EN 13138-1:2003
(Main)Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn
Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be worn
The European Standard specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing and marking for swimming aids intended to assist users with movement through the water whilst learning to swim or whilst learning part of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.
This European Standard, Part 1, applies to devices that are designed to be worn or are carried on the body and which have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated. It includes Class B devices intended to introduce the wearer to the range of swimming strokes. It does not apply to buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.
Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für am Körper getragene Auftriebshilfen
Aides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essais pour les aides à la flottabilité portées au corps
La présente Norme européenne fixe les exigences de sécurité s'appliquant à la fabrication, aux performances, à la taille et au marquage des aides à la natation conçues pour aider l'utilisateur à évoluer dans l'eau, lorsqu'il apprend à nager ou lorsqu'il apprend un certain mouvement de natation. Elle donne également des méthodes d'essai permettant de vérifier le respect de ces exigences.
La partie 1 de la présente Norme européenne s'applique aux dispositifs conçus pour être portés ou placés sur le corps, qu'ils soient à flottabilité inhérente ou gonflables. Elle inclut les dispositifs de classe B conçus pour initier l'utilisateur aux différents mouvements de natation. Elle ne s'applique pas aux aides à la flottabilité non destinés à l'apprentissage de la natation, aux gilets de sauvetage, ni aux jouets aquatiques.
Plavajoči pripomočki za učenje plavanja – 1. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode za plavajoče pripomočke, ki se oblečejo
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2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be wornAides a la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essais pour les aides a la flottabilité portées au corpsAuftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für am Körper getragene Auftriebshilfen13.340.70SULSRPRþNLLifejackets, buoyancy aids and floating devicesICS:SIST EN 13138-1:2003enTa slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13138-1:200301-september-2003SIST EN 13138-1:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 13138-1May 2003ICS 97.220.40English versionBuoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 1: Safetyrequirements and test methods for buoyant aids to be wornAides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation -Partie 1: Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essais pourles aides à la flottabilité dispositif porté au corpsAuftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 1:Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren füram Körper getragene AuftriebshilfenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 14 February 2003.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 13138-1:2003 E
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)2ContentsForeword.4Introduction.51Scope.62Normative References.63Terms and definitions.64Classification.85Safety requirements.85.1General.85.2Buoyancy.85.3Fit and positioning.105.4Safe design.105.5Entire assembly and components.115.6Materials - mechanical properties.115.7Materials and Markings - Chemical properties.125.8Adhesion of markings.126Test methods.126.1General.126.2Conditioning prior to testing.126.3Materials and markings - resistance to chlorinated salt water.136.4Markings - resistance to saliva.136.5Markings - resistance to perspiration.136.6Buoyancy characteristics.136.7Non-return valve efficiency.136.8Residual buoyancy.136.9Adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points.136.10Security of buckles and other fixings.136.11Seam strength and durability of inflatable devices.136.12Puncture test.136.13Adhesion of markings.136.14Small parts.136.15Integrity of the entire assembly.146.16Tests on the properties of materials and the performance of specific devices.147Warnings and markings on the product.147.1Information supplied by the manufacturer.147.2Consumer information at the point of sale.15Annex A (normative)
Procedures for conditioning of the swimming aid prior to testing.16Annex B (normative)
Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva.17Annex C (normative)
Procedures for testing efficiency of non-return valves of inflatable devices.18Annex D (normativ )
Security of the pressure release of buckles.19Annex E (normative)
Procedures for testing adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners andpoints by assessment.20E.1General.20E.2Assessment of hazards.20E.3Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the device.22Annex F (normative)
Test procedures for seam strength and durability of inflatable devices.23Annex G (normative)
Test procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable devices.24Annex H (normative)
Test procedures for integrity of the entire assembly.25H.1Test description.25H.2Test parameters.25
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)3Annex ZA (informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or otherprovisions of EU Directives.26Bibliography.27
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)4ForewordThis document (EN 13138-1:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective clothingincluding hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text orby endorsement, at the latest by November 2003, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latestby November 2003.This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the EuropeanFree Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.The annexes A to H are normative.According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the followingcountries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)5IntroductionThe entire process of learning to swim is considered to include three stages:¾ becoming familiar with the water environment and movements through it¾ acquiring skills in standard swimming strokes¾ developing more advanced swimming strokes and techniquesBuoyant aids for swimming instructions (in brief: "swimming aid(s)") are intended to assist persons (in particularchildren) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the devices are related to the above stages.Swimming aids are intended to give the user positive buoyancy in the water whilst maintaining the correct bodyposition for swimming.
However, it should not be assumed that standard conformity of the devices will by itselfeliminate the risk of drowning as this depends also on the behaviour of the user and any supervision.Although this standard sets performance requirements to ensure that swimming aids perform appropriately, it isessential that the devices are used correctly and under constant and close supervision.
