Loading (50 kb)...'
(continued)
(e) Weight. The weight of the completely assembled buoy shall be not less than 2.5 pounds and not more than 4.25 pounds for the 20-inch size, not less than 3.0 pounds and not more than 5.5 pounds for the 24-inch size, and not less than 5.0 and not more than 7.5 pounds for the 30-inch size.
(f) Workmanship. Ring life buoys shall be of first class workmanship and free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 54–46, 19 FR 8707, Dec. 18, 1954, as amended by CGFR 62–17, 27 FR 9045, Sept. 11, 1962; CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11477, Sept. 8, 1965]
§ 160.050-5 Sampling, tests, and inspection.
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(a) General. Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section, subpart 159.007 of this chapter, and if conducted by an independent laboratory, the independent laboratory's procedures for production inspections and tests as accepted by the Commandant. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Oversight. In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this chapter and the accepted laboratory procedures for production inspections and tests, each manufacturer of a ring life buoy and each laboratory inspector shall comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer must—
(i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance with this subpart and the subpart under which the ring life buoy is approved on each lot before any inspector's tests and inspection of the lot;
(ii) Follow established procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; and
(iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by this subpart and for tests relating to the safety of the design.
(iv) Meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33 CFR 181.705 which requires an instruction pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats, and must make the pamphlet accessible prior to purchase.
(2) Laboratory. An inspector from the accepted laboratory shall oversee production in accordance with the laboratory's procedures for production inspections and tests accepted by the Commandant. During production oversight, the inspector shall not perform or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and
(ii) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(3) At least quarterly, the inspector shall check the manufacturer's compliance with the company's quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer's required records, and observe the manufacturer perform each of the required production tests.
(c) Test facilities. The manufacturer shall provide a suitable place and apparatus for conducting the tests and inspections necessary to determine compliance of ring life buoys with this subpart. The manufacturer shall provide means to secure any test that is not continuously observed, such as the 48 hour buoyancy test. The manufacturer must have the calibration of all test equipment checked in accordance with the test equipment manufacturer's recommendation and interval but not less than at least once every year.
(d) Lots. A lot may not consist of more than 1000 life buoys. A lot number must be assigned to each group of life buoys produced. Lots must be numbered serially. A new lot must be started whenever any change in materials or a revision to a production method is made, and whenever any substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. The lot number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the ring life buoy manufacturer to determine the supplier's identifying information for the component lot.
(e) Samples. (1) From each lot of ring life buoys, manufacturers shall randomly select a number of samples from completed units at least equal to the applicable number required by table 160.050–5(e) for buoyancy testing. Additional samples must be selected for any tests, examinations, and inspections required by the laboratory's production inspections and tests procedures.
Table 160.050-5(e)_Sampling for Buoyancy Tests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number
of life
Lot size buoys in
sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 and under................................................. 1
101 to 200.................................................... 2
201 to 300.................................................... 3
301 to 500.................................................... 4
501 to 750.................................................... 6
751 to 1000................................................... 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For a lot next succeeding one from which any sample ring life buoy failed the buoyancy or strength test, the sample shall consist of not less than ten specimen ring life buoys to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) Tests—(1) Strength test. The buoy body shall be suspended by a 2-inch-wide strap. A similar strap shall be passed around the opposite side of the buoy and a 200-pound weight suspended by it from the buoy. After 30 minutes, the buoy body shall be examined, and there shall be no breaks, cracks or permanent deformation.
(2) Resistance to damage test. The buoy body shall be dropped three times from a height of 6 feet onto concrete, and there shall be no breaks or cracks in the body.
(3) Buoyancy test. To obtain the buoyancy of the buoy, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh iron or other weight under water. The weight shall be more than sufficient to submerge the buoy.
(ii) Attach the iron or other weight to the buoy and submerge with the top of the buoy at least 2 inches below the surface for 48 hours.
(iii) After the 48-hour submergence period, weigh the buoy with the weight attached while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (f)(3)(i) minus paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this section.
(4) Buoyancy required. The buoys shall provide a buoyancy of not less than 16.5 pounds for the 20-and 24-inch sizes, and not less than 32 pounds for the 30-inch size.
