− EN 13138-1, Buoyant aids for swimming instructions – Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn − EN 13138-2, Buoyant aids for swimming instructions – P
General
Buoyant swimming devices shall be classified according to Table 1:
Table 1 — Classification of buoyant devices
The device allows children to be positioned within a buoyant structure while in contact with water, helping them to acclimate to the aquatic environment and learn to navigate through it.
The device will keep the passive user in a stable floating position so that the base of the chin is at or above the surface of the water
B Buoyant swimming device intended to be worn, to be securely attached to the body and to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes
C Device intended to be held in the hands or by the body to assist with swimming strokes.
Categorization
The requirements given in Table 2 were chosen to ensure compliance between swim seat sizes and manikin in all relevant test procedures
Mass (equivalent to age) a Manikin
> 1 to 2 > 11 kg to 15 kg II
> 2 to 3 > 15 kg to 18 kg III
General
The design and construction of buoyant swimming devices must meet specific criteria regarding dimensions, safety, strength, and durability to ensure their effectiveness for intended use The outlined requirements are established to guarantee adherence to these essential factors In cases where buoyant swimming devices consist of multiple components, the specified requirements apply to each individual 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 produced in bright colors that contrast with the water surface, ensuring visibility from all angles during use Completely transparent materials or any undecorated blue shades in visible areas are not acceptable.
To ensure safety and effective supervision of children in the water, these products must be clearly visible from the water's edge or poolside, even in crowded or unclear conditions If objective assessment criteria cannot be established, the evaluation will be conducted 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.
Design
Avoidance of similarities to aquatic toys
Design and appearance of swim seats shall not evoke the impression of being an aquatic toy
Inflatable buoyancy chambers must be limited in both number and volume to meet the essential requirements for adequate buoyancy and safety Additionally, these chambers should not include any toy-like features or above-water structures, such as animal imitations, vehicles, or other elements resembling aquatic toys, nor should they have wind-catching components like canopies or sunshades.
Special features or equipment, like handles etc., shall not impair the safety of the device Requirements given in 5.6, in water behaviour, shall be met with and without detachable equipment.
Innocuousness
Class B devices shall be of a design and construction such that they cannot cause harm to the user.
Edges, corners and points
Buoyant swimming devices shall be of a design such that they cannot cause harm to the user Edges and corners of hard and rigid materials shall be chamfered or rounded
All round edges or corners must have a minimum radius of 1 mm, and any chamfer included in the design should be at an angle of (45 ± 5)° with a minimum width of 1 mm It is essential that there are no barbs or sharp points present Testing will be conducted through measurement and tactile assessment as outlined in Annex F.
Buckles, zippers and other fixings
Fastening devices such as buckles and zippers must require at least two simultaneous or sequential actions for release to prevent accidental opening If a single action is used, it must involve applying a force of at least 50 N for release Testing procedures should follow the guidelines outlined in Annex E.
Buckles for seat depth adjustment are exempted from this requirement
Verification shall be executed by the assessment panel according to Annex D in the context of the relevant opening/closing system.
Small parts
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, excluding foam fragments, that can detach should not fit entirely into the small parts cylinder, and testing must comply with EN 71-1 standards.
Valves and stoppers
Inflatable class A devices must include valves that ensure sealing even when the stopper is completely removed The stoppers should be securely attached to the valve body, and both the valve and stopper must be designed to avoid interference with a test chain during testing as per EN 15649-1:2009+A2:2013, section 5.5.
The valve shall ensure that, with an opened stopper, inflatable devices when tested in accordance with Annex D shall after a period of 2 min retain at least 75 % of their original buoyancy
Testing shall be by inspection and measurement in accordance with the procedures in
Sizing
Sizing of swim seats with regard tom body weight of the user shall be in accordance with the range of body weights and age groups as specified in Table 2
The size of the device shall be indicated on the product (see Clause 7) and by marking the relevant box(es) according to Figure 3 by ticking in a [✓]
The size of the leg holes, when tested in accordance with Annex I, shall not allow the probe to pass through
Adjustment devices in design must allow the body holding system, such as seat pants, to modify the user's vertical position This ensures that both small users (5th percentile) and medium-sized users (50th percentile) can align their center of gravity with that of the buoyant structure, matching the height of the relevant manikin representing the 95th percentile user.
