Buoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for swim seats to be worn

This European Standard specifies safety requirements for design, sizing, materials, strength and in-water perform-ance as well as provisions for marking and the information supplied by the manufacturer for swim seats to be worn. It also specifies the relevant test methods.
This European Standard covers class A buoyancy devices in which children are seated. These devices are only intended for children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 18 kg.

Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für Schwimmsitze, die am Körper getragen werden

Diese Europäische Norm legt sowohl sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen an Gestaltung, Bemessung, Material, Haltbarkeit und Verhalten im Wasser fest als auch Bestimmungen für Kennzeichnung und Informationen, die vom Hersteller von Schwimmsitzen, die am Körper getragen werden, bereitgestellt werden. Sie legt außerdem die entsprechenden Prüfverfahren fest.
Diese Europäische Norm gilt für Auftriebshilfen Klasse A, in die Kinder gesetzt werden. Diese Auftriebshilfen sind nur für Kinder bis zu einem Alter von 36 Monaten mit einem Körpergewicht bis oder gleich 18 kg vorgesehen.

Aides a la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 3: Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai relatives aux dispositifs dans lesquels l'enfant est placé, sieges flottants

La présente Norme européenne spécifie des exigences de sécurité relatives a la conception, la taille, les matériaux, la résistance et l'efficacité dans l'eau des aides a la natation, ainsi que les exigences de marquage de ces dispositifs et les informations fournies par le fabricant pour les enfiler. Elle spécifie également les méthodes d'essai appropriées.
Elle traite des les aides a la flottabilité de type A dans lesquelles les enfants sont assis. Ces dispositifs ne sont prévus que pour des enfants âgés de 36 mois au maximum, et dont la masse corporelle est inférieure ou égale a 18 kg.

Plavajoči pripomočki za učenje plavanja – 3. del: Varnostne zahteve in preskusne metode za plavajoče sedeže, ki se nosijo

General Information

Status
Withdrawn
Publication Date
31-Oct-2003
Withdrawal Date
24-Oct-2007
Current Stage
9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
Start Date
25-Oct-2007
Due Date
17-Nov-2007
Completion Date
25-Oct-2007

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2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Auftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3: Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren für Schwimmsitze, die am Körper getragen werdenAides a la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation - Partie 3: Exigences de sécurité et méthodes d'essai relatives aux dispositifs dans lesquels l'enfant est placé, sieges flottantsBuoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safety requirements and test methods for swim seats to be worn13.340.70SULSRPRþNLLifejackets, buoyancy aids and floating devicesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13138-3:2003SIST EN 13138-3:2003en01-november-2003SIST EN 13138-3:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD



SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 13138-3August 2003ICS 97.220.40English versionBuoyant aids for swimming instruction - Part 3: Safetyrequirements and test methods for swim seats to be wornAides à la flottabilité pour l'apprentissage de la natation -Partie 3: Exigences et méthodes d'essai relatives auxdispositifs dans lesquels l'enfant est placé, sièges flottantsAuftriebshilfen für das Schwimmenlernen - Teil 3:Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren fürSchwimmsitze, die am Körper getragen werdenThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 June 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 13138-3:2003 ESIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)2ContentsPageForeword.3Introduction.41Scope.52Normative references.53Terms and definitions.54Classification.74.1General.74.2Categorisation.75Safety requirements.85.1General.85.2Design.85.3Sizing.95.4Materials.95.5Strength.105.6In-water performance.106Test methods.116.1Conditioning.116.2Test apparatus and procedure.127Marking.127.1General.127.2Warning.127.3Additional marking of the swim seat.128Information supplied by the manufacturer.138.1Instructions for use.138.2Consumer information at the point of sale.13Annex A (normative) Test manikins I to III.14A.1Dimensions.14A.2Specification.15A.3Density of components.15A.4Centre of gravity.16A.5Device for measuring the 120° angle of inclination.17A.6Wave maker.18Annex B (normative)
Test methods for swim seats.19B.1Fit and positioning.19B.2In-water behaviour, static stability in calm water.19B.3Dynamic stability.19B.4Self righting test, option 1.20B.5Strength of entire seat (weldings, sewings, straps etc.).20Annex C (normative)
Procedures for testing resistance of markings to saliva.22Annex D (normative)
Procedures for testing efficiency of non-return valves of inflatable devices.23Annex E (normative)
Security of the pressure release of buckles.24Annex F (normative)
Procedures for testing non-objectively measurable features like donning,adjustability, retention of function, edges, corners and points by panel
assessment.25F.1General.25F.2Assessment of hazards.25F.3Guidance to panel assessment of complete device.25F.4Re-assessment of instructions supplied with the device.26Annex G (normative)
Test procedures for seam strength and durability of inflatable devices.27Annex H (normative)
Test procedures for determining the puncture resistance of inflatable
devices.28Bibliography.29SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)3ForewordThis document (EN 13138-3:2003) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective clothingincluding hand and arm protection and life jackets”, 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 February 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latestby February 2004.The Annexes A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H are normative.This European Standard is one of a series consisting of three standards dealing with buoyant devices for swimminginstructions for the various stages of the learning process.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.SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)4IntroductionThe entire process of learning to swim is considered to include three stages: getting familiar with the water environment and movements through it; acquiring skills in standard swimming strokes; developing special swimming strokes and techniques.Buoyant devices for swimming instructions (in brief: swimming device(s)) are intended to assist persons (in par-ticular children) to learn to swim. The design and purpose of the devices are related to the above stages.Swimming devices 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 devices 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 lifejackets. 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 devices are not life preservers, they should only beused in swimming pools and other situations free from current, tides and waves.The bulk storage of some sorts of swimming devices could, under certain conditions, result in a potential firehazard. The perceived risk of such a hazard was evaluated against the actual risk to the user from materialstreated with certain known toxic fire retardant chemicals. However, the fire hazard is less of a problem to the userthan the risk associated with the swimming devices being put in the mouth, especially by children. For this reason,flammability requirements 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 devices varies considerably and for this reason, thestandard for swimming devices has been prepared in three parts, namely devices that are intended to allow thewearer to become familiar with water (passive wearer), devices that are worn (active wearer) and those devicesthat are held by the user for special 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).They are 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 (class Cdevices for an active user) and are intended to assist with improving specific elements of the swimming stroke. Foradult beginners or more advanced users they can also be used for further stages of the process to learn to swim.This Part 3 of the Standard deals with swim seats to assist children up to 36 month in their first attempts to learn toswim i.e. to get familiar with the "in-water-environment" and moving through it. The child sits inside the swim seat,the seat provides buoyancy and lateral support to the body, thereby keeping the child's head above water level(class A devices = for a passive user). Swim seats allow young children to experience the water environment andbeing moved through it. Movements of lower limbs and arms are possible.
The use of swim seats does howevernot replicate any form of a correct swimming stroke. Swim seats improve the in-water stability and minimise theentrapment risk in case of capsizing. Children in swim seats do however require very close parental supervision.Overload, breaking waves and violent external forces are remaining risks which can cause capsizing. Shallowwater is likely to hinder or block the escape from the seat in case of emergency.SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)51 ScopeThis European Standard specifies safety requirements for design, sizing, materials, strength and in-water perform-ance as well as provisions for marking and the information supplied by the manufacturer for swim seats to be worn.It also specifies the relevant test methods.This European Standard covers class A buoyancy devices in which children are seated. These devices are onlyintended for children aged up to 36 months with a body mass less than or equal to 18 kg.2 Normative referencesThis standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These normativereferences are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed hereafter. For datedreferences, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this only when incorpo-rated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies(including amendments).EN 71-1:1998, Safety of toys — Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties.EN 71-3, Safety of toys — Part 3: Migration of certain elements.EN 393:1993 Lifejackets and personal buoyancy aids – Buoyancy aids 50 N.EN 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-X12:2001)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.3.1swim seatbuoyant device intended to introduce the wearer to the aquatic environment and to build water confidence as a pre-requisite to learning to swim.
Swim seats provide minimum safety for the wearer but no protection against drown-ing .
