ASTM F2821-15(2020)

• Abstract:

  SIGNIFICANCE AND USE; 4.1 These test methods are intended to provide reproducible data from which acceptance criteria, design data, and specifications can be developed for basket type rescue litters.; SCOPE; 1.1 These test methods enable the user to determine if a rescue litter meets the requirement for strength depending upon particular applications and methods of use. ; 1.2 The test methods described in this standard are designed to test several parameters under “manner of use” conditions. ; 1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. ; 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. ; 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 13.200 - Accident and disaster control
• Technical Committee: F32 - Search and Rescue
• Drafting Committee: F32.01 - Equipment, Testing, and Maintenance

Overview

ASTM F2821-15(2020) sets out standardized test methods for basket type rescue litters, also known as basket stretchers. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is essential for manufacturers, operators, and regulators involved in search and rescue operations. By providing reproducible test data, ASTM F2821-15(2020) establishes a foundation for product acceptance criteria, design specifications, and performance requirements for basket type rescue litters. The standard emphasizes the importance of safety, consistency, and reliability during both product development and everyday usage.

Key Topics

• Test Methods: The standard details both horizontal and vertical test procedures, simulating various real-world applications and stresses experienced by basket litters. These tests are designed to evaluate:
  • Strength and structural integrity under both horizontal and vertical lifts.
  • Performance of attachment points, bridle configurations, and shell or frame resistance to deformation.
  • Permanent deformation criteria, identifying failure when structural elements exceed defined limits after testing.
• Terminology: Key terms defined in the standard include basket type litter, litter bridle, anchor plate, horizontal lift, and vertical lift, setting a consistent language for compliance and testing.
• Safety Practices: Due to the destructive nature of these test methods, the standard highlights the need for proper test apparatus, personal protective equipment, and adherence to safety, health, and environmental regulations.
• Test Apparatus Requirements: Specifications for required equipment such as calibrated electronic load devices and anchor plates ensure valid, reliable, and repeatable test results.

Applications

• Product Development: Manufacturers of basket rescue litters use ASTM F2821-15(2020) to design, prototype, and validate new and existing products, ensuring adequate strength and safety in rescue scenarios.
• Quality Assurance: The standard provides a benchmark for quality control, enabling consistent batch testing and verification against internationally recognized performance criteria.
• Procurement and Specification: Agencies, emergency service providers, and procurement professionals reference this standard to specify performance requirements when selecting or purchasing rescue litters, ensuring the equipment meets rigorous, globally accepted benchmarks.
• Regulatory Compliance: ASTM F2821-15(2020) supports compliance with national and international safety requirements, helping organizations align with World Trade Organization (WTO) Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) principles.
• Training and Safety Procedures: The methodology outlined can be used in training scenarios to educate rescue personnel on equipment limitations and safe operational practices.

Related Standards

• ASTM F litter and stretcher standards: Including those focused on various types of rescue stretchers, litter accessories, and performance criteria for patient handling devices.
• ISO search and rescue equipment standards: Offering broader international guidelines for life-saving appliances.
• EN safety and medical transport standards: Covering requirements for patient transport in ambulance and rescue environments.
• ASTM F32 series: Standards developed under ASTM Committee F32 on Search and Rescue related to equipment testing and maintenance.

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Keywords: basket type rescue litter, rescue stretcher, stretcher testing, ASTM F2821-15, performance standard, litter bridle, anchor plate, horizontal lift, vertical lift, rescue equipment testing, search and rescue standards, quality assurance, safety compliance, emergency rescue devices.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2821 − 15 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Methods for
Basket Type Rescue Litters
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2821; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope must be of sufficient size and stiffness to distribute the forces
on the litter shell or frame, thereby allowing the test of the
1.1 These test methods enable the user to determine if a
attachment points
rescue litter meets the requirement for strength depending upon
2.1.5 vertical lift, n—refers to the patient being in a head up
particular applications and methods of use.
and feet down position. In this configuration the litter bridle
1.2 The test methods described in this standard are designed
attaches to the litter at the head end only.
to test several parameters under “manner of use” conditions.
3. Summary of Test Method
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1 Horizontal test method is designed to test the litter
conversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-
attachment points and the resistance of the litter to folding or
tion only and are not considered standard.
curling.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.2 Vertical test method is designed to test the structural
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
strength of the head end of the litter or the manufacturer’s
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
designated bridle attachment points or both, and for a two-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
piece litter, to also test the connection between the two sections
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
of the litter.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.3 These tests are destructive in nature and will require a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
new litter for each test.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
4. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1 These test methods are intended to provide reproducible
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
data from which acceptance criteria, design data, and specifi-
cations can be developed for basket type rescue litters.
2. Terminology
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
5. Apparatus
2.1.1 basket type litter, n—a conveyance for the sick or
5.1 General—Use calibrated electronic load measuring de-
injured usually consisting of a tubular metal frame enclosing a
vices. The testing equipment shall have sufficient capacity to
molded plastic or wire shell. Also known as a basket stretcher.
prevent yielding of its components under the anticipated
2.1.2 litter bridle, n—a manufactured or improvised system
ultimate load, and shall have sufficient stiffness to ensure that
that attaches the litter to the raising or lowering system.
the applied tension loads remain parallel to the axis of the
anchors.
2.1.3 horizontal lift, n—refers to the patient being in a
horizontal position with the head and feet at approximately the
5.2 Anchor Plate—Shall be installed in the litter in such a
same level. In this configuration the litter bridle attaches to the
way that the force distributes equally and does not concentrate
litter at four points.
on a single element. The purpose is to test the attachment
points of the litter bridle, the connection points that hold the
2.1.4 anchor plate, n—a device installed inside the litter that
is used to attach the litter to the bed of the test apparatus. It halves of two-piece litter together, and the litter’s ability to
resist folding or bending both longitudinally and laterally. The
anchor plate size must be kept to a minimum so that it does not
provide any increased resistance to the litter bending during a
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on
Search and Rescue and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 on
test. In cases where the litter does not have a frame, the plate
Equipment, Testing, and Maintenance.
shall span any ribs or other structural elements within the shell
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
in order that the forces are distributed over a wide enough area
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as F2821 – 15. DOI:
10.1520/F2821-15R20. that unintentional damage does not occur.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2821 − 15 (2020)
5.3 Sample Orientation—The litter subject to test can be 7.4.2 After the load specified in 7.4 has been applied and
loaded either horizontally or vertically depending upon the test released, remove the litter from the test apparatus and situate
apparatus being used. on the same uniform surface. Repeat the measurements at the
same locations. Permanent deformation of the top rail or part of
the main structural elements in excess of 5 6 0.5 cm (2 6 0.2
6. Hazards
in.) shall constitute a failure.
6.1 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
8. Procedure for Vertical Litter Test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
8.1 Rest the litter on a uniform surface (floor). Measure and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applicabil-
record the overall length and width of the top litter rail of the
ity of regulatory limitations prior to use.
litter assembly, 60.5 cm (0.2 in.).
6.2 These tests are destructive in nature and there is the
8.2 Attach test apparatus to the head end of the litter at
potential for injury from flying objects that are ejected during
points designated by the litter manufacturer. If the litter is
the tests. The person performing the tests shall wear appropri-
equipped with designated connection points then those connec-
ate safety equipment, the test apparatus shall be properly
tion points shall be used. If the manufacturer suggests that the
guarded, and the tests shall not be performed alone.
litter be attached with a system using rope or webbing wrapped
around the frame rails, then those instructions shall be fol-
7. Procedure for Horizontal Litter Test
lowed.
7.1 Attach a 4 leg litter bridle to the litter at
...