The adjustment mechanism must allow for stepwise control, such as SMALL, MEDIUM, and LARGE, or through a sliding scale It should enable users to easily identify and manage the degree of adjustment by marking specific positions Additionally, the system must prevent users from setting higher sitting positions than those established by the relevant test manikin, which is based on the 95th percentile and serves as the reference for medium and small body sizes.
Seat depth adjustment shall not compromise the leg hole dimensions according to Annexe I
NOTE It is provided that the swim seat has met all in water requirement thus the sitting position of the 95.percentile manikin constitutes the right reference position
Testing shall be by measurement in accordance with Annex J.
Materials
Thread
To sew load bearing components, only threads manufactured from synthetic materials whose properties correspond to polyester or polyamide fibres shall be used.
Resistance to puncturing
Where buoyant swimming devices incorporate air filled buoyancy chambers, the chambers shall remain airtight when tested in accordance with the procedures given in Annex H.
Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant material to water absorption
According to EN ISO 12402-9:2006, section 5.5.5, material samples must not lose more than 10% of their original buoyancy during testing This evaluation requires the use of both new and conditioned samples of the inherent buoyant material.
Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compression
Class A devices made from foam or other naturally buoyant materials must endure compression and typical movements during regular use without experiencing a permanent reduction in buoyancy According to testing standards outlined in section 6.1, 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 for each sample.
Migration of certain elements
Swimming devices shall conform to the requirements given in EN 71-3 A new and unconditioned complete device shall be tested.
Resistance to chlorinated salt water
After conditioning as outlined in section 6.1, the fully deflated device must undergo testing for color change and damage The color change will be assessed in accordance with EN 20105-A02 standards.
Inflatable devices must achieve a grey scale rating of 3 or higher After drying, they should be orally inflated to their maximum volume and checked for air leaks Additionally, all devices must be inspected to confirm that their markings are still legible.
Material used for markings
The tests described in 5.4.7.2 to 5.4.9 shall not apply where the markings are debossed onto or moulded into the device as illustrated in Figure 1
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 1 — Illustration of marking techniques on and in foam structures
5.4.7.2 Resistance of the markings to saliva
When tested in accordance with the procedures in Annex C, the change in colour of the markings on the grey scale shall be 3 or better when assessed according to EN 20105-A02.
Resistance of the markings to perspiration
When tested in accordance with EN ISO 105-E04 the change of colour of the markings on the grey scale shall be 3 or better when assessed according to EN 20105-A02.
Adhesion of markings
According to EN ISO 105-X12 testing procedures, both wet and dry, the markings must withstand 100 cycles without damage, ensuring that all details remain legible upon evaluation by the assessment panel.
Strength
Strength of entire seat
Testing in accordance with B.3 ensures that no part or component of the seat, including straps, trousers, or their attachment to the buoyant structure (such as welding seams), should break or exhibit any deficiencies that could compromise safety.
Seam strength and durability of inflatable devices
The device shall remain airtight after being submitted to a cyclic pressure test according to the procedures given in Annex G.
In-water performance
Residual buoyancy
The swim seat must feature a buoyancy system that ensures adequate residual buoyancy in case any inflatable air chamber fails This requirement applies to each component of the buoyancy system, whether it consists of inherently buoyant materials or inflatable air chambers In the event of an air chamber failure, testing in accordance with section 5.6.4 must confirm that the manikin's airways remain above water, ensuring safety and performance.
Swim seats must be designed to provide buoyancy through materials like granules or air sacs, ensuring that the manikin's airways remain above water even after the buoyancy chamber's filling material is completely removed, minimizing the risk of failure.
In the event of a component failure, the buoyancy provided by separate parts must ensure that the manikin's airways remain above water, maintaining the device's overall functional requirement.
Devices shall be tested in accordance with B.1.3.
Fit and positioning
The assessment panel must find clear evidence that the swim seat adequately supports a child's body in a reasonably upright position, ensuring it is neither too tight nor too loose This evaluation should utilize the appropriate manikin categories I to III, as outlined in Table 2 and referenced in sections 5.3 and Annex J.
In-water behaviour, static stability
The swim seat must remain stable and not capsize during testing in calm water, as outlined in Annex B It is essential that the airways, indicated by the shaded head area, consistently stay above the water level.
