StatA

Coast Guard, DOT

Pt. 164

must be conducted as a part of each
production test.
§ 163.003–29 Effective date and status
of prior approval.
(a) Approval certificates for pilot ladders issued under subpart 160.017 terminate on March 31, 1982.
(b) Applications for approval of pilot
ladders under this subpart will be accepted on and after December 31, 1982.
(c) In previous regulations, pilot ladders were referred to as Type I—Rope
Suspension Ladders.

PART 164—MATERIALS
Subpart 164.003—Kapok, Processed
Sec.
164.003–1
164.003–2
164.003–3
164.003–4
164.003–5

Applicable specifications.
Grades.
Material and workmanship.
Inspections and tests.
Procedure for approval.

164.009–7 Contents of application.
164.009–9 Procedure for approval.
164.009–11 Furnace apparatus.
164.009–13 Furnace calibration.
164.009–15 Test procedure.
164.009–17 Density measurement.
164.009–19 Measurement of moisture
volatile matter content.
164.009–21 Laboratory report.
164.009–23 Factory inspection.
164.009–25 Marking.

and

Subpart 164.012—Interior Finishes for
Merchant Vessels
164.012–1
164.012–5
164.012–10
164.012–11
164.012–12
164.012–13
tions.
164.012–14
164.012–15
ing.

Applicable specifications.
Scope.
Requirements.
Marking.
Recognized laboratory.
Examinations, tests, and inspecProcedure for listing and labeling.
Termination of listing and label-

Subpart 164.013—Foam, Unicellular Polyethylene (Buoyant, Slab, Slitted Trigonal Pattern)

Subpart 164.006—Deck Coverings for
Merchant Vessels
164.006–1 Applicable specifications.
164.006–2 Grades.
164.006–3 Construction, materials, and workmanship.
164.006–4 Inspection and testing.
164.006–5 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 164.007—Structural Insulations
164.007–1 Applicable specification and referenced material.
164.007–2 Purpose.
164.007–3 Conditions of approval.
164.007–4 Testing procedure.
164.007–5 Test requirements.
164.007–6 Test report.
164.007–7 Analysis of results.
164.007–8 Retests.
164.007–9 Procedure for approval.

164.013–1 Scope.
164.013–2 Incorporation by reference.
164.013–3 Material properties and workmanship
164.013–4 Samples submitted for acceptance.
164.013–5 Acceptance tests.
164.013–6 Production tests, inspections, and
marking.
164.013–7 Marking.

Subpart 164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular,
Buoyant, Sheet and Molded Shape
164.015–1 Applicable
specifications
standards.
164.015–2 Types.
164.015–3 Material and workmanship.
164.015–4 Inspections and tests.
164.015–5 Procedure for acceptance.

and

Subpart 164.018—Retroreflective Material
for Lifesaving Equipment

Subpart 164.008—Bulkhead Panels
164.008–1 Applicable specification and reference material.
164.008–2 Conditions of approval.
164.008–3 Testing procedure.
164.008–4 Test requirements.
164.008–5 Test report.
164.008–6 Retests.
164.008–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 164.009—Noncombustible
Materials for Merchant Vessels
164.009–1 General.
164.009–3 Noncombustible materials not requiring specific approval.

164.018–1 Scope.
164.018–3 Classification.
164.018–5 Specifications and standards incorporated by reference.
164.018–7 Approval procedures.
164.018–9 Design requirements.
164.018–11 Approval tests.
164.018–13 Production inspections.

Subpart 164.019—Personal Flotation Device
Components
164.019–1
164.019–3

329

Scope.
Definitions.

§ 164.003–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

164.019–4 Component requirements.
164.019–5 Standard components; acceptance
criteria and procedures.
164.019–7 Non-standard components; acceptance criteria and procedures.
164.019–9 Procedure for acceptance of revisions of design, process, or materials.
164.019–11 Certification (affidavits).
164.019–13 Production quality control requirements.
164.019–15 Component manufacturer records.
164.019–17 Recognized laboratory.