It is important to ensurethat they are securely fitted to the appropriate size of wearer and that when correctly fitted, they cannot becomedisplaced.
Swim seats however shall allow immediate escape in case of capsizing. The use of these devices shallbe restricted to water out of standing depth of the wearer.The highest degree of protection against drowning can only be achieved by using life jackets. It is essential thatthere is a clear distinction between devices intended to preserve life and those which are intended only to assistbuoyancy for the user when learning to swim.
As swimming aids are not life preservers, they should only be usedin swimming pools and other situations free from current, tides and waves.The bulk storage of some sorts of swimming aids could, under certain conditions, result in a potential fire hazard.The perceived risk of such a hazard was evaluated against the actual risk to the user from materials treated withcertain known toxic fire retardant chemicals. However, the fire hazard is less of a problem to the user than the riskassociated with the swimming aids being put in the mouth, especially by children. For this reason, flammabilityrequirements are not included in the standard.For the above reasons and to differentiate these devices from aquatic toys, advisory safety measures, includingmarking, warning notices and user instructions are included in this standard.The range both of the design and function of swimming aids varies considerably and for this reason, the standardhas been prepared in three parts, namely devices that are intended to allow the wearer to become familiar withwater (passive wearer), devices that are worn (active wearer) and those devices that are held by the user forspecial training purposes.Part 1 of the standard is for devices that are worn or carried on the body (class B devices for an active user). Theyare intended to introduce the user to the range of swimming strokes.Part 2 of the standard is for devices that are held either in the hands, by the body or between the legs and areintended (class C devices for an active user) to assist with improving specific elements of the swimming stroke.For adult beginners or more advanced users they can also be used for further stages of the process to learn toswim.Part 3, deals with swim seats as typical and common devices to assist children up to 36 months in their firstattempts to learn to swim i.e. to get familiar with the "in-water-environment" and movement through it (class Adevices, passive user). The child sits inside the seat, the seat provides buoyancy and lateral support to keep thechild's head above water level .This part of the standard, Part 1, deals with devices that are worn on the body and that cannot be accidentallydiscarded. As such, these devices are classed as PPE.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)61 ScopeThe European Standard specifies safety requirements for construction, performance, sizing and marking forswimming aids intended to assist users with movement through the water whilst learning to swim or whilst learningpart of a swimming stroke. It also gives methods of test for verification of these requirements.This European Standard, Part 1, applies to devices that are designed to be worn or are carried on the body andwhich have either inherent buoyancy or can be inflated. It includes Class B devices intended to introduce thewearer to the range of swimming strokes. It does not apply to buoyancy aids, lifejackets or aquatic toys.2 Normative ReferencesThis European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. Thesenormative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. Fordated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this EuropeanStandard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of thepublication referred to applies (including amendments).EN 71-1:1998, Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical propertiesEN 71-3, Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elementsEN 393:1993, Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids — Buoyancy aids 50 NEN 20105-A02, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness - Part A02: Grey scale for assessing change
in colour (ISO105-A02:1993)EN ISO 105-E03:1996, Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part E03: Colour fastness to chlorinated water(swimming pool water) (ISO 105-E03:1994)EN ISO 105-E04, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness - Part E04: Colour fastness to perspiration (ISO 105-E04:1994)EN ISO 105-X12, Textiles — Tests for colour fastness - Part X12: Colour fastness to rubbing (ISO 105-X12:1993)EN ISO 3696:1995, Water for analytical laboratory use — Specification and test methods (ISO 3696:1987)3 Terms and definitionsFor the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply:3.1swimming aidgarment or device which when worn or held correctly, and used in water under constant supervision, will providethe buoyancy required to become familiar with movement through the water, assist with learning to swim or toimprove swimming strokes.3.2buoyancyresultant upthrust of a swimming aid when totally submerged in fresh water with its uppermost part just below thewater surface.3.3inherent buoyancyupthrust provided by material which is less dense than water or by sealed chambers filled with air or gas.