5.6.3.2 Swim seats made from inherent buoyant material, e.g foam
With the loads applied on the load application points as specified in Annex B, the swim seat shall not capsize when submitted to the test in calm water (see B.1.2.2).
In-water behaviour, static stability, capsizing under extreme condition (option 1 to 3)
When tilted to the angle indicated in Table 3, the swim seat must achieve one of the three performance levels outlined in the same table Testing will be conducted in accordance with section B.2.
Table 3 — Floating stability and escape performance levels
Option 3 Performance Level 3 floating stability, self- righting and hold of manikin
Tilting in any direction can lead to failure in self-righting if the angle exceeds 120° for the manikin or 85° for the device test manikin It is crucial that the shaded head area remains above water level after the self-righting process.
Self-righting after being tipped to an angle ≤ 100° for the manikin or 80° for the device test manikin not lost, shaded head area above water level after self-righting
Self-righting after being tipped to an angle ≤ 120° for the manikin or 85° for the device test manikin not lost, shaded head area above water level after self-righting
Complete escape when tested in accordance with 5.6.5
Complete escape when tested in accordance with 5.6.5 no escape, manikin retained within device at any tipping angle when tested in accordance with 5.6.5
New safe floating position after escape outside or inside the swim seat
No new safe floating position
New safe floating position outside swim seat with shaded head area above water level
New safe floating position inside swim seat with shaded head area above water level
Escape from the swim seat (body entrapment, leg / foot entanglement)
The swim seat must comply with one of the three performance levels outlined in Table 3 when tested according to B.2.2, ensuring that there is no risk of entrapment or entanglement of legs, feet, or any other body parts.
In-water behaviour, static stability retention of function
Swim seats (class A devices) shall retain their intended function and safety if a buoyancy chamber most likely to cause failure has failed (see 5.6.1) Devices shall be tested in accordance with B.1.3.
Swim seats with special seat designs
Most swim seats utilize seat pants for effective body support, and test manikins outlined in A.1 are intended for evaluating these standard swim seat designs However, these manikins are not suitable for certain uncommon models that feature rigid plastic seats, which position users with angled legs This specific posture presents challenges for stability and escape testing.
Swim seats that cannot be evaluated using the upright standing manikin as outlined in section 5.6 must instead be tested with the sitting manikin specified in section A.4.4.
The escape test according to 5.6.5 shall be tested on the basis of this standard considering all foreseeable circumstances
Enhanced conditioning
Testing procedures must be conducted under normal climate conditions Unless specified otherwise, tests should be performed on the complete assembly and in the order listed To ensure consistent stress accumulation, the same product should always be utilized.
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 This sodium hypochlorite solution must be prepared immediately before use, following the guidelines outlined in EN ISO 105-E03:2010, section 4.4, and using grade 3 water as specified.
For an effective conditioning procedure, it is essential to use a glass or stainless steel container that can accommodate the required volume of chlorinated salt water at a liquor ratio of 100:1, along with a motor-driven stirrer operating at a frequency of 40 min\(^{-1}\) Additionally, the entire setup should be conducted in a climate-controlled room to ensure that the temperature remains at room level.
Test apparatus and procedure
The test apparatus shall be designed and manufactured and the tests shall be carried out in accordance with Annexes A to I
Markings on the product must be printed or debossed for clear visibility during preparation and use The terms "WARNING," "DO NOT USE," and "RISK OF CAPSIZING" should be prominently displayed in bold uppercase letters, with a minimum height of 5 mm Additional text can be in either case but must not be less than 3 mm in height The color of the markings should contrast with the background to ensure legibility Verification will be conducted through measurement and inspection by the assessment panel.
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.
7.2 Warnings and markings on the product
The following minimum information shall be given: WARNING – RISK OF CAPSIZING
WARNING – RISK OF CAPSIZING: This product will not protect against drowning Always ensure that all air chambers are fully inflated, if applicable It is essential to use the product only under constant supervision and within direct reach of the swim seat Do not omit any components, if applicable to the product.
