AS 4758.3:2015 pdf – Lifejackets Part 3: Test methods.
5.1 PRINCIPLE
The buoyancy chambers of an inflatable lifejacket are subject to a specified internal
pressure for a specified period at —5°C and again at 30°C and then examined for damage.
5.2 APPARATUS
The following apparatus is required:
(a) A means of inflating the buoyancy chambers of an inflatable lifejacket with air.
(b) A pressure gauge or other pressure-measuring instrument to indicate the air pressure in the buoyancy chambers.
(c) Suitable chambers of sufficient size to contain the lifejackets under test the interiors of which can be maintained at —5 ±1°C and 30 ±1°C.
5.3 PROCEDURE
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Where fitted, disable the overpressure relief valve.
(b) Place uninflated lifejacket in the chamber maintained at —5 ±1°C for 4 h.
(c) Remove the lifejacket from chamber and inflate a single buoyancy chamber with air to a pressure of 70 kPa or 2 times the maximum working pressure as stated by the manufacturer whichever is the greater.
(d) After 2 mm inspect the buoyancy chamber for distortion or perforation.
(e) Repeat Steps (c) to (d) for each buoyancy chamber of the lifejacket.
(f) Place lifejacket in the chamber maintained at 30 ±1°C for 4 h.
(g) Repeat Steps (c) to (e).
5.4 REPORT
The following shall be reported.
(a) Any permanent deformation or perforation of any buoyancy chamber of the lilejacket.
(b) Reference to this test method, i.e. AS 4758.3:2015, Section 5.
Sample lifejackets are exposed to high and low temperatures for a specified number of cycles and examined for damage, change in structure and change in mechanical properties.
6.1.2 Apparatus
Suitable chambers of sufficient size to contain the lifejackets under test, the interiors of which can be maintained at 65 ±5°C and —30 ±5°C.
6.1.3 Procedure
The procedure shall as follows:
(a) For an inflatable lifejacket, remove the gas cylinder, where applicable.
(b) Place the lifejacket in the normal condition for storage.
(c) Place the lifejacket in the chamber with temperature maintained at 65 ±5°C for 8 Ii.
(d) Remove the lifejacket at room temperature f’or not less than 1 h and not more than 16 h.
(e) Place the lifejacket in chamber with the temperature maintained at —30 ±5°C for 8 h.
(f) Leave the lifejacket at room temperature for not less than I h and not greater than 16 h.
(g) Repeat Steps (c) to (f) 4 times. The lifejacket may be rested during the test cycles for one period of not more than 72 h.
(h) For an inflatable lifejacket, fit the gas cylinder and inflate the lifejacket.
(1) Examine the lifejacket for structural damage, change in structure and change in mechanical properties.
j) Determine the buoyancy of the lifejacket in accordance with Section 4.
6.1.4 Report
The following shall be reported:
(a) Any structural damage to the lifejackets.
(b) Any change in structure of the material of the lifejackets.
(c) Any change in mechanical properties of the lifejackets.
(d) The buoyancy of the lifejacket.
(e) Reference to this test method, i.e. AS 4758.3:2015, Clause 6.1.
6.2 ORAL INFLATION
6.2.1 Principle
Full inflation of the lifejacket is achieved orally by a panel of test subjects within a specified time limit.
6.2.2 Test subjects
Six adult test subjects without any known impairment of pulmonary function are required.
6.2.3 Procedure
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Provide each test subject with a fully deflated lifejacket.
(b) Request each test subject to inflate the lifejacket.
(c) Record the time taken by each test subject to inflate the lifejacket.
6.2.4 Report
The time required by each test subject to inflate the lifejacket shall be recorded.
6.3 DOUBLE INFLATION
6.3.1 Principle
The inflatable lifejacket is subjected to inflation above the design pressure by first inflating it to prescribed pressure approximating to that which could be achieved by oral inflation before activating the fitted inflation system.
6.3.2 Apparatus
The following apparatus is required:
(a) A means of inflating a lifejacket with air through the oral inflation valve.
(b) A pressure-measuring device suitable for determining the pressure in the buoyancy chambers of a lifejacket.
6.3.3 Procedure
The procedure shall be as follows:
(a) Where fitted, disable the over pressure relief valve.