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)73.4class A devicesdevice intended to provide sufficient buoyancy to allow the wearer to become familiar with the water environment.They are not intended to specifically facilitate learning swimming strokes. They will keep a passive wearer in such aposition that the base of the chin is at or above the water surface.3.5class B devicesdevice intended to be worn and to provide the wearer with buoyancy appropriate to the needs of the swimmingstroke that is being taught. The buoyancy will be sufficient to allow the body to adopt a near normal position in thewater appropriate to the stroke or part of the stroke.3.6class C devicesdevice intended to be held in the hands, by the body or between the legs in order to assist with improving specificelements of a swimming stroke.3.7devices to be worndevice having either inherent buoyancy or which may be inflated to provide buoyancy and which is firmly attachedto the body in such a way that it cannot be accidentally removed and so as to provide the wearer with positivebuoyancy.3.8devices to be helddevice held either in the hands or between the legs or by the body and provides buoyancy whilst it is being held bythe user.3.9conditioningprocess to which the complete device shall be submitted and comprising a number of cycles, to simulate theconditions to which the device is likely to be subjected in normal use and storage. The conditioning process willinclude immersion in chlorinated swimming pool water and storage in cold and hot conditions.3.10componentsub-groups of the entire device contributing to buoyancy, function and safety3.11swim seat systemall permanently attached components (parts) of a swim seat which contribute to stable floating conditions andsafety after an emergency capsizing constitute a swim seat system3.12escapecomplete separation between the test dummy and the swim seat in case of a deliberate capsizing of the swim seator swim seat system3.13assessment panelgroup of three people from an accredited and notified test house, all of whom are experienced in assessingswimming aids.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)84 ClassificationSwimming aids shall be classified by design [class] as set out in Table 1:Table 1 — Classification of buoyant aidsCCllaassssDescriptionABuoyant device in which the child is seated. This buoyant device is intended toallow the user to become familiar with the water environment and movementthrough it. The device will keep the passive wearer in such a position that thebase of the chin is at or above the surface of the water.BBuoyant swimming aid intended to be worn and to introduce the active wearerto the range of swimming strokes.CBuoyant aid intended to be held and to assist with improving specific elementsof a swimming stroke.5 Safety requirements5.1 GeneralConstruction of a swimming aid shall be such that it corresponds in terms of design, dimensions, safety, strength anddurability for its intended use. The requirements set out were chosen to ensure compliance with these considerations andwhere swimming aids are provided in and intended to be used in pairs, the requirements apply to the pair. Wherebuoyancy is not inherent, devices shall have a minimum of two separate chambers.5.2 Buoyancy5.2.1 Buoyancy characteristics of the complete deviceWhen tested in accordance with the procedures in 6.6, the device shall have minimum buoyancy in accordance withTable 2. Where the Table shows
a “dash” ( – ), this is intended to indicate that the device is not appropriate for the typeof user.NOTEFigure 1 is intended to show where on the body the buoyancy should be positioned.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)9Table 2 — Buoyancy characteristics including illustration of class of deviceCategory of wearerClass of buoyant aid for swimming instructionMinimum buoyancy(N)Age a(years)Mass range(kg)GarmentCollarArmbands(per pair)Chestbelt orringBackpackUp to 1Up to 11202020------1 to 211 to 15202020------2 to 315 to 1820252515203 to 618 to 3020252515206 to 1230 to 602530302025Over 12Over 603040402530a
Age groups for orientation only. The correlation between the age and the body mass can vary considerably.GarmentCollarArm bands (pair)Chest belt orRingBackpack
Figure 1 — Position of the device on the body
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)105.2.2 Residual buoyancyAny aid for swimming instruction providing buoyancy by inflation or by filling materials such as granules, air sacs orsimilar shall provide a residual buoyancy of at least 50% of the minimum buoyancy according to Table 2 after completedeflation of one chamber or through the removal of 50% of the filling material when tested in accordance with 6.6.Where there is more than one component to the device (e.g. a pair of armbands), after complete deflation of onechamber, the residual buoyancy shall be calculated by:[]2/RecomponentsofnumberbuoyancyrequiredTotalbuoyancysidual=5.3 Fit and positioning5.3.1 Adjustability - Class B devicesThe position of the device shall be as high as possible on the chest, back and shoulder area. Each device shall bedesigned in such a way as to ensure that it can be securely fitted to the appropriate size of wearer and its position on thebody shall not, when correctly fitted, be able to be accidentally changed when in normal use.The testing procedures for this device shall be in accordance with 6.9.5.3.2 Security of buckles and other fixingsBuckles or other fastening devices for attaching a swimming aid to the wearer shall require at least two simultaneous orsequential actions for their release or opening in order to prevent unintended opening.Where fastenings rely on pressure for release, it shall be necessary to apply a force of at least 50 N on the releasemechanism for the buckles in order for the buckle to be opened. Testing shall be in accordance with 6.10.5.3.3 Retention of functionClass B swimming aids shall retain their intended function even if, for example, one buoyancy chamber has failed or aretaining strap has become displaced.Devices will be tested by inspection by members of an assessment panel in accordance with 6.9.5.4 Safe design5.4.1 Edges, corners and pointsSwimming aids shall be of a design such that they cannot cause harm to the wearer. Edges and corners of hard and rigidmaterials shall be chamfered or rounded.Round edges or corners shall have a minimum radius of 2 mm and where a chamfer is part of the design, it shall be of45° and at least 2 mm in length. There shall be no barbs or other sharp points or features.Testing shall be by measurement and tactile assessment in accordance with 6.9.5.4.2 Small partsAttached small parts shall withstand a pull of (90 ± 2) N in the direction most likely to cause failure without becomingdetached from the device. Parts which can become detached shall not fit wholly into the small parts cylinder, testing ofwhich shall be in accordance with 6.14.