Dynamic Tests

Dynamic Tests
Either of the following two procedures may be used to check the correct operation of the safety belts. Both methods require two people but note that people of larger than average size should not be asked to conduct these tests. This is to avoid the possibility of a fully unrolled safety belt webbing being mistaken for a correctly locked safety belt retractor.

Test Method 1 (braking)

WARNING: It is important that during this test, the wearer allows the safety belt to provide the restraint, the wearer should not attempt to anticipate the sudden deceleration and the driver should not brace themselves against the steering wheel. However, both the driver and the passenger must prepare themselves for the possibility that the safety belt will not lock. The passenger should hold their hands in front of them, just clear of the instrument panel or front seat backrest, depending on which belt is being tested. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.
- Select a quiet or private stretch of road. Make sure that the road is clear and that full visibility is maintained at all times.
- Both driver and passenger should adopt a normal, comfortable seating position. Both occupants should wear the safety belts and the safety belt webbing should be correctly adjusted.
- Proceed at a speed of approximately 10 km/h (6 miles/hour).
- Do not exceed 10 km/h (6 miles/hour) for this test
- Apply the foot brake sharply to stop the vehicle. If the vehicle motion sensitive lock mechanism is operating correctly, the safety belt webbing will lock and restrain the wearer.
- Conduct the test twice in each front and rear passenger seat position.
- Any safety belt retractor which does not restrain the wearer during this test must not be reused. A new safety belt should be installed.

Test Method 2 (Turning circle)
This method requires a flat open area of private road, sufficient for the vehicle to be driven in a continuous circle on full lock.
- The driver should wear the safety belt provided and the belt webbing should be correctly adjusted.
- The passenger should occupy a rear seat with the safety belt correctly adjusted.
- Start the engine and, with the steering on full right-hand lock, drive the vehicle in a continuous circle at 16 km/h (10 miles/hour).
- Do not exceed 16 km/h (10 miles/hour) for this test
- When the speed is stable, the passenger should attempt to slowly extract the safety belt webbing from each safety belt retractor in turn. If the vehicle motion sensitive lock mechanism is operating correctly, it will not be possible to extract the webbing.
- Any safety belt retractor from which it is possible to extract the webbing during this test must not be used. A new safety belt should be installed.

Safety Belt Webbing Sensor Test
With the vehicle stationary and on level ground take firm hold of the safety belt webbing (on the tongue side of the upper safety belt anchor) and pull out quickly. The retractor should lock within 0.25m (10 inches), preventing further webbing release. Any safety belt retractor from which it is possible to extract further webbing must not be used. A new safety belt should be installed.