(g) Lot inspection. On each lot, the laboratory inspector shall perform a final lot inspection to be satisfied that the ring life buoys meet this subpart. Each lot must demonstrate—
(1) First quality workmanship;
(2) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components are as specified in the approved plans and specifications; and
(3) Compliance with the marking requirements in the applicable approval subpart.
(h) Lot acceptance. When the independent laboratory has determined that the ring life buoys in the lot are of a type officially approved in the name of the company, and that such ring life buoys meet the requirements of this subpart, they shall be plainly marked in waterproof ink with the independent laboratory's name or identifying mark.
(i) Lot rejection. Each nonconforming unit must be rejected. If three or more nonconforming units are rejected for the same kind of defect, lot inspection must be discontinued and the lot rejected. The inspector must discontinue lot inspection and reject the lot if examination of individual units or the records for the lot shows noncompliance with either this subchapter or the laboratory's or the manufacturer's quality control procedures. A rejected unit or lot may be resubmitted for testing and inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each defective unit or, if authorized by the laboratory, reworks the unit or lot to correct the defect. A rejected lot or rejected unit may not be sold or offered for sale under the representation that it meets this subpart or that it is Coast Guard-approved.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11478, Sept. 8, 1965, as amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.050-6 Marking.
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(a) Each ring buoy must have the following information in waterproof lettering:
Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (32 lb. or 16 1/2 lb.).
Approved for use on recreational boats only as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.050/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Size).
USCG (Marine Inspection Office identification letters).
(Lot No.).
(b) A method of marking that is different from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may be given consideration by the Coast Guard.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; 43 FR 10913, Mar. 16, 1978; CGD 92–045, 58 FR 41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.050-7 Procedure for approval.
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(a) General. Designs of ring life buoys are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a ring life buoy design shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Each application for approval of a ring life buoy must contain the information specified in §159.005–5 of this chapter. The application and, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of this section, a prototype ring life buoy must be submitted to the Commandant for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the Commandant may waive the preapproval review under §§159.005–5 and 159.005–7 of this chapter.
(c) If the ring life buoy is of a standard design, the application:
(1) Must include the following: A statement of any exceptions to the standard plans and specifications, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and/or bill of materials.
(2) Need not include: The information specified in §159.005–5(a)(2).
(d) If the ring life buoy is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by §159.005–12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in §159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype ring life buoy sample to the Commandant.
(3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under §159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects.
(4) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(5) The text of any optional marking to be included on the ring life buoy in addition to the markings required by the applicable approval subpart.
(6) For any conditionally approved ring life buoy, the intended approval condition(s).
(e) The description of quality control procedures required by §159.005–9 of this chapter may be omitted if the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures meet the requirements of those accepted by the Commandant for the independent laboratory performing production inspections and tests.
(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer may request that the Commandant waive any test prescribed for approval under the applicable subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must submit to the Commandant and the laboratory described in §159.010, one of the following:
(1) Satisfactory test results on a ring life buoy of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant.
(2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is requested is not appropriate for the particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or construction, it is not possible for the ring life buoy to fail that test.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997]
Subpart 160.051—Inflatable Liferafts for Domestic Service
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Source: CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.051-1 Scope.
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This subpart prescribes requirements for approval by the Coast Guard of A, B, and Coastal Service inflatable liferafts for use only in domestic service. These liferafts must comply with all of the requirements for SOLAS A and SOLAS B liferafts in subpart 160.151 except as specified in this subpart.
§ 160.051-3 Definitions.
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In this subpart, the term:
A or B liferaft means an inflatable liferaft that meets the requirements prescribed in subpart 160.151 for a SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, respectively, except that the capacity is less than 6 persons and the liferaft cannot contain SOLAS markings.
Coastal Service liferaft means a liferaft that does not meet the all of the requirements prescribed in subpart 160.151 for a SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, but that instead meets the requirements of this subpart and is approved for use on certain uninspected vessels under subchapter C of this chapter.
§ 160.051-5 Design and performance of Coastal Service inflatable liferafts.
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To obtain Coast Guard approval, each Coastal Service inflatable liferaft must comply with subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:
(a) Canopy requirements (Regulation III/38.1.5). The canopy may—
(1) Be of a type that is furled when the liferaft inflates and that can be set in place by the occupants. A furled canopy must be secured to the buoyancy tubes over 50 percent or more of the liferaft's circumference;
(2) Be of an uninsulated, single-ply design; and
(3) Have an interior of any color.