Subpart 164.023—Thread for Personal
Flotation Devices
164.023–1 Scope.
164.023–3 Specifications and standards incorporated by reference.
164.023–5 Performance; standard thread.
164.023–7 Performance; non-standard thread.
164.023–9 Samples submitted for acceptance.
164.023–11 Acceptance tests.
164.023–13 Production tests and inspections.
164.023–15 Marking.
AUTHORITY: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O.
12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277;
49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart 164.003—Kapok,
Processed
SOURCE: 11 FR 188, Jan. 3, 1946, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.003–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) There are no other specifications
applicable to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.003–2 Grades.
(a) Processed kapok shall be of but
one grade as in this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.003–3 Material and workmanship.
(a) The raw kapok fiber shall be long,
clean, creamy white in color, lustrous,
free from discoloration and adulteration with other fiber, and of a quality
equal to that grown in Java.
(b) Kapok shall be processed by teasing in a machine using the air-blow
method. Mechanical separation of fiber
masses is permitted, but machines
using violent beating which breaks
down the fibers or causes undue powdering or pulverizing are not permitted. Provision shall be made for
trapping seeds and heavy objects in

gravity traps and the dust or powder in
an efficient dust collector.
(c) Processed kapok shall have a
buoyancy in fresh water of at least 48
pounds per cubic foot when tested in
accordance with § 164.003–4(d). Rejected
kapok shall not be used in lifesaying
products inspected by the Coast Guard.
(d) The processed kapok shall contain
not more than 5 percent by weight of
sticks, seeds, dirt or other foreign material and shall be free from objectionable odor and adulteration with other
fibers.
§ 164.003–4 Inspections and tests.
(a) Kapok fibers to be used in a finished product subject to inspection by
the Coast Guard shall be subject to inspection and tests at the plant of the
manufacturer of such product, who
shall furnish the necessary testing
tank, test cages, and scales.
(b) Acceptance of kapok prior to
being incorporated into finished products, or during the course of manufacture, shall in no case be construed as a
guarantee of the acceptance of the finished product.
(c) Not less than a one-pound sample
from each 1,000 pounds of kapok shall
be tested for buoyancy by the inspector. At his discretion, the inspector
may select additional samples for tests
if deemed advisable.
(d) The buoyancy test shall be made
with 16 ounces of processed kapok uniformly packed in a rigid wire box or
cage with metal reinforced edges, and
submerged by weights in a tank of
fresh water to a depth of 12 inches
below the surface of the water, measurement made to the top of box, for 48
hours. The test box shall be cylindrical
in shape, and as nearly as practicable
1⁄3 cubic foot in volume, 4 inches deep,
13.54 inches diameter, all inside measurements; constructed of about 0.065
inch galvanized iron wire with about 1⁄4
inch mesh, and lined with about 0.007
inch copper wire screen about 18
meshes to the inch, to prevent the
kapok from pushing out through the
larger wire meshes. At the end of fortyeight hours submergence, the buoyancy
shall be determined by subtracting the
submerged weight of the box, accessory
weights and kapok from the submerged
weight of the box and weights without

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§ 164.006–4

the kapok, and dividing the remainder
by the volume of the kapok expressed
in cubic feet.
(e) Kapok fiber shall, at the option of
the inspector, be subjected to a microscopic examination to detect adulteration with other fiber.
(f) Processed kapok shall, at the option of the inspector, be subjected to
separation of kapok fibers from foreign
matter by hand, the portions of each
weighed, and percentage of foreign
matter computed for compliance with
§ 164.003–3(d).
§ 164.003–5 Procedure for approval.
(a) Processed kapok is not subject to
formal approval, but will be accepted
by the inspector on the basis of this
subpart for use in the manufacture of
lifesaving equipment utilizing it.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 164.006—Deck Coverings
for Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5,
1953, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.006–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) There are no other specifications
applicable to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.006–2 Grades.
(a) Deck coverings shall be of but one
grade as specified in this subpart, and
shall be known as ‘‘an approved deck
covering.’’
(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.006–3 Construction,
and workmanship.

materials,

(a) It is the intent of this specification to obtain a deck covering made
largely of incombustible materials
with low heat transmission qualities
which will produce a minimum of
smoke when exposed to high temperatures.
(b) Deck coverings shall be of such a
quality as to successfully pass all of
the tests set forth in § 164.006–4.
§ 164.006–4 Inspection and testing.
(a) All tests shall be conducted at the
National Bureau of Standards or other

laboratories designated by the Coast
Guard.
(b) Smoke tests. (1) A sample of each
thickness submitted shall be tested for
smoke emission. Each sample shall be
laid on a 1⁄4″×12″×27″ steel plate. Normal
protective coatings and deck attachments shall be incorporated in the
samples. Each sample shall be heated
in a furnace whose temperature is limited to the standard decking curve
reaching 1,325 degrees F. at the end of
one hour. Smoke observations shall be
made at intervals not greater than five
minutes during the one-hour period of
test.
(2) Instantaneous values of the percent of light transmission shall be calculated from the observations noted in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section. A plot
of light transmission values shall be
made using straight lines between instantaneous values.
(3) Any instantaneous value of 10 percent light transmission or less shall be
considered sufficient cause for rejection of a deck covering.
(4) Average values of light transmission shall be calculated for 15, 30,
and 60 minutes. Averages shall be an
arithmetic mean with values taken at
one minute intervals from the plotted
curve noted in paragraph (b)(2) of this
section. If any of the three average values of light transmission is less than
the values set forth below, it will be
considered sufficient cause for rejection of a deck covering:
15 minutes—90 percent light transmission.
30 minutes—60 percent light transmission.
60 minutes—50 percent light transmission.

