This European Standard is one of a series consisting of four standards dealing with buoyant devices for swimming instructions for the various stages of the learning process: − EN 13138-1
General
The design and construction of buoyant swimming devices must meet specific criteria for safety, strength, durability, and dimensions to ensure their effectiveness for intended use These requirements are established to guarantee compliance with essential safety considerations Additionally, when buoyant swimming devices consist of multiple components, the outlined requirements apply to each component as detailed in the subsequent sections.
Buoyancy can be achieved through inherent buoyant materials, inflatable chambers, or a combination of both In cases where buoyancy is not inherent, devices must feature at least two independent chambers to ensure functionality and enable users to keep their airways above water if one chamber fails Devices are classified as either Class A, Class B, or Class C.
Products must be made in bright colors that contrast with the water surface to ensure visibility from all angles during use Transparent materials or any undecorated blue shades in visible areas are not acceptable For garments, these color requirements specifically apply to the neck, shoulder, and upper chest areas.
To ensure safety and effective supervision of children in the water, these products must be clearly visible from the water's edge or poolside, especially in crowded or unclear conditions If the visibility criteria cannot be objectively measured, they will be evaluated by an assessment panel.
The assessment panel shall agree, by at least a 2:1 majority or by unanimity, that the device is visible when worn in the water.
Buoyancy
Buoyancy characteristics of the complete device
According to EN ISO 12402-9 testing procedures, the device must meet minimum buoyancy requirements for all buoyant components as specified in Table 2 A “dash” (-) in the table indicates that the device is unsuitable for that particular type of user.
Table 2 — Buoyancy characteristics including illustration of class of device
Class of buoyant aid for swimming instruction
Garment Collar bands Arm pair per
> 60 > 12 30 40 40 25 30 a Age groups are for orientation only The correlation between the age and the body mass can vary considerably.
Residual buoyancy
Inflatable swimming instruction devices must comply with EN ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9, ensuring that after the complete deflation of one chamber, they maintain at least 50% of the minimum buoyancy specified in Table 2 Additionally, the chamber most prone to failure must still provide a minimum of 25% of the total required buoyancy as outlined in Table 2.
NOTE Devices that have buoyancy provided by inherently buoyant material are not considered likely to fail in normal use.
Design, fit and positioning
Adjustability - Class B devices
Each device shall be designed in such a way as to ensure that:
— it can be securely fitted to the appropriate size of user;
— its position on the body shall not, when correctly fitted, allow it to be able to be accidentally displaced when in normal use;
— its position on the body permits the wearer to adopt the correct position for the stroke being learned The position of the device when worn is shown in Figure 1
(per pair) Chest ring or chest belt Backpack
Figure 1 — Position of the device on the body
The testing procedures for this device shall be in accordance with Annex D
Class B devices must be sized based on the specified body weight range shown in Figure 5 The product will indicate its suitability for the wearer, as illustrated in Figure 5, by marking the relevant box(es) with a checkmark “✓” in the appropriate section.
Buckles, zippers and other fixings
Fastening devices such as buckles and zippers used in attachment to the body or for connecting components must require at least two simultaneous or sequential actions for release to avoid unintended openings If a single action is used, it must involve a pressure release requiring a force of at least 50 N, with testing conducted as per Annex C.
Verification shall be executed by the assessment panel according to Annex D in the context of the relevant opening/closing system.
Retention of function
Class B devices shall retain their intended function in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions even if there is a failure of a component or part of the device
Devices will be tested through inspection by members of an assessment panel in accordance with Annex D.
Innocuousness
Class B devices shall be of a design and construction such that they cannot cause harm to the user
Edges and corners of hard materials must be either chamfered or rounded Rounded edges should have a minimum radius of 1 mm, while chamfers should be designed at an angle of 45° ± 5°.
1 mm in width There shall be no barbs or other sharp points or features
Testing shall be by measurement and tactile assessment in accordance with Table D.1
Attached small parts must endure a pull of (90 ± 2) N in the direction that is most likely to cause failure without detaching from the device Any parts that can detach should not fit entirely into the small parts cylinder, and testing must comply with EN 71-1 standards.