(b) Viewing port (Regulation III/38.1.5.5). The liferaft need not have the viewing port described in Regulation III/38.1.5.5.
(c) Rainwater collection (Regulation III/38.1.5.6). The liferaft need not have the means of rainwater collection described in Regulation III/38.1.5.6.
(d) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The carrying capacity must be not less than four persons.
(e) Floor insulation (Regulation III/39.2.2). The floor may be uninsulated.
(f) Boarding ramps (Regulation III/39.4.1). The liferaft need be provided with boarding ramps only if the combined cross-section diameter of the buoyancy chambers is greater than 500 mm (19.5 in).
(g) Stability (Regulation III/39.5.1). Each Coastal Service inflatable liferaft must either meet the stability criteria in §160.151–17(a) or be fitted with water-containing stability pockets meeting the following requirements:
(1) The total volume of the pockets must be not less than 25 percent of the minimum required volume of the principal buoyancy compartments of the liferaft.
(2) The pockets must be securely attached and evenly distributed around the periphery of the exterior bottom of the liferaft. They may be omitted at the locations of inflation cylinders.
(3) The pockets must be designed to deploy underwater when the liferaft inflates. If weights are used for this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material.
(h) Lamp (Regulation III/39.6.3). The liferaft need not have the manually controlled interior lamp described in Regulation III/39.6.3.
(i) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4 and III/39.7.3.5). The words “COASTAL SERVICE” must appear on the container, and the type of equipment pack must be identified as “Coastal Service”. No “SOLAS” markings may appear on the container.
(j) Drop test. The drop test required under paragraph 1/5.1 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and 160.151–27(a) may be from a lesser height, if that height is the maximum height of stowage marked on the container.
(k) Loading and seating test. For the loading and seating test required under paragraph 1/5.7 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and §160.151–27(a), the loaded freeboard of the liferaft must be not less than 200 mm (8 in.).
(l) Cold-inflation test. The cold-inflation test required under paragraph 1/5.17.3.3.2 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and §160.151–27(a) must be conducted at a test temperature of -18 °C (0 °F).
§ 160.051-7 Design and performance of A and B inflatable liferafts.
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To obtain Coast Guard approval, each A and B inflatable liferaft must comply with the requirements in subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:
(a) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The carrying capacity must be not less than four persons.
(b) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4 and III/39.7.3.5). The type of equipment pack must be identified as “A” or “B”, respectively, instead of “SOLAS A” or “SOLAS B”. No “SOLAS” markings may appear on the container.
§ 160.051-9 Equipment required for Coastal Service inflatable liferafts.
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In lieu of the equipment specified in §160.151–21, the following equipment must be provided with a Coastal Service inflatable liferaft:
(a) Rescue quoit and heaving line. One rescue quoit and a heaving line as described in §160.151–21(a).
(b) Knife. One knife, of a type designed to minimize the chance of damage to the inflatable liferaft and secured with a lanyard.
(c) Bailer. One bailer as described in §160.151–21(c).
(d) Sponge. One sponge as described in §160.151–21(d).
(e) Sea anchor. One sea anchor as described in §160.151–21(e).
(f) Paddles. Two paddles of the same size and type as used to pass the maneuverability test in paragraph 1/5.10 of IMO Resolution A.689(17).
(g) Whistle. One whistle as described in §160.151–21(i) of this part.
(h) Flashlight. One flashlight with spare batteries as described in §160.151–21(m).
(i) Signalling mirror. One signalling mirror as described in §160.151–21(o).
(j) Survival instructions. Instructions on how to survive as described in §160.151–21(v).
(k) Instructions for immediate action. Instructions for immediate action as described in §160.151–21(w).
(l) Repair outfit. One set of sealing clamps or plugs as described in §160.151–21(y)(1).
(m) Pump or bellows. One pump or bellows as described in §160.151–21(z).
(n) Plugs for pressure-relief valves. Plugs for pressure-relief valves as described in §160.151–21(aa).
Subpart 160.052—Specification for a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child
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§ 160.052-1 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Specifications and Standards. This subpart makes reference to the following documents.
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Military specification:
MIL-W-530F—Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural and in Colors.
(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitching.
(4) Coast Guard specifications:
160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child.
164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant Sheet and Molded Shapes.
(b) Plans. The following plans, of the issue in effect on the date buoyant vests are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.052–1:
Sheet 1—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model AP.
Sheet 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPM.
Sheet 3—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPS.
Sheet 4—Insert Patterns.
(c) Copies on file. The manufacturer shall keep a copy of each specification and plan required by this section on file together with the certificate of approval. Plans and specifications may be obtained as follows:
(1) The Coast Guard plans and specifications may be obtained upon request from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001, or a recognized laboratory listed in §160.052–8b.
(2) The Federal Specifications and Standards may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407.
(3) The military specification may be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.052-2 Size and model.
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(a) A standard buoyant vest is manufactured in accordance with a plan specified in §160.052–1(b) and is a:
(1) Model AP, adult (for persons over 90 pounds);
(2) Model CPM, child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds); or
(3) Model CPS, child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).
(b) A nonstandard buoyant vest is:
(1) Manufactured in accordance with the manufacturer's approved plan;
(2) Equivalent in performance to the standard buoyant vest; and
(3) Assigned a model designation by the manufacturer for the following sizes:
(i) Adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds);
(ii) Child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds);
(iii) Child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.052-3 Materials—standard vests.
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(a) General. All components used in the construction of buoyant vests must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given to the use of alternate materials in lieu of those specified. Detailed technical data and samples of all proposed alternate materials shall be submitted for approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.
(b) Unicellular plastic foam. The unicellular plastic foam shall be all new material complying with the requirements of specification Subpart 164.015 of this subchapter for Type A or B foam.
(c) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39&inch;, 2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread count of approximately 96×64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than 4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have thread count of not less than 94×60, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 85 pounds in the warp and 50 pounds in the filling. Other cotton fabrics having a weight and breaking strength not less than the above will be acceptable. There are no restrictions as to color, but the fastness of the color to laundering, water, crocking, and light shall be rated “good” when tested in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660.
(d) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The tie tapes and body strap loops for both adult and child sizes must be 3/4-inch cotton webbing meeting the requirements of military specification MIL-T-43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.
(d–1) Body straps. The complete body strap assembly, including hardware, must have a minimum breaking strength of 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size. The specifications for the webbing are as follows:
(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch;
(2) For a child size vest, the webbing must be three-quarter inch and meet the requirements of military specification MIL-W-530 for Type IIa webbing.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) 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.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]
§ 160.052-3a Materials—Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests.
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(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests may have decorative platings in any thickness and must meet the following specifications:
(1) The device must be constructed of inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term inherently corrosion resistant materials includes, but is not limited to brass, bronze, and stainless steel.
(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.
(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests must—
(1) Be tested for weathering. The Coast Guard will determine which one or more of the following tests will be used:
(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) for a period of 240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the Federal Test Method Standard No. 151.
(ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weatherometer for a period of 100 hours.
(iii) Submergence for a period of 100 hours in each of the following:
(a) Leaded gasoline.
(b) Gum turpentine.
(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0° ±5 °F (17.6 ±2.775 °C) for 24 hours; and
(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and bear 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures without breaking or distorting.
[CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]
§ 160.052-4 Materials—nonstandard vests.
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(a) General. All materials used in nonstandard buoyant vests must be equivalent to those specified in §160.052–3 and be obtained from a supplier who furnishes an affidavit in accordance with the requirement in §160.052–3(a).
(b) Cover. A vinyl-dip coating may be allowed for the covering of the vest instead of a fabric envelope if the coating meets the requirements in §160.055–5(b)(2) of this chapter except there is no color restriction.
(c) Reinforcing tape. When used, the reinforcing tape around the neck shall be 3/4&inch; cotton tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounces per linear yard having a minimum breaking strength of not less than 120 pounds.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; 37 FR 11774, June 14, 1972, CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.052-5 Construction—standard vests.
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(a) General. This specification covers buoyant vests which essentially consist of a fabric envelope in which are enclosed inserts of buoyant material arranged and distributed so as to provide the flotation characteristics and buoyancy required to hold the wearer in an upright or slightly backward position with head and face out of water. The buoyant vests are also fitted with straps and hardware to provide for proper adjustment and close and comfortable fit to the bodies of various size wearers.