They are learning aids and should not be mistaken with aquatic toys as defined in EN 71-13.2buoyancyresultant upthrust of a swimming device when totally submerged in fresh water with its uppermost part just belowthe water surface3.3inherent buoyancyupthrust provided by material which is less dense than water or by sealed chambers filled with air or gas3.4buoyant swimming devicegarment or device which when worn or held correctly will provide the buoyancy required to become familiar withmovement through the water, assist with learning to swim or to improve swimming strokesSIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)63.5class A devicedevice intended to provide sufficient buoyancy to allow the wearer to become familiar with the water environment. Itis not intended to specifically facilitate learning swimming strokes. It will keep a passive wearer in such a positionthat the base of the chin is at or above the water surface3.6class B devicedevice 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 stroke3.7class C devicedevice intended to be held in the hands, by the body or between the legs and to assist with improving specificelements of a swimming stroke3.8device to be worndevice having either inherent buoyancy or may be inflated to provide buoyancy and which is firmly attached to thebody in such a way that it cannot be accidentally removed and so as to provide the wearer with positive buoyancy3.9device 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 user3.10conditioningprocess 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 conditions3.11componentsub group of the entire device which is permanently attached and which contributes to buoyancy, function andsafety3.12swim 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 system3.13escapecomplete separation between the test dummy and the swim seat in case of a deliberate capsizing of the swim seator swim seat system3.14assessment panelgroup of three people from an accredited and notified test house, all of whom are experienced in assessing buoy-ant swimming devicesSIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)74 Classification4.1 GeneralBuoyant swimming devices shall be classified by design according to Table 1:Table 1 — Classification of buoyant devicesCCllaassssDescriptionABuoyant device in which the child is seated. This device is intended to allow theuser to become familiar with the water environment and movement through it.The device will keep the passive wearer in such a position that the base of thechin is at or above the surface of the water.BBuoyant swimming device intended to be worn and to introduce the activewearer to the range of swimming strokes.CBuoyant device intended to be held and to assist with improving specific ele-ments of a swimming stroke.4.2 CategorisationThe requirements given in Table 2 were chosen to ensure compliance between swim seat sizes and manikin in allrelevant test procedures.Table 2 — Values for categorisationAgeyearsMass (equivalent to age)aMinimum buoyancyNManikin kg100I> 1 to 2> 11 to 15 kg120II> 2 to 3> 15 to 18 kg140IIIafor categorisation, marking and use priority shall be given to the values representing the body mass, age groups havebeen
added for rough orientationSIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)85 Safety requirements5.1 GeneralConstruction of a buoyant swimming device shall be such that it corresponds in terms of design, dimensions,safety, strength and durability for its intended use. The requirements set out were chosen to ensure compliancewith these considerations. Where buoyant swimming devices are provided in several components, the require-ments apply to all components. These components shall be permanently attached to the swim seat or form anintegral, functional part of it in the same way that the entire swim seat can not be used without all components.Where buoyancy is not inherent, devices shall have a minimum of two separate chambers safeguarding functionand safety if one chamber fails.5.2 Design5.2.1 Avoidance of similarities to aquatic toys5.2.1.1 ShapeDesign and appearance of swim seats shall not evoke the impression of being an aquatic toy.Inflatable buoyancy chambers or buoyancy chambers filled by air or inherently buoyant material shall be limited innumber and volume to the functional needs of providing sufficient buoyancy and safety. There shall be no toyelements or above water level structures like e.g. animal imitations, car or boat structures or other elementsevoking the character of an aquatic toy and no wind catching structures e.g. canopy or sun-shade.5.2.1.2 Colour/DecorationsThe colour of swim seats shall be in compliance with a colour range from yellow to red-orange. There shall be nocolourful printed decorations. Warnings etc. (see 7.2) shall be printed in contrasting colours.5.2.1.3 Special featuresSpecial 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.5.2.2 Edges, corners and pointsBuoyant swimming devices shall be of a design such that they cannot cause harm to the wearer. Edges andcorners of hard and rigid materials 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 beof 45° +/- 5o and at least 2 mm in length. There shall be no barbs or other sharp points or features. Testing shall beby measurement and tactile assessment in accordance with annex F.5.2.3 Buckles and other fixingsIf buckles or other detachable fastening devices are used as parts of the entire swim seat system in order to attachor connect functional parts or components shall require at least two simultaneous actions for their release oropening in order to prevent unintended opening. Verification shall be executed by the assessment panel accordingto annex F in the context of the relevant opening/closing system. Where fastenings rely on pressure for release, itshall be necessary to apply a force of at least 50 N on the release mechanism for the buckles in order for thebuckle to be opened. In that case testing shall be in accordance with annex E.5.2.4 Small partsAttached small parts shall withstand a pull of (90
2) N in the direction most likely to cause failure without becom-ing detached from the device. Parts which can become detached shall not fit wholly into the small parts cylinder,testing of which shall be in accordance with 8.2 of EN 71-1:1998.SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)95.2.5 Valves and stoppersInflatable swimming devices (swim seats) shall be fitted with non-return valves. Stoppers shall be connected to thebuoyant swimming device. The protrusion of the valve and stopper shall not exceed 5 mm above the surroundingsurface when the device has been inflated.The non-return valve shall ensure that, with an opened stopper, inflatable devices when tested in accordance withannex D shall after a period of 2 min retain at least 75 % of their original buoyancy. Testing shall be by inspectionand t measurement in accordance with the procedures in annex B of EN 393:1993.5.3 SizingSizing of swim seats shall be in accordance with the range of body weights and age groups as specified in 4.2. Thesize of the device shall be indicated on the product (see clause 7) and by marking the relevant box(es) according toFigure 1 by ticking in a [5.4 Materials5.4.1 ThreadTo sew load bearing components, only threads manufactured from synthetic materials whose properties corre-spond to polyester or polyamide fibres shall be used.5.4.2 Resistance to puncturingWhere buoyant swimming devices incorporate air filled buoyancy chambers, the chambers shall remain airtightwhen tested in accordance with the procedures given in Annex H.5.4.3 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant material to water absorptionWhen tested in accordance with the procedures given in annex
C of EN 393:1993, the material samples shall loseno more than 10 % of its original buoyancy. The materials shall be tested using a new and conditioned sample ofthe inherent buoyant material.5.4.4 Resistance of foam and other inherent buoyant materials to compressionBuoyant swimming devices manufactured from foam or other inherently buoyant materials shall be capable ofwithstanding compression and other movements in normal use without sustaining permanent loss of buoyancy.When tested in accordance with annex H of EN 393:1993, a new and conditioned sample of the buoyant materialnot used in other tests shall not lose more than 10 % of its buoyancy.5.4.5 Migration of certain elementsSwimming devices shall conform to the requirements given in EN 71-3. A new and unconditioned complete deviceshall be tested.5.4.6 Resistance to chlorinated salt waterAfter the complete conditioning according to the procedures in 6.1, the samples shall be tested for change in colouraccording to EN ISO 105-E03. The change in colour according to EN 20105-A02 on the grey scale shall be 3 orbetter. Inflatable devices, after being dried, shall be orally inflated to their maximum volume and inspected for airleakage. All devices shall be inspected for damage or deterioration.5.4.7 Material used for markings5.4.7.1 GeneralThe tests described in 5.4.7.2 to 5.4.7.4 shall not apply where the markings are embossed onto or moulded into thedevice.SIST EN 13138-3:2003