Entire assembly and components
Integrity of the entire assembly of worn devices
When tested in accordance with Annex G, the entire assembly shall have an overall strength in accordance with Table 3
The entire assembly may consist of a number of components Where armbands or similar products are tested, each component shall meet the test requirements
Table 3 — Breaking strength of swimming aids
> 12 > 60 500 a Age groups for orientation only The correlation between the age and the body mass can vary considerably
Fastenings, such as buckles, must not slip more than 25 mm under load Webbing, tapes, and straps designed for body contact should be at least 20 mm wide and must prevent roping or rolling Additionally, toggle ends on drawstrings used for device adjustments are not permitted.
Thread
To sew load bearing components, only threads manufactured from synthetic materials whose properties correspond to polyester or polyamide fibres shall be used
Thread shall be tested using a simple burn test Fibres shall not leave an ash when burned but should melt or burn to leave a black pellet like residue.
Valves, stoppers and other protruding parts
Inflatable class B devices must include non-return valves on each inflatable chamber, with stoppers attached to the valve body Additionally, any protruding parts, including the valve or stopper, should not interfere with a test rope during testing as per EN 15649-1:2009+A2:2013, section 5.5.
All non-return valves must guarantee that inflatable devices, when tested as per Annex B with any opened stopper, retain a minimum of 75% of their original buoyancy after 2 minutes.
Testing shall be by inspection and measurement in accordance with the procedures in EN ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.9.
Materials - mechanical properties
Seam strength and durability of inflatable devices
The device shall remain airtight after being submitted to a cyclic pressure test when tested in accordance with the procedures in Annex F.
Resistance to puncturing
Where swimming aids have air filled buoyancy chambers, the chambers shall remain airtight when tested in accordance with the procedures in Annex F
According to EN ISO 12402-9:2006, 5.5.5, material samples must not lose more than 10% of their original buoyancy during testing This evaluation requires three new, pre-conditioned samples of the buoyant material, which should be prepared in line with the specifications outlined in Clause 6.
Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compression
Class B devices made from foam or other naturally buoyant materials must endure compression and typical movements during use without experiencing a permanent reduction in buoyancy According to Clause 6, three new, pre-conditioned samples of the buoyant material, which have not been used in other tests, should not lose more than 10% of their buoyancy during testing.
Materials and markings
General
These tests, 5.6.3 to 5.6.5, shall not apply where the markings are debossed into or embossed below the surrounding surface of the material Guidance on marking methods is illustrated in Figure 2
Letter embossed Letter debossed Letter embossed and moulded into the structure
Letter debossed and moulded into the structure
Letter printed directly onto bottom of moulded area
Label glued onto bottom of moulded in area
Figure 2 — Illustration of embossed and debossed markings
Resistance to chlorinated salt water
After conditioning as outlined in Clause 6, the deflated device must undergo testing for color change and damage The color change will be assessed according to EN 20105-A02, requiring a minimum of step 3 on the grey scale Once dried, inflatable devices should be orally inflated to their maximum volume and checked for air leaks Additionally, all devices must be inspected to confirm that markings are still legible.
Resistance of the markings to saliva
According to Annex A testing procedures, the color change of the markings must be rated at 3 or better on the grey scale, and the markings should remain legible when evaluated in accordance with EN 20105-A02.
Resistance of the markings to perspiration
According to EN ISO 105-E04, the color change of the markings must achieve at least step 3 on the grey scale, ensuring they remain legible when evaluated under EN 20105-A02 standards.
Adhesion of markings
According to EN ISO 105-X12 testing for 100 cycles, markings must remain undamaged and fully legible in all details as evaluated by the assessment panel.
Testing procedures must be conducted under standard climate conditions Unless specified otherwise, tests should encompass the entire assembly To ensure consistent stress accumulation, the same product must be utilized throughout the testing process.