(b) Envelope. The envelope or cover shall be made of three pieces. Two pieces of fabric shall be cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. 160.052–1, Sheet 1 for adult size, and Sheets 2 and 3 for child sizes, and joined together with a third piece which forms a 2&inch; finished gusset strip all around. Reinforcing strips of the same material as the envelope shall be stitched to the inside of the front piece of the envelope in way of the strap attachments as shown by the drawings.
(c) Buoyant inserts. The unicellular plastic foam buoyant inserts shall be cut and formed as shown on Dwg. 160.052–1, Sheet 4.
(d) Tie tapes, body straps, and hardware. The tie tapes, body straps, and hardware shall be arranged as shown on the drawings and attached to the envelope with the seams and stitching indicated.
(e) Stitching. All stitching shall be short lock stitch conforming to Stitch Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751, and there shall be not less than 7 nor more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(f) Workmanship. Buoyant vests shall be of first-class workmanship and shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or service-ability.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD, 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.052-6 Construction—nonstandard vests.
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(a) General. The construction methods used for nonstandard buoyant vests must be equivalent to those requirements in §160.052–5 for a standard vest and also meet the requirements in this section.
(b) Size. Each nonstandard vest must contain the following volume of plastic foam buoyant material, determined by the displacement method:
(1) Five hundred cubic inches or more for an adult size;
(2) Three hundred and fifty cubic inches or more for a child, medium size;
(3) Two hundred and twenty-five cubic inches or more for a child, small size.
(c) Arrangement of buoyant material. The buoyant material in a nonstandard vest must:
(1) Be arranged to hold the wearer in an upright or backward position with head and face out of water;
(2) Have no tendency to turn a wearer face downward in the water; and
(3) Be arranged so that 70 to 75 percent of the total is located in the front of the vest.
(d) Neck opening. Each cloth-covered nonstandard vest must have at the neck opening:
(1) A gusset; or
(2) Reinforcing tape.
(e) Adjustment, fit, and donning. Each nonstandard vest must be made with adjustments to:
(1) Fit a range of wearers for the type designed; and
(2) Facilitate donning time for an uninitiated person.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.052-7 Inspections and tests—standard and nonstandard vests. 1
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1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33 CFR 181.705 which require an instruction pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed and labeled buoyant vests shall—
(1) Maintain quality control of the materials used, the manufacturing methods and workmanship, and the finished product to meet the requirements of this subpart by conducting sufficient inspections and tests of representative samples and components produced;
(2) Make available to the recognized laboratory inspector and the Coast Guard inspector, upon request, records of tests conducted by the manufacturer and records of materials used during production of the device, including affidavits by supplier; and
(3) Permit any examination, inspection, and test required by the recognized laboratory or the Coast Guard for a produced listed and labeled device, either at the place of manufacture or some other location.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot consists of 500 buoyant vests or fewer.
(2) A new lot begins after any change or modification in materials used or manufacturing methods employed.
(3) The manufacturer of the buoyant vests shall notify the recognized laboratory when a lot is ready for inspection.
(4) The manufacturer shall select samples in accordance with the requirements in Table 160.052–7(b)(4) from each lot of buoyant vests to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
Table 160.052-7(b)(4)_Sample for Buoyant Vests
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Lot size vests in
sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 and under.............................................. 1
101 to 200................................................. 2
201 to 300................................................. 3
301 to 500................................................. 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5) The manufacturer shall test—
(i) At least one vest from each lot for buoyancy in accordance with procedures contained in paragraph (e) of this section; and
(ii) At least one vest in each 10 lots for strength of the body strap assembly in accordance with the procedures contained in paragraph (f) of this section.
(6) If a vest fails the buoyancy test, the sample from the next succeeding lot must consist of 10 specimen vests or more to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(7) The manufacturer shall keep on file and make available to the laboratory inspector and Coast Guard inspector the records of inspections and tests, together with affidavits concerning the material.
(c) Additional compliance tests. An inspector from the recognized laboratory or Coast Guard may conduct an examination, test and inspection of a buoyant device that is obtained from the manufacturer or through commercial channels to determine the suitability of the device for listing and labeling or to determine its conformance to applicable requirements.
