Information
This inspection applies to all seat belts fitted including child seats/restraints
etc. However the reasons for rejection should only be applied to those permanently
attached to the vehicle ie secured by using Isofix mountings or nuts, bolt etc.
Presenters should be advised of any effects on non-testable items.
Child seat(s) retained by seat belt(s) must not be removed. A visual examination
is required of only those parts of the seat belt(s) which are readily accessible.
A seat belt installation check may be required on vehicles, fitted with more than
8 passenger seats, used before 1 October 2001. Refer to Section 5.3 for further
information.
Where a belt is fitted with no corresponding seat or if there is a buckle/stalk
but no corresponding belt, it is NOT to be considered a seat belt for the purpose
of this inspection.
Where practical and without the use of tools or specialist equipment, seats should
be lifted to gain access to belts. Care should be taken when retrieving seat belt
components from under seats.
Some vehicles have “Flexible seating” which allows various seating arrangements.
Those seats which can be lifted without tools, specialist equipment or the need
to move other seats/components should be lifted to gain access to belts.
Seat belt pre-tensioners may be fitted to some seat belts. Once activated a warning
device may display.
Evidence that a seat belt pre-tensioner has been activated is NOT a reason for
rejection but the vehicle presenter should be advised
The vehicle presenter should be advised of and given the opportunity to remove
any temporarily fitted device likely to cause failure before notification of refusal
is issued |
Condition
of ALL seat belts fitted
1. Pull each seat belt webbing against its anchorage to see that it is properly
secured to the vehicle structure.
2. Examine the condition of all seat belt webbing for cuts or obvious signs of
deterioration. Pay particular attention to webbing around anchorages, buckles
and loops.
3. Examine the condition of all seat belt attachment and adjustment fittings.
4. Examine flexible buckle stalks for corrosion, deterioration or damage.
5. a. Fasten each belt locking mechanism and try to pull the locked sections apart.
Operate the release mechanism while pulling on the belt to check that the mechanism
releases when required
b. on retracting seat belts, check that with the mechanism fastened and the seat
unoccupied, excess webbing is wound into the retracting unit. Note: Some types
of retracting belt might need manual help before they retract.
6. As far as is practicable without dismantling, check the condition of the vehicle
structure around the seat belt anchorage points The floor- mounted anchorage points
might need to be inspected from underneath the vehicle.
Note: With a seat belt attached to a seat frame ALL seat mounting points are considered
to be seat belt mounting points |
1.
a. A seat belt not securely fixed to the seat or to the structure of the vehicle.
For example, a fixing bolt not secure
b. for seats with seat belts attached to them;
• any insecure attachment of the seat to the vehicle structure
• a seat frame cracked
• any damage that significantly weakens the seat frame
2. A seat belt;
a. with a cut which has significantly weakened the webbing
b. damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt or which has significantly
weakened the webbing
c. stitching badly frayed, not secure or incomplete
d. which has obviously been repaired
3. A seat belt attachment or adjustment fitting fractured or badly deteriorated.
Note: Damage or deterioration of the plastic covering of a component is not a
reason for rejection unless it affects the operation of the belt
4. a. Corrosion, deterioration or damage of a flexible stalk likely
to lead to failure under load
b. broken strands of a flexible stalk cable.
5. a. The locking mechanism of a seat belt does not secure or release as intended
b. a retracting mechanism does not retract the webbing sufficiently to remove
all the slack from the belt with the locking mechanism fastened and the seat unoccupied.
Note: In doubtful cases, this should be checked with the seat base set in its
rearmost position
6. Deliberate modification which significantly reduces the original strength,
excessive corrosion, severe distortion, a fracture or an inadequate repair of
a load bearing member or its supporting structure or supporting panelling within
30cm of a seat belt anchorage, (ie, within a ‘prescribed area’, see Appendix C.).
|