Prior to any kind of testing, the products or material samples shall be kept for a period of 24 h at (−10 ± 1) °C for another 24 h at (60 ± 2) °C and for further 24 h at (20 ± 2) °C (room temperature)
The products or material samples shall then be submerged individually in agitated chlorinated salt water for
Inflatable devices must be tested in a deflated state for 12 hours in darkness at a temperature of 20 ± 2 °C It is crucial to ensure that the test samples are completely wetted After being removed from chlorinated salt water, the samples should be rinsed with distilled water and air-dried at room temperature.
Chlorinated salt water is created by dissolving 30 g of sodium chloride (NaCl) in one liter of an aqueous sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solution, which contains 50 mg of active chlorine at a pH of 7.5 ± 0.05 It is essential to prepare the sodium solution immediately before use, utilizing grade 3 water as specified.
For an effective conditioning procedure, it is essential to use a glass or stainless steel container that can accommodate a liquor ratio of 100:1 with chlorinated salt water Additionally, a motor-driven stirrer operating at a frequency of 40 min\(^{-1}\) is required To ensure optimal results, the entire setup should be conducted in a climate-controlled room to maintain room temperature.
General
The markings shall be printed or debossed on the product and shall be clearly visible when preparing for use and then donning the product
Devices that have warnings and marking embossed above the mean surface of the device are not permitted
must be displayed in BOLD uppercase letters, with a minimum height of 5 mm Other text can be in either lower or upper case, but should not be less than 3 mm in height The color of the text may vary, but it must always contrast with the background to ensure legibility.
Verification shall be by measurement and inspection by the assessment panel
It is recommended that other text is in lower case letters; however, upper case letters may be used
All warnings, markings, and manufacturer information must be provided in the language of the country where the device is sold, including on the device itself, its packaging, and any accompanying documentation.
Warnings and markings on the product
The following minimum information shall be given: WARNING
Next to or immediately below the word “WARNING” the following text shall be given:
— Will not protect against drowning
— Always fully inflate all air chambers if applicable to the product
— Use only under constant supervision
— To be worn on the upper arm only (for arm bands only)
— All components shall be worn (if applicable to the product)
Relevant graphical symbols in accordance with EN 15649-2:2009+A2:2013 may be used to replace warning information above in plain text
The safety information symbol depicted in Figure 3 indicates that armbands should be worn on the upper arm Additionally, graphical symbols must be either printed or debossed for clarity.
Figure 3 — Additional safety information symbol for armbands
The additional safety information symbol in Figure 4 may also be used for devices comprising more than one component requiring that a component not be omitted
Figure 4 — Additional graphical information symbol for devices comprising more than one component
The following is also required:
— mass equivalent, size range; age range if appropriate;
— the number of this European Standard EN 13138-1:2014;
— the type designation of the product, commercial name or model or code;
— name or trademark of the manufacturer, importer or supplier.
Information supplied by the manufacturer
The following minimum information, where applicable, shall be given at least on an accompanying leaflet:
— details of how to inflate, deflate and the means of securing the stopper on inflatable swimming aids;
— details of how to fit and remove the swimming aid with reference to any specific features appropriate to it;
— details of how to ensure the correct fit for the swimming aid;
— details of storage and maintenance procedures;
— information on determining the suitability of the device for the intended user;
Users are strongly advised against biting or chewing these products, as doing so may result in pieces breaking off or tearing away from the material, posing a choking hazard.
— The full postal address of the manufacturer shall be provided.
Consumer information at the point of sale
Graphical symbols shall be in accordance with EN 15649-2:2009+A2:2013
If this information label is used on the packaging, the size and class of the device shall be indicated by ticking
“✓” in the relevant box(es) of the label
Figure 5 — Recommended layout of product information label
Guidance – Approximate body weight: age group
11 kg ~ 12 months 11 kg – 15 kg ~ 12 months to 24 months
15 kg – 18 kg ~ 24 months to 36 months 18 kg – 30 kg ~ 3 years to 6 years
30 kg – 60 kg ~ 6 years to 12 years > 60 kg ~ over 12 years
The example shows a Class B device suitable for a body mass [size] from 15 – 18 Kg corresponding to a user aged between 1 and 2 years
For swim suit type garments, information of garment size shall be provided to ensure the correct fit of the garment and to indicate its intended use
Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva
The procedure and assessment shall be carried out in accordance with that prescribed in EN ISO 105-E04 for fastness to perspiration but using a test solution comprising the following constituents:
— Sodium hydrogen carbonate, NaHC03, for analysis 4,2 g;
— Sodium chloride, NaCI, for analysis 0,5 g;
— Distilled water or water of equivalent purity 1 000 cm 3
Procedures for testing efficiency of valves of inflatable devices
The test procedure follows EN ISO 12402-9:2006, section 5.5.9, requiring that inflatable devices be orally inflated to their maximum volume The device, with the stopper removed if inflatable, is submerged in a water bath for two minutes Buoyancy retention is assessed by measuring the change in the apparent mass of the test apparatus with and without the inflated device during the test duration.