(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer shall admit the laboratory inspector and the Coast Guard inspector to any part of the premises at the place of manufacture of a listed and labeled device to—
(1) Examine, inspect, or test a sample of a part or a material that is included in the construction of the device; and
(2) Conduct any necessary examination, inspection, or test in a suitable place and with appropriate apparatus provided by the manufacturer.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant inserts from the vests. Securely attach the spring scale in a position directly over the test tank. Suspend the weighted wire basket from the scale in such a manner that the basket can be weighed while it is completely under water. In order to measure the actual buoyancy provided by the inserts, the underwater weight of the empty basket should exceed the buoyancy of the inserts. To obtan the buoyancy of the inserts, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket under water.
(ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of the basket is at least 2 inches below the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours. The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It is important that after the inserts have once been submerged they shall remain submerged for the duration of the test, and at no time during the course of the test shall they be removed from the tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence period, unlock or unseal the tank and weigh the wire basket with the inserts inside while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus paragraph (e)(i)(iii) of this section.
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant inserts from adult size buoyant vests shall provide not less than 15 1/2 pounds buoyancy in fresh water; the inserts from child medium size vests shall provide not less than 11 pounds buoyancy; and the inserts from child small size vests shall provide not less than 7 pounds buoyancy.
(f) Body strap test. The complete body strap assembly including hardware, shall be tested for strength by attaching the dee ring to a suitable support such that the assembly hangs vertically its full length. A weight as specified in §160.052–3(d) shall be attached to the other end of the snap hook for 10 minutes. The specified weight shall not break or excessively distort the body strap assembly.
(g) Additional approval tests for nonstandard vests. Tests in addition to those required by this section may be conducted by the inspector for nonstandard vests to determine performance equivalence to a standard vest. Such additional tests may include determining performance in water, suitability of materials, donning time, ease of adjustment, and similar equivalency tests. Costs of any additional tests must be assumed by the manufacturer.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]
§ 160.052-8 Marking.
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(a) Each buoyant vest must have the following information clearly marked in waterproof lettering that can be read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type II—Personal flotation device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) provides a minimum buoyant force of (15 1/2 lb., 11 lb., or 7 lb.).
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
Approved for use on all recreational boats and on uninspected commercial vessels less than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (over 90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., or less than 50 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.050/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.)
(b) Waterproof marking. Marking for buoyant vests shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 72 hours submergence in water it will withstand vigorous rubbing by hand while wet without the printed matter becoming illegible.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978]
§ 160.052-9 Recognized laboratory.
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(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast Guard approval of a product under this subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are recognized under §159.010–7 of this part, to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.
(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that performs the approval tests unless, as determined by the Commandant, the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]
Subpart 160.053—Work Vests, Unicellular Plastic Foam
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Source: CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.053-1 Applicable specifications.
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(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the date unicellular plastic foam work vests are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
(1) Military specification: MIL-L-17653A—Life Preserver, Vest, Work Type, Unicellular Plastic.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specification referred to in this section, as well as the various specifications forming a part thereof, shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period consisting of the duration of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. Federal specifications may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407. Military specifications may be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899 Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 72–163, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.053-2 Type.
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(a) Unicellular plastic foam work vests specified by this subpart shall be of the type described in Military Specification MIL-L-17653A, but alternate designs equivalent in materials, construction, performance, and workmanship will be given consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.053-3 Materials, construction and workmanship.
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(a) General. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this subpart and subparts 164.019 and 164.023 of this chapter, the materials, construction, and workmanship of unicellular plastic foam work vests specified by this subpart shall conform to the requirements of Military Specification MIL-L-17653A.
(b) Color of envelope. Indian Orange, Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of America, will be acceptable in lieu of the Scarlet-Munsell 7.5 red 6/10 color specified for envelopes or covers by paragraph 3.1.1.1 of Specification MIL-L-17653A.
(c) Color of webbing and thread. The color of the webbing and thread need not match the color of the envelope as specified by paragraphs 3.1.3 and 3.2.8 of Specification MIL-L-17653A.
(d) Materials; acceptance and quality. All components used in the construction of work vests must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]
§ 160.053-4 Inspections and tests.