EN 13138-3:2003 (E)105.4.7.2 Resistance of the markings to salivaMarkings shall be tested in accordance with the procedures set out in annex C. The assessment shall be carriedout in accordance with EN 20105-A02.5.4.7.3 Resistance of the markings to perspirationWhen tested in accordance with EN ISO 105-E04 the change of colour on the grey scale shall be 3 or better. Theassessment shall be carried out in accordance with EN 20105-A02.5.4.7.4 Adhesion of markingsWhen tested in accordance with the procedures in EN ISO 105-X12 (wet and dry, 100 cycles) the markings shallnot be damaged and shall remain legible in all details when assessed by the assessment panel.5.5 Strength5.5.1 Strength of entire seatWhen tested in accordance with B. 5 no part or component of the seat e.g. straps, trousers or its attachment to thebuoyant structure (welding seams) shall break or show any deficiency compromising safety.5.5.2 Seam strength and durability of inflatable devicesThe device shall remain airtight after being submitted to a cyclic pressure test according to the procedures given inannex G.5.6 In-water performance5.6.1 Buoyancy characteristics of the complete deviceBuoyancy components shall be permanently attached or be a functional part of the system without which the devicewill not meet the requirements of the standard. When tested in accordance with the test method given in annex B ofEN 393:1993, swim seats shall meet the buoyancy minimum requirements according to their category according toTable 2
Inflatable devices shall be inflated to the device's maximum volume and to a maximum pressure of(3,5
0,2) kPa.5.6.2 Residual buoyancyWhere buoyancy is not provided by inherently buoyant material the swim seat shall have a minimum of two sepa-rate chambers. If the swim seat is made up by several components this requirement applies for each of them.Swim seats providing buoyancy by inflation or by filling materials such as granules, air sacs or similar shall provide,when tested in accordance with annex B of EN 393:1993 a residual buoyancy of at least 50 % of the requiredminimum buoyancy (see Table 2) after complete deflation or removal of the filling material from a buoyan
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