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)115.4.3 Migration of certain elementsSwimming aids shall conform to the requirements set out in EN 71-3 when tested in accordance with 6.16.3.5.5 Entire assembly and components5.5.1 Integrity of the entire assembly of worn devicesWhen tested in accordance with 6.15, the entire assembly shall have an overall strength in accordance with table 3:Table 3 — Breaking strength of swimming aidsCategory of wearerAge a(years)Mass(kg)Load on point X(N)up to 1up to 11501 to 211 to 15702 to 315 to 181003 to 618 to 301206 to 1230 to 60250over 12over 60500a Age groups for orientation only. The correlation between the age and the body mass can varyconsiderably.Buckles or other fastenings shall not, when loaded, slip more than 25 mm in the direction of the applied load.Where webbing, tapes and straps are intended to be worn next to the body, they shall be not less than 20 mm in widthand shall resist roping or rolling.Toggle ends on drawstrings for adjustment of the device are not permitted.5.5.2 ThreadTo sew load bearing components, only threads manufactured from synthetic materials shall be used.5.5.3 Valves and stoppersInflatable swimming aids shall be fitted with non-return valves. Stoppers shall be connected to the swimming aid.The protrusion of the valve and stopper shall not exceed 5 mm above the surrounding surface when the device hasbeen inflated.Testing shall be by direct measurement in accordance with the procedures in 6.7.The non-return valve shall ensure that, with an opened stopper, inflatable devices when tested in accordance with6.7, shall after a period of 2 min retain at least 75% of their original buoyancy.5.6 Materials - mechanical properties5.6.1 Seam strength and durability of inflatable devicesThe device shall remain airtight after being submitted to a cyclic pressure test when tested in accordance with theprocedures in 6.11.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)125.6.2 Resistance to puncturingWhere swimming aids have air filled buoyancy chambers, the chambers shall remain airtight when tested inaccordance with the procedures in 6.12.5.6.3 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant material to water absorptionWhen tested in accordance with the procedures set out in 6.16.1, the material sample shall lose no more than 10%of its original buoyancy.5.6.4 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compressionSwimming aids using foams or other inherently buoyant materials shall be capable of withstanding compressingand other movements in normal use without sustaining permanent loss of buoyancy.When tested in accordance with 6.16.2, a new and conditioned sample of the buoyant material not used in testingfor 5.6.3 shall not lose more than 10% of its buoyancy.5.7 Materials and Markings - Chemical propertiesNOTEThese tests should not apply where the markings are embossed onto or moulded into the device.5.7.1 Resistance to chlorinated salt waterAfter the complete conditioning operation in accordance with the procedures in 6.2, all devices will be inspected fordamage or deterioration. The change in colour shall be assessed according to 6.3 and shall be 3 or better on thegrey scale.Inflatable devices, after being dried, will be orally inflated to their maximum volume and inspected for air leakage.5.7.2 Resistance of the markings to salivaWhen tested in accordance with the procedures in 6.4, the change in colour on the grey scale shall be 3 or better.5.7.3 Resistance of the markings to perspirationWhen tested in accordance with the procedures in 6.5, the change of colour on the grey scale should be 3 orbetter.5.8 Adhesion of markingsWhen tested in accordance with the procedures in 6.13, the markings shall not be damaged and shall remainlegible in all details when assessed by the assessment panel.6 Test methods6.1 GeneralIt is important that the test procedures are carried out on the entire assembly, in the sequence in which they appearbelow and unless otherwise stated, always using the same test sample.6.2 Conditioning prior to testingDevices shall be conditioned in accordance with the procedures set out in Annex A.
EN 13138-1:2003 (E)136.3 Materials and markings - resistance to chlorinated salt waterThe assessment shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in EN ISO 105-A02 after thecomplete conditioning process.6.4 Markings - resistance to salivaThe test shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in Annex B. The assessment shall becarried out in accordance with EN ISO 105-A02.6.5 Markings - resistance to perspirationThe test shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures set out in EN ISO 105-E04. The assessment shallbe carried out in accordance with EN ISO 105-A02.6.6 Buoyancy characteristicsThe device will be tested in accordance with the procedures set out in Annex B of EN 393:1993. Inflatable devicesshall be orally inflated to the device's maximum volume.6.7 Non-return valve efficiencyThe device shall be tested in accordance with the procedures set out in Annex C.6.8 Residual buoyancyThe device shall be tested in accordance with 6.6.6.9 Adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and pointsThe device shall be tested in accordance with Annex E.6.10 Security of buckles and other fixingsThe device shall be tested in accordance with Annex D.6.11 Seam strength and durability of inflatable devi
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