mechanism. The handle must not separate from the mechanism.
(h) Temperature cycling tests. (1) Three uninflated lifejackets, 2 packed and 1 unpacked, are maintained at room temperature (20 ±3 °C (68 + 6 °F)) for 4 hours and then at a temperature of 65 ±2 °C (150 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are then maintained at room temperature for at least 4 hours, after which they are maintained at a temperature of minus 30 ±2 °C (-22 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. This cycle is then repeated once.
(2) Upon the completion of the conditioning in paragraph (h)(1) of this section all sealed or non-reusable packaging is removed from the two packed units. The lifejackets must show no functional deterioration after being inflated immediately after removal from the conditioning. The lifejackets must be inflated as follows:
(i) One unit which was packed during conditioning must fully inflate within 2 minutes using only oral inflation.
(ii) The other unit which was packed during conditioning must fully inflate within 45 seconds of submersion in water at 2 ±2 °C (37 ±5 °F) as a result of automatic inflation.
(iii) The unit which was unpacked during conditioning must fully inflate within 30 seconds of activation of the manual inflation mechanisms.
(3) The same 3 lifejackets used for the test in paragraph (h)(1) of this section are deflated and, with 2 repacked and 1 unpacked, are maintained at room temperature for 4 hours and then at a temperature of minus 30 ±2 °C (-22 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are then stored at room temperature for at least 4 hours, after which they are maintained at a temperature of 65 ±2 °C (150 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. This cycle is then repeated once. The steps in paragraph (h)(2) of this section are then repeated, and the lifejackets must meet the criteria in that paragraph.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention test. A lifejacket which has been used in the tests in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for this test.
(1) Equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(i) A wire mesh basket that is large enough to hold the inflated lifejacket without compressing it, is designed not to allow the lifejacket to float free, and is heavy enough to overcome the buoyancy of the lifejacket.
(ii) A scale that is sensitive to 14 g (0.5 oz.) and that has an error of less than ±14 g (0.5 oz.).
(iii) A test tank, filled with fresh water, that is large enough to hold the basket with its top 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface without the basket touching the tank.
(2) Method. One inflation chamber is inflated using its automatic inflation mechanism. The lifejacket is placed in the basket. The basket is then suspended from the scale and submerged in the test tank with the lifejacket and basket completely below the water surface. An initial reading of the scale is taken after 30 minutes and again after 24 hours. The buoyancy of the lifejacket is the submerged weight of the basket minus the submerged weight of the basket with the lifejacket inside. This test is repeated as many times as necessary until each chamber has been tested. On each chamber that does not have an automatic inflation mechanism the manual or oral inflation mechanism may be used.
(3) Requirement. The buoyancy of each inflation chamber must be within the tolerances specified in the plans and specifications for the lifejacket required by §160.176–5(a)(2) of this part. Each inflation chamber must retain at least 95% of its initial buoyancy after being submerged for 24 hours.
(k) Uninflated floatation test. A packed lifejacket, with all automatic inflation mechanisms disabled, is dropped from a height of 1 m (3 ft.) into fresh water. The lifejacket must remain floating on the surface of the water for at least 30 minutes. This test is repeated with an unpacked, uninflated lifejacket, with all automatic inflation mechanisms disabled.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Environmental tests—(1) Salt spray exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is subjected to 720 hours of salt spray as specified by ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see §160.176–4). The automatic inflation mechanism(s) must not be activated by the salt spray. The lifejacket is then inflated first using the automatic inflation mechanism(s) and then twice more using first the manual mechanisms and then the oral mechanisms. The lifejacket must show no functional deterioration.
(2) Rain exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is mounted on a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176–13(n)(2). The test form must be vertical. Spray nozzles that deliver 0.05 mm of water per second (0.7 inch/hour) over the area of the lifejacket at a temperature between 2 and 16 °C (35 and 60 °F) and at a 45° angle below horizontal toward the lifejacket are mounted 1.5 m (4.5 ft.) above the base of the test form. There must be at least 4 nozzles evenly spaced around the lifejacket at a horizontal distance of 1 m from the center of the lifejacket and each nozzle must deliver water at the same rate. Water is then sprayed on the lifejacket for 1 hour. The lifejacket must not inflate during the test.
(n) Tensile tests. Two lifejackets that have been subjected to the tests in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for these tests.
(1) Body tensile test. (i) In this test one lifejacket must be fully inflated and the other deflated.
(ii) Two unconnected rigid cylinders are passed through the body portion of each lifejacket, or through the encircling body strap for yoke style devices, with one closure fastened and adjusted to its mid range, as shown in Figure 160.176–13(n)(1). Each cylinder must be 125 mm (5 inches) in diameter. The top cylinder is connected to a winch or pulley system. The bottom cylinder is connected to a test load which when combined with the weight of the lower cylinder and the linkage equals 325 kg (720 lb.). The winch or pulley system lifts the top cylinder so the test load is raised off of its support. The test load is left suspended for 30 minutes.
(iii) There must be no functional deterioration of any component of either lifejacket during the test. Each friction type closure must not permit slippage of more than 25 mm (1 in.).
(iv) If a lifejacket has friction type closures, the test must be repeated immediately after the lifejacket has been immersed in water for a least 2 minutes.
(v) The test is repeated until each different type of closure is tested separately.
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(2) Shoulder tensile test. Each shoulder section of a lifejacket is subjected to this test separately. A fully inflated lifejacket, with all closures fastened, must be secured to a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176–13(n)(2). A 2 ± 1/4 in. wide web is passed through the shoulder section of the lifejacket and is connected to a winch or pulley system. The bottom portion of the form is connected to a dead weight load which when combined with the weight of the form and the linkage equals 90 kg. (200 lb.). The winch or pulley system is operated to raise the weight off of its support. The weight is left suspended for 30 minutes. There must be no functional deterioration of any component of the lifejacket during the test.
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(3) Strength of attachment of inflation mechanism. (i) A fully inflated lifejacket is secured to a rigid metal test form as in Figure 160.176–13(n)(2), and the pressure of each inflated chamber is measured. The top portion of the form is then connnected to a winch or pulley system. A 35 kg (75 lb.) weight is attached by a line to one of the inflation mechanisms as close as possible to the point of attachment on the lifejacket. The winch or pulley system is operated to raise the weight off of its support. The weight is left suspended for 5 minutes and then released. The inflation chamber to which the inflation mechanism is attached must not lose more than 3 kPa (0.4 psig) or 20% of its original pressure.
(ii) The test is paragraph (n)(3)(i) of this section is repeated until each type of inflation mechanism has been tested separately.
(iii) The test is then repeated as many additional times as necessary to test each joint in each type of inflation mechanism beyond its point of attachment to an inflation chamber. In each test the point of attachment must be as close as possible to the joint being tested. (continued)