Eval Lifejacket Donning Instructions
Justina Ky
The following test should be carried out on two lifebuoys.
1.2.1 The lifebuoys should be alternately subjected to surrounding temperatures of -30C and +65C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after each other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of 10 cycles, is acceptable:
The two lifebuoys should be dropped into the water from the height at which they are intended to be stowed on ships in their lightest seagoing condition, or 30 m, whichever is the greater, without suffering damage. In addition, one lifebuoy should be dropped three times from a height of 2 m on to a concrete floor.
1.9.1 Nine self-activating smoke signals should be subjected to temperature cycling as prescribed in 1.2.1 and, after the tests, should show no sign of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities.
1.9.2 After at least 10 complete temperature cycles, the first three smoke signals should be subjected to a temperature of -30C for at least 48 h, then taken from this stowage temperature and be activated and operated in seawater at a temperature of -1C and the next three smoke signals should be subjected to a temperature of +65C for at least 48 h then taken from this stowage temperature and be activated and operated in seawater at a temperature of +30C. After the smoke signals have been emitting smoke for 7 min, the smoke-emitting ends of the smoke signals should be immersed to a depth of 25 mm for 10 s. On being released the smoke signals should continue operating for a total period of smoke emission of not less than 15 min. The signals should not ignite explosively or in a manner dangerous to persons close by.
1.9.3 The last three smoke signals taken from ordinary room conditions and attached by a line to a lifebuoy should undergo the drop test into water prescribed in 1.3. The lifebuoy should be dropped from a quick-release fitting. The smoke signals should not be damaged and should function for a period of at least 15 min.
1.9.4 Smoke signals should also be subjected to the tests and examinations prescribed in 4.2.4, 4.3.1, 4.3.3, 4.5.5, 4.5.6, 4.8.2 and 4.8.3.
1.9.5 A smoke signal should be tested in waves at least 300 mm high. The signal should function effectively and for not less than 15 min.
A lifejacket should be subjected to the temperature cycling as prescribed in 1.2.1 and should then be externally examined. If the buoyancy material has not been subjected to the tests prescribed in 2.7, the lifejacket should also be examined internally. The lifejacket materials should show no sign of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities.
The buoyancy of the lifejacket should be measured before and after 24 h complete submersion to just below the surface in fresh water. The difference between the initial buoyancy and the final buoyancy should not exceed 5% of the initial buoyancy.
2.4.2 If the buoyancy material has not been subjected to the tests prescribed in 2.7, the lifejacket should also be examined internally and the effect determined. The material must show no sign of damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities.
All the materials, other than buoyancy materials, used in the construction of the lifejacket, including the cover, tapes, seams and closures should be tested to an international standard acceptable to the Organization1 to establish that they are rot-proof, colour-fast and resistant to deterioration from exposure to sunlight and that they are not unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack.
The materials used for the cover, tapes, seams and additional equipment should be tested to the satisfaction of the Administration to establish that they are rot-proof, colour-fast and resistant to deterioration from exposure to sunlight and that they are not unduly affected by seawater, oil or fungal attack.
Body or lifting loop strength tests
2.6.1 The lifejacket should be immersed in water for a period of 2 min. It should then be removed from the water and closed in the same manner as when it is worn by a person. A force of not less than 3,200 N (2,400 N in the case of a child-size lifejacket) should be applied for 30 min to the part of the lifejacket that secures it to the body of the wearer (see figure 1) or to the lifting loop of the lifejacket. The lifejacket should not be damaged as a result of this test.
Shoulder strength test
2.6.2 The lifejacket should be immersed in water for a period of 2 min. It should then be removed from the water and closed in the same manner as when it is worn by a person. A force of not less than 900 N (700 N in the case of a child-size lifejacket) should be applied for 30 min to the shoulder section of the lifejacket (see figure 2). The lifejacket should not be damaged as a result of this test.
The following tests should be carried out on eight specimens of lifejacket buoyancy materials other than cork or kapok.
Test for stability under temperature cycling
2.7.1 Six specimens should be alternately subjected for 8 h to surrounding temperatures of -30C and +65C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after each other and the following procedure, repeated for ten cycles, is acceptable: