Seat belt safety

This information provides the operational requirements and conditions for seatbelts in motor vehicles. All seat belts should be original equipment — as installed by the vehicle manufacturer — or compliant replacements.

Tongue and buckle assembly

Check the engagement of the tongue and buckle:

• The buckle and tongue assembly should securely latch together with only limited free play.
• The tongue should eject actively when released.
• There should be no visible cracks or other damage on the buckle


Example - damaged buckles



Example - damaged buckles

• The buckle cover must be in position and undamaged.
• The tongue should have no metal deformation or visible cracks on metal or plastic sections.

Pyrotechnical buckle pretensioner

If the pyrotechnical buckle pre-tensioner has fired, then the stalk cover will be deformed, and the buckle will sit low on the stalk. Both buckle and belt assemblies must be replaced.

Retractor

• Pull the belt out as far as it will go then release it. The belt should return all the way to the retractor without sticking, gripping, or stalling.
• The retractor should lock if the webbing is pulled out suddenly.

Webbing

• The webbing should be securely attached to its end fittings, displaying no stretching or pulled stitching.


Example - stretch damage
from a collision

• The webbing should be flat (untwisted and not tied in a knot) throughout its entire length.
• The webbing should not be:
  • frayed
  

  Example - fraying edge wear

  

  Example - excessive fraying
  with edge damage

  • burnt
  • rippled
  • split
  • torn
  • altered or modified.
• Look for severe fading as exposure to sunlight could reduce the strength; this could be apparent as visible texture change of the webbing fabric.

Note: The pictures shown above are examples only and not objective. The extent and type of damage will vary from one vehicle to another.

Anchorages

• Ensure all anchorages are securely attached and free from corrosion, distortion, cracks, fractures, or other damage likely to cause failure.
• All anchorages should be either:
  • original equipment (as installed by the vehicle manufacturer), or
  • approved fittings complying with Australian Design Rules (ADRs), or
  • comply with the requirements of Vehicle Standards Bulletin 5 (VSB 5) Manufacture and Installation of Additional Seats.
• Seat belt assembly should be securely fastened to the anchorages.

Vehicle Standards reference: MR1545.