(c) Fire resistance and integrity tests.
(1) A sample of each thickness submitted shall be tested for fire resistance
and integrity. Each sample shall be
laid on a 1⁄4″×12″×27″ steel plate. Normal
protective coatings and deck attachments shall be incorporated in the
samples. Each sample shall be heated
in a furnace whose temperature is controlled according to the standard fire
exposure curve reaching 1,700 degrees
F. at the end of one hour. Temperature
of the unexposed side as indicated by a
thermocouple under a 0.40 inch asbestos pad shall be observed at intervals
not greater than 5 minutes during the
one-hour period of test.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Data from these tests shall be
analyzed to determine the thicknesses
necessary to limit the average temperature rise on the unexposed surface
to 250 degrees F. above the original
temperature at the end of 15, 30, and 60
minutes.
(3) Excessive cracking, buckling, or
disintegration may be considered cause
for rejection.
(d) Organic carbon content test. (1) The
organic carbon content shall be determined and shall not exceed 0.12 gram
per cubic centimeter of the molded
deck covering.
(e) Spot check tests. (1) Deck coverings
are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, the
cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit any place
where deck coverings are manufactured to conduct any inspections or examinations deemed advisable and to select representative samples for further
examination, inspection or tests. The
marine inspector shall be admitted to
any place where work is done on deck
coverings or component materials.
(2) Manufacturers of approved deck
coverings shall maintain quality control of materials used, manufacturing
methods, and the finished product so as
to meet the requirements of this specification, and any other conditions outlined on the certificate of approval, but
the Coast Guard also reserves the right
to make spot-check tests of approved
deck coverings at any time on samples
selected by a marine inspector at the
place of manufacture or samples obtained from other sources in the field.
The manufacturer will incur no expense for such tests, but the results
shall be binding upon the approval of
his product. The manufacturer will be
advised in advance of the time of testing of the samples selected and may
witness the tests if he so desires.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9302, Sept. 30,
1961]

§ 164.006–5 Procedure for approval.
(a) If a manufacturer desires to have
a deck covering approved, a request
shall be presented to the Commandant
of the Coast Guard, together with the
following information:

(1) The trade name and designation of
the deck covering.
(2) The range of thicknesses in which
it is proposed to lay the deck covering
together with any information the
manufacturer may have as to maximum or minimum thicknesses.
(3) Description of method of attachment to or protection of the steel deck
together with the trade name and designation of adhesive or protective coating if used.
(4) A sample of the molded deck covering at least 6 inches square and 1⁄4
inch thick. This may or may not be attached to a backing material at the
manufacturer’s option.
(b) The material submitted will be
examined and the manufacturer advised as to the number and thicknesses
of samples to be submitted together
with the estimated cost of the tests.
(c) If the deck covering is indicated
as being suitable, the manufacturer
shall then submit the following:
(1) Two samples of each thickness to
be tested laid in the manner designated
on a 1⁄4″×12″×27″ steel plate for the purpose of the smoke test and fire resistance and integrity test noted in
§ 164.006–4 (b) and (c).
(2)
Sufficient
bulk
material
(unmixed) to lay a sample one inch
thick on an area of 12″×27″. If an adhesive or protective coating is used, a liberal sample shall be supplied.
(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the tests, he should so indicate at
this time.
(4) A commitment that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost of the tests when
billed by them.
(d) The above material will be submitted to the National Bureau of
Standards by the Coast Guard for testing. The tests noted in § 164.006–4 will
be conducted and a report submitted to
the Coast Guard.
(e) A copy of the test report will be
forwarded to the manufacturer and he
will be advised if his material is approved under this specification, and if
approved, in what thicknesses it may
be laid, and in what thicknesses it
must be laid to meet the requirements
for Class A–60 decks without the use of

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§ 164.007–4

any other insulating material. If approved, this information will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 61–62, 27 FR 180, Jan. 6,
1962]

Subpart 164.007—Structural
Insulations
SOURCE: CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29,
1969, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.007–1 Applicable
specification
and referenced material.
(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the
date of manufacture of the structural
insulation shall form a part of the regulations of this subpart (see §§ 2.75–17
through 2.75–19 of subchapter A (Procedures Applicable to the Public) of this
chapter:
(1) Coast Guard specification:
Subpart 164.009 of this part, Incombustible
Materials for Merchant Vessels.