Figure 2 — Additional symbol advising not to omit any component
In addition, the words "DO NOT USE: …" and the words
— by user beyond or below designated weight range/age;
— in bath tubs; shall be printed or debossed below or next to the warnings
Relevant graphical symbols and their correct application in accordance with EN 15649-2:2009+A2:2013 may be used to replace warning information above in plain text
Class A products shall be additionally marked as follows:
— the type designation of the product: commercial name or model or code;
— the words: "Not an aquatic toy.";
— always supervise in direct reach of the child
— capability to sit upright as starting point to use swim seats
— Mass: … to … kg, (for orientation only: this mass corresponds to an age group of … to … years);
— Number of this European Standard, i e EN 13138-3;
— Name or trademark of the manufacturer, importer or supplier
7.3 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, if applicable;
— details of how to use swim seats in sufficiently deep water with reference to any specific features appropriate to it;
To ensure the correct fit for swim seats, the water level should be at or about nipple height Proper fitting and removal of the swimming aid are essential, taking into account any specific features that may be relevant to its use.
— details of storage and maintenance procedures;
— information on determining the suitability of the device for the intended user;
— the use of diapers or any other apparel or device shall not lead to an entrapment of the child inside the seat;
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 significant choking hazard.
— The full postal address of the manufacturer shall be provided.
Consumer information at the point of sale
The specified product information label (see Figure 3) shall be uniformly applied as shown
The application of graphical symbols shall be in accordance with EN 15649-2:2009+A2:2013
Figure 3 — Recommended layout of the product information label
The example shows a class A device suitable for body mass (size) from 11 kg to 15 kg corresponding roughly to an group of 1 year to 2 years
Guidance – approximate body weight – age group:
– 11 kg to 15 kg ≈ 12 month to 24 month;
– 15 kg to 18 kg ≈ 24 month to 36 month;
– 18 kg to 30 kg ≈ 3 years to 6 years;
– 30 kg to 60 kg ≈ 6 years to 12 years;
Dimensions
1 conical arm stumps for testing swim seats Detachable (for exchange of arm stumps see prEN 13138–4)
3 shaded area (indicating mouth and nose area: width / height 80 × 130mm)
6 closed cell soft foam pad 6 / 8 / 12 N buoyancy for functional residual lung volume Foam density
The article discusses specifications for a torso fit, emphasizing a leg/body cross-section that is oval and rounded to a near anatomical shape It highlights the importance of calibration holes and openings, detailing their amount, diameter, and positions based on requirements The ballast holes must be symmetrically distributed to avoid air caverns and undue torque relative to the center line, particularly when adding ballast to the head Additionally, the dimensions should be measured as the width of the part, ensuring a cylindrical, flattened circle or oval shape.
Table A.1 — Dimensions of manikins I to III
II 80 25 67 8 60 85 80 120 40 225 40 25 20 15 5 9 III 100 25 72 10 60 90 100 140 44 205 - - 0 0 13 0 NOTE 1 Dimensions in millimetres
NOTE 2 Grey area shows non-anthropometric dimensions a to be measured along centre line of component
Table A.2 — Functional residual lung volume (FRV), manikins I … XIV1) in dm 3
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX X XI XII XIII XIV
0,6 0,8 1,2 1,3 1,6 1,7 2,0 2,2 2,4 2,5 2,7 2,8 3,1 3,3 NOTE Manikins IV to XIV see prEN 13138–4.
Specifications
The manikin II weighs 15 kg and should be constructed from a material with a density lower than the specified average to prevent conflicts in mass, volume, and dimensions The weight and density of body sections must be adjusted using lead filling in appropriate amounts and locations It is crucial that water absorption during testing does not alter the manikin's weight beyond the tolerance specified in section A.2 f) The average density of the manikin is 1.05 kg/dm³, with the head density at 1.10 kg/dm³ Mass distribution must be equal concerning the center lines of the body components, and a balance load of 2 to 4 kg of lead shot is required Tolerances for dimensions are ±3% unless stated otherwise, with a weight tolerance of +5% The shape of the manikin may vary from the depicted form as long as these deviations do not affect test results, and the exchange of arm stumps from conical to cylindrical shapes must not disrupt mass distribution or component displacement in water.
Density of components
Centre of gravity
Location
The center of gravity for the manikin is determined by its height from the floor, positioned along the middle axes Specifically, for manikin I and II, the center of gravity is set at 0.63 times the body height, while for manikin III, it is at 0.60 times the body height.
Calibration on land (dry)
Position the manikin as illustrated in Figure A.2, ensuring that the suspension strap is securely attached to the ring screw located on the back of the manikin, aligned with the center of gravity as specified by the formula.
