![]() ![]() A new lot must be started any time materials or production methods change. A lot cannot consist of more than 1,000 life jackets. The lot number usually contains in code the year and quarter of manufacture. Any changes to the label, no matter how small, require UL’s acceptance. B-8009” is UL’s reference number for this specific label. UL controls the entire contents of this label. Underwriters’ Laboratory performs extensive tests on the life jacket under the Coast Guard’s oversight. They now require the life jacket manufacturer to contract for this testing with a recognized sanctioned laboratory. Originally, the Coast Guard approved life jackets in-house. If it does not say “water ski” or “PWC” find one that does IMPORTANT NOTE : Look for a life jacket that is marked for the intended use. Unless a person is trained, hitting the water at 50 mph can provide a similar experience to hitting the pavement after falling out of a car at the same speed. Older PFDs may say ”impact tested” instead of ”strength tested” but this is no indication of personal protection from impact. No life jacket should be used for waterskiing or similar use unless it has been tested at least 50 mph. This disclaimer appears because many people mistake the structural integrity test for an endorsement of high speed use. Often a buckle will explode or a zipper seam will peel like a banana. Underwriters” Laboratory tests the structural integrity of the life jacket by placing it in a frame and dropping it into the water from a boat at six different angles. The solvents and heat used in the dry cleaning process can disintegrate the foam used for flotation. The regulation section numbers differ by type of life jacket being approved.Īll life jackets are required to have a “no dry cleaning” warning, which must be displayed in bold print. The first six-digits of the approval number 160.064 indicates the Federal Regulation under which the Coast Guard approved this life jacket. The “ML” is the stamp of the manufacturer”s inspector. It must include the boat sizes on which this life jacket may be used and the weight (more than 90 lbs.) of the person for which the life jacket is designed. Chest sizes are not used on all others.Īs required by Coast Guard regulations, this is the “approved use” section. Chest size is used on ADULT devices to further define the fit. Weight is used to define the basic size groups of INFANT 90 LBS. The designation “KAYAKING AND SAILING VEST” is the manufacturer”s suggested uses that do not necessarily limit this PFD to only those uses. This is the “intended use” statement as required by the Coast Guard. The new labeling is intended to clarify both the activities a jacket is designed for and how much life saving buoyancy it will carry. ![]()
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