The buoyancy of the device at the beginning and the end of the test can then be calculated in Newtons
Buoyancy at beginning of test B1
Buoyancy at conclusion of test B2
Security of the pressure release of buckles
The buckle securing a buoyant swimming device must be placed on a flat, rigid surface, allowing a force of 5 N to be applied at one end of the webbing Additionally, a force of 50 N should be exerted perpendicularly to the buckle's release mechanisms, applicable to all single release mechanisms.
Figure C.1 — Example of test method for buckle security
Test houses must establish a suitable method for securing the buckle and strap under tension while applying a force of 50 N to the buckle, particularly when a single action pressure is needed for release.
Procedures for testing adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by assessment panel
General
Buoyant devices used for swimming instruction possess various properties and performance characteristics that are difficult to evaluate through measurement or objective methods Furthermore, it is unethical to test the effectiveness of these devices on children in water.
To address these challenges and reduce testing costs while evaluating the effectiveness of specific device features, an assessment panel is utilized, as outlined in section 3.16 This panel will particularly assess the fit and positioning of the device, as detailed in section 5.3.
Some in-water performance tests may be undertaken using a specified manikin if available.
Assessment of Risks
The assessment panel will evaluate the device's risk to users by examining several key factors: the clarity of instructions provided, the potential for unintended incorrect donning, the correct fit of the device, any injury or discomfort it may cause, the risk of unintentional displacement during water use, and its safe performance in water even after the failure of one main air chamber.
The list of risks in Table D.1 is not exhaustive and obvious risks shall not be ignored Reference should be made to the guidance in Table D.1
Where doubt arises or in cases of ambiguity, the assessment panel shall discuss the problem and decide by a simple majority
D.3 Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the device
Following completion of the assessment of the device, the instructions supplied with the device shall be re- evaluated to determine their effectiveness
Table D.1 — Instructions to assessment panel — Assessment of complete device where applicable
Item/Property/Risk Criteria for assessment Assessment requirements Remarks
Risk of unintended incorrect donning of the device Right/left side confusion
Top/bottom confusion Front/back confusion
It should not be possible to incorrectly don a buoyant device after following the instructions
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
Incorrect means that there is a loss of performance If there is a likelihood of confusion with the instructions and/or product markings, the device fails the test
Risk of unintended opening of buckles/closures
Risk of unintended release from the user
Is there a simultaneous or sequential action for release or opening?
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
The buckle shall require at least two simultaneous or sequential actions to prevent unintended opening
Risk of incorrect fit and/or position on the body when in use or ready for use in the water
Does the device adjust for all sizes within the user category?
Is it possible to position and fix the device in the intended position on the user’s body?
Assessment of whether the device, when in use, will support the user appropriately
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
Correct fit and positioning on the body is of paramount importance when assessing safety of the device in use
Risks of injury and/or discomfort to the user or a third party
Are there any parts of the device that could cause harm or discomfort when the user is moving on land or is in the water
Examples include sharp edges and/or points, a hindrance to normal breathing or vision
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
Risk of unintended displacement when in use
Is there a likelihood that the device may become displaced due to the user’s actions or movement in the water?
Is the amount of displacement relevant to the safe performance of the device?
If the device is likely to become displaced, there shall be no effect on its safety or performance
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
In particular, displacement of buoyancy below the user’s centre of gravity is dangerous
Item/Property/Risk Criteria for assessment Assessment requirements Remarks
Safe performance of the device in the water after the failure of one main air chamber or filled chamber when in use or when about to be used
Will the failure of one main air chamber or one filled air chamber lead to a significant reduction in the safety of the device?