To achieve proper balance in the manikin, strategically add lead shot to avoid asymmetrical mass distribution relative to its vertical center axis Each sub-component, including the legs, torso, and head, should exhibit a nearly symmetrical mass contribution around their geometric center of gravity prior to the final calibration of the complete manikin.
Figure A.2 — calibration of centre of gravity
Calibration in water (wet)
When put into the water without any swimming aid the test manikin shall sink head forward The final position after sinking shall be flat on the ground.
Test manikins I III, variant: upright sitting manikin
The test manikins designed to represent an upright sitting child are based on the specifications outlined in section A.1, with dimensions that apply accordingly The primary variation pertains to the buttocks segments, which substitute the legs in terms of weight and shape, accurately reflecting the child's buttocks The overall weight of the manikins is detailed in Table A.2, noting that the in-water weight of the legs contributes less to the total weight of the dummy when on land.
Table A.3 — Dimensions / weights of manikins I to III in upright sitting posture
Manikin Sitting height S in mm
Weight of buttocks segment in kg
The buttocks segment will substitute the weight of the hip segment and the legs, while taking into account the buoyancy of the leg volumes in water, considering the three different sizes of manikins.
The center of gravity shifts slightly upward, aligning with anthropometric factors The buoyancy displacement of the buttocks segment is less than that of the legs; however, this reduction in buoyancy, caused by the concentration of mass in the hip and leg area, is minimal.
Test procedures for swim seats
Fit and positioning
General
a) Fully inflate the swim seat and place it on the water b) Position manikin according to manufacturer's instruction c) Verification by assessment panel:
1) Check whether the manikin can be positioned and is supported in a reasonable upright posture
2) Check whether the manikin is not wedged in the seat in a way likely to cause entrapment.
In-water behaviour, static stability in calm water
B.1.2.1 Static stability of inflatable swim seats
Position the manikin in seat position 2, ensuring its arm lightly touches the buoyancy chamber's outer surface, as illustrated in Figure B.1 Verify that the seat remains stable without capsizing and that the shaded head area stays above the water level.
B.1.2.2 Static stability of swim seats made from inherent buoyant material, e.g foam
Apply a load \( F \) equal to 50% of the body weight of the respective test manikin (I: 5.5 kg; II: 7.5 kg; III: 9 kg) at each designated loading point The diameter of the loading circle, which defines the four loading points, varies by size: I: 160 mm; II: 180 mm; III: 200 mm, with the center of the loading circles aligned with the center of the body opening Ensure that the swim seat remains stable and does not capsize.
2 centre of body opening and centre of loading point circle
4 device to be tested (example only) a; b; c circle of loading points
Figure B.2 — Application of load F and loading points
Efficiency of residual buoyancy and retention of function
To prevent potential failure, fully deflate the air chamber Position the manikin vertically and centrally within the swim seat system, ensuring it is correctly aligned within the body holding system.
Check whether the remaining buoyant structure keeps the manikin's airways (shaded head area) above water level
The known swim seat systems cause the manikin to tip forward immediately upon being released from its initial vertical position due to its mass distribution It is important not to intentionally force the manikin into any other position, such as rearwards or sideways.
Self-righting test, options 1 to 3
General
To conduct the test, first, place the swim seat in a pool with a minimum water depth of 1.5 meters Next, position the appropriate manikin (I to III) in the swim seat as intended Apply a torque by exerting force \( F_c \) at the ball knob on the manikin's head with one hand, ensuring the manikin's body can move freely, until the center line of the manikin reaches the angle specified in Table 3 Finally, release the force and verify that the swim seat retains the manikin and self-rights, keeping the shaded area of the manikin's head above the water level.
Figure B.3 — Force application and tipping angle at self-righting test
The torque is designed to replicate extreme yet predictable dynamic effects, such as increased breaking waves that can occur in open waters due to ship or boat traffic, as well as external influences like a third child interacting with the swim seat.
Escape test
Position the test board as illustrated in Figure B.3, ensuring its upper surface is approximately 2 cm below the water level in the designated test pool shown in Figure B.4 The swim seat should float just above the floor when loaded a) Place the inflated swim seat with a manikin inside on the test board; b) align the center of the manikin with point X on the test board; c) adjust the side walls to lightly touch the inflated hull without obstructing movement; d) set the front barrier so its upper edge aligns with the mid-height of the adjacent inflated chamber; f) verify compliance with the requirements outlined in Table 3, options 1 to 3 and section 5.6.5.