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(a) General. Work vests are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, the Commander of the Coast Guard District may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit any place where work vests are manufactured to observe production methods and to conduct any inspections or tests which may be deemed advisable. The marine inspector shall be admitted to any place in the factory where work is done on work vests or component materials, and samples of materials entering into construction may be taken by the marine inspector and tests made for compliance with the applicable requirements.
(b) Manufacturer's inspections and tests. Manufacturers of approved work vests shall maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods, workmanship, and the finished product so as to meet the requirements of this specification, and shall make full inspections and tests of representative samples from each lot to maintain the quality of their product.
(c) Lot size. A lot shall consist of not more than 500 work vests manufactured at the same time. Lots shall be numbered serially by the manufacturer, and if at any time during the manufacture of a lot, any change or modification in materials or production methods is made, a new lot shall be started.
(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer shall provide a suitable place and shall have on hand the necessary apparatus for conducting buoyancy tests in compliance with this specification. The apparatus shall include accurate spring scales of adequate capacity, weighted wire mesh baskets, and a test tank or tanks which can be locked or sealed in such a manner as to preclude disturbance of work vests undergoing tests or change in water level.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant inserts from the vest. Securely attach the spring scale in a position directly over the test tank. Suspend the weighted wire basket from the scale in such a manner that the basket can be weighed while it is completely under water. In order to measure the actual buoyancy provided by the inserts, the underwater weight of the empty basket should exceed the buoyancy of the inserts. To obtain the buoyancy of the inserts, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket under water.
(ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of the basket is at least 2 inches below the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours. The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence period, unlock the tank and weigh the wire basket with the inserts inside while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section.
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant inserts from work vests shall provide not less than 17 1/2 pounds buoyancy in fresh water.
§ 160.053-5 Marking.
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(a) Each work vest must have the following information clearly printed in waterproof lettering that can be read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type V—Personal flotation device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of 17 1/2 lbs.
Approved for use on Merchant Vessels as a work vest.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.053/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.)
(Lot No.)
This vest is filled with (name of buoyant material), which will not be harmed by repeated wetting. Hang up and dry thoroughly when vest is wet.
(b) Additional marking required. In addition to the wording included on the marking tag, on a front compartment of each work vest there shall be stenciled in waterproof ink in letters not less than one inch in height, the words, “WORK VEST ONLY.”
(c) Waterproofness of marking tags. Marking tags shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 48 hours submergence in water, they will withstand rubbing by hand with moderate pressure while wet without the printed matter becoming illegible.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978]
§ 160.053-6 Procedure for approval.
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(a) General. Work vests for use on merchant vessels are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a work vest shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) If the work vest is of a standard design, as described by §160.053–3, in order to be approved, the work vest must be tested in accordance with §160.053–4 by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR 159.010.
(c) If the work vest is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by §159.005–12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in §159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype work vest sample to the Commandant.
(3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory, that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under §159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices, showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects.
(4) Any special purpose(s) for which the work vest is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use is intended.
(5) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(6) The text of any optional marking to be included on the work vest in addition to the markings required by §160.053.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]
Subpart 160.054—Kits, First-Aid, for Inflatable Liferafts
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Source: CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5, 1960, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.054-1 Applicable specification.
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(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the date first aid kits are manufactured forms a part of this subpart:
(1) Coast Guard specification 160.041—Kits, First-Aid.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specification regulations referred to in this section shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period consisting of the duration of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard specification may be obtained from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5, 1960, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.054-2 Type and size.
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(a) Type. First-aid kits covered by this specification shall be of the water-tight type. Alternate arrangements of materials meeting the performance requirements of this specification will be given special consideration.
(b) Size. First-aid kits shall be of a size adequate for packing 12 standard single cartons of the kind indicated in specification subpart 160.041.
§ 160.054-3 Construction.
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(a) Construction. The container shall be constructed of tough transparent material, not less than .008 inch nominal thickness, properly sealed around three edges, and having the fourth edge closed in such manner that it is capable of being opened and reclosed watertight. The re-openable closure may be a plastic zip seal closure without slider, or other means which meet the test requirements of §160.054–5.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.054-4 Contents.
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(a) Individual cartons. Cartons and their contents shall be the type indicated in Specification subpart 160.041.
(b) Items. The items contained in first-aid kit shall be as listed in Table 160.054–4(b).Table 160.054-4(b)_Items for First-Aid Kit (continued)