No fault: device OK Fault: device fails test
Failure means a loss of buoyancy by deflation or by loss of filling material
Test procedures for seam strength and durability of inflatable devices
Two adjoining air chambers of the device shall in alternating order with the adjoining chamber be deflated a) First cycle
Inflate chamber A up to a test pressure of 0,05 bar; Maintain the test pressure for 30 s; Deflate chamber
A completely; Inflate adjoining chamber B to test pressure of 0,05 bar; Maintain the test pressure for 30 s; Deflate chamber B b) Second cycle
Repeat the first cycle starting with chamber A c) n cycle
Test procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable devices
To test the integrity of the inflated device, apply a gradual force of 5 N using a steel needle tip with a radius of 0.5 mm and a diameter of (1.0 ± 0.05) mm over 5 seconds Maintain this force for an additional 5 seconds, then submerge the device in ambient temperature water to check for air leakage.
Test procedures for integrity of the entire assembly
Test description
Suspend the device as illustrated in Figure G.1 and apply the test load (F) using a test strap, following the specifications in Table 3 Ensure that buckles and closures are securely fastened and positioned away from the lower loading point to prevent any bending or folding For inflatable devices, inflate them orally to reach normal operating pressures.
The upper point of the load application for vest style buoyant aids shall always be the shoulder section of the device
Figure G.1 — Test procedures for assembly integrity
Test parameters
The load application duration is set at 5 minutes, utilizing a test strap with a width ranging from 45 mm to 50 mm The length of the test strap should be adjusted according to the specific device being tested, while the diameter of the upper suspending tube also measures between 45 mm and 50 mm.
Significant changes between this document and the previous edition of
− Harmonization across all three parts of
− Introduction of term ‘buoyant device’ as a shortened form of the description of these devices
− Minor editorial amendments to achieve this
− Amendments to definitions to ensure harmonization across the three parts of the standard
− Removal of 3.17 ‘Pull buoy’ as no longer incorporated into standard Listed as an exclusion in the Scope
4 Classification − Harmonization across all three parts of the standard
− Amendments to Class A and Class C definition
5 Safety requirements 5.1 Clarification of classification – Class A or Class B or Class C, a device cannot be in more than one class;
5.2.2 Simplification of calculation for residual buoyancy;
5.3 New section heading to include design;
Editorial amendments to merge 5.3 and 5.4 Removal of 5.5.3 and 5.5.4
5.6 Editorial amendments 5.6.1 Inclusion of the word ‘debossed’ for markings that are impressed into foam materials;
Addition of guidance on design features of embossed and debossed markings
6 Test methods 6 Clarification of conditioning process
7.2 Editorial amendments for clarity of English words 7.3 Inclusion of information on very small risk of choking if foams are bitten;
7.4 Simplification of the product information label
Annex D Editorial amendments for clarity of English words
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC
This European Standard was developed under a mandate from the European Commission and the European Free Trade Association to ensure compliance with the Essential Requirements of the New Approach Directive 89/686/EEC concerning Personal Protective Equipment.
Citing this standard in the Official Journal of the European Union and implementing it as a national standard in at least one Member State grants a presumption of conformity with the Essential Requirements of the Directive and related EFTA regulations, as outlined in Table ZA.1, within the standard's scope.
Table ZA.1 — Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive 89/686/EEC
Clause(s)/sub-clause(s) of this EN Essential Requirements (ERs) of
Directive 89/686/EEC, Annex II Qualifying remarks/Notes
4 1.1.2 Levels and classes of protection
5.3 1.3.1 Adaption of PPE to user morphology
PPE incorporating components which can be adjusted or removed by the user
5.4 1.2.1 Absence of risks and other
7.2 and 7.3 1.4 Information supplied by the manufacturer
WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling within the scope of this standard
EN ISO 12402-7:2006, Personal flotation devices — Part 7: Materials and components — Safety requirements and test methods (ISO 12402-7:2006)