Testing shall include one test in forward direction, one test in backward direction and one sideways test
Figure B.4 — Test board for escape test
2 drop weight (Manikin I / II / III = 15 / 20 / 25 kg)
4 test board according to Figure B.3
Figure B.5 — Test board installation inside pool
The drop weight must not contact the water surface until the test board's turning process is fully completed The test should be conducted in three directions: once forward, once rearward, and once sideward.
Strength of entire seat (weldings, sewings, straps etc.)
To conduct the test procedure, place the swim seat on a flat, rigid board as illustrated in Figure B.5 Next, insert a suitably sized manikin into the swim seat, ensuring it leans backward against the backrest from the inner ring or the inside wall of the seat if applicable Allow the device to hang freely for a loading time of one hour, and then inspect for any signs of failure that may compromise safety.
1 test board a d i, is the opening in compliance with the contour of swim seat interior
Figure B.6 — Strength of entire seat assembly
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 bicarbonate, 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 oral inflation of inflatable devices to reach 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 Newton
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 This requirement is applicable to all types of release mechanisms, whether they operate simultaneously or sequentially.
This test is not applicable when the buckle system is not accessible to the user or another person while the device is in the water
Figure E.1 — Example of test method for buckles security
For other designs of buckle appropriate means of securing the buckle and strap under tension and applying a force of 50 N to the buckle release mechanism should be developed
Procedures for testing non-objectively measurable features like donning, adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by panel assessment
General
Buoyant devices used for swimming instruction possess various properties and performance characteristics that are difficult to evaluate through objective measurements 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 specifically assesses the fit and positioning of the device, as detailed in section 5.6.2.
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 following the failure of one main air chamber.
The list of risks in Table F.1 is not exhaustive and obvious risks should not be ignored Reference should be made to the guidance in Table F1.
Guidance to panel assessment of complete device
Table F.1 — Assessment panel guidance on safety criteria
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 of any part of the device 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 for the user’?
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 of the body in the device 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
Where doubt arises or in cases of ambiguity, the assessment panel shall discuss the problem and decide by a simple majority.
normative) Test procedure for size of leg holes
Dimensions
Dimensions in mm, Dimensional tolerances: +0 / −5 mm
Testing
Testing shall be done by marking the height level where the centre of gravity of the relevant test manikin is positioned on the surrounding structure
Evaluate the adjustment device's ability to elevate the center of gravity of users at the 50th and 5th percentiles to the designated reference point using suitable templates These templates should accurately reflect the lower torso profile of medium and small-sized users, as indicated by anthropometric data.
Check whether the adjustment device does not allow higher sitting positions than specified in Figure J.1 size I, II, III which is 50 mm; 50 mm; 55 mm
Significant technical changes between this document and the previous edition EN 13138-3:2007
Contents - Updated and expanded to provide more detail
1 Introduction - Harmonization across all three parts of EN 13138
- Minor editorial amendments to achieve this
- Amendments to definitions to ensure harmonization across the three parts of the standard;
- Remove 3.17 ‘Pull buoy’ as no longer incorporated into standard
- Harmonization across all three parts of the standard;
- Editorial amendments to Class A and Class C definition;
- 5.1 Addition of reference to Class A or Class B or Class C for harmonization across standard;
- 5.2 Relaxation and clarification of colour requirements;
- 5.2.5 Harmonization of safety requirement across standard and with reference to EN 15649– 1:2009+A2:2013;
- 5.5.1 Editorial amendment to test reference;
- 5.6.1 Removal of paragraph as unnecessary in the standard Re-number remaining paragraphs;
- Amendment to ‘Residual Buoyancy’ requirement;
- 5.6.3 Editorial correction to test reference;
- 5.6.4 Amendment to safety requirements for in-
6 Test methods 6.1 Clarification of conditioning process
Inclusion of the word ‘debossed’ for markings that are impressed into foam materials:
- 7.2 Remove symbols for information to Annex J
Updated label design to remove the need for text
8 Information supplied Editorial amendment to incorporate into Section 7 to harmonize with other parts of the standard
Annex A Editorial amendment to diagrams
Annex B Editorial amendments to paragraph numbers
Annex J New Annex from Para 7.2