(b) Technical reference. For guidance
purposes the technical reference may
be used, which is entitled American Society for Testing Materials Standard
E–119. ‘‘Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials’’, ASTM, 1916
Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.
(c) Copies on file. A copy of the specification listed in paragraph (a) of this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval and this specification. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to have the latest issue of the
specification on hand together with the
certificate of approval and approved
plans when manufacturing under this
specification subpart.
(1) The Coast Guard specification
may be obtained from the Commandant
(G–MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29, 1969, as
amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3,
1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.007–2 Purpose.
The purpose of this specification is to
set forth tests necessary to measure
the insulation value of structural insu-

lation specimens under fire exposure
conditions. The tests are not intended
to measure the integrity of structural
components of an assembly Insulation
meeting this specification is adequate
to limit the average temperature rise
of a steel bulkhead to 139 °C. (250 °F.) at
the end of a 60-minute standard fire
test.
§ 164.007–3 Conditions of approval.
(a) Structural insulation shall be of
such quality as to successfully meet
the requirements for an incombustible
material as set forth in subpart 164.009
of this part.
(b) Structural insulation shall be of
such quality and thickness as to successfully pass all of the tests set forth
in § 164.007–4, and the retests required
by § 164.007–8.
(c) The product shall be so marked as
to be readily identifiable to an inspector in the field. The marking shall include the Coast Guard approval number.
§ 164.007–4 Testing procedure.
(a) Tests. All tests, including the
retests, shall be conducted at the National Bureau of Standards or other
laboratories designated by the Coast
Guard.
(b) Test of physical properties. (1) Density measurement: The smallest sample for density measurements of solid
materials shall be 30 cm × 30 cm
(12″×12″) by the submitted thickness.
Length and width measurements shall
be made to the nearest 1 mm. (1⁄32″),
thickness to the nearest 0.25 mm.
(0.01″), allowance being made of any
nonflatness of the major surfaces of the
specimen. Measurements of dimensions
of fibrous insulations shall be made to
the nearest 1.5 mm. (1⁄16″) on a nominal
30 cm. (12″) cube assembled from sheets
of thickness as received. The average
of at least four measurements of each
dimension shall be reported. The
weight shall be determined with a scale
or balance sensitive and accurate to 0.5
percent or less of the total weight. The
dimensional and weight measurements
shall not be made until the sample has
been conditioned 1 week, or longer if
required to reach constant weight, in
an atmosphere at 23° ±1 °C. (73 °F.±2°)
and 50 percent relative humidity.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Transfer to a previously dried and
weighed wide-mouth weighing bottle
provided with a glass stopper. Remove
the stopper and heat the bottle and
sample at 105°±5 °C. (221°±9 °F.) for 4
hours, insert the stopper, cool and
weigh. Calculate the content of moisture and other volatiles as percent of
the final dry weight of the sample.
(c) Preparation of fire test specimens.
(1) The fire test specimens shall be conditioned to approximately constant
weight with air being maintained at a
relative humidity of 40 to 70 percent
and a temperature of 15° to 25 °C. (50° to
77 °F.). After conditioning, but before
testing, the temperature of the specimens shall not exceed 40 °C. (104 °F.).
(2) Representative samples of the
structural insulation, of a thickness or
thicknesses and density as specified in
§ 164.007–9(a)(5), shall be tested as part
of an assembly which forms a portion
of a vertical wall of a furnace. The assembly shall be at least 100 cm. × 150
cm. (40″×60″) in size. More than one
sample may be tested, see § 164.007–7.
(3) The specimens shall be attached
to a 5±0.3 mm. (3⁄16″) thick steel plate
and mounted in the furnace with the
steel plate forming the exterior wall of
the furnace. Any stiffening members on
the steel plate shall be installed on the
face not adjacent to the insulation.
Spacer strips of asbestos cement board
or similar material, up to 5 cm. (2″) in
width, shall be installed around the periphery of the panel. For fibrous insulations, the attachment to the steel
plate shall be made by means of 5 mm.
(0.19″) diameter steel pins on 30 cm.
(12″) centers covered by 18-gage, 4 cm.
(11⁄2″) mesh expanded metal. Alternate
methods will be given consideration.
For other materials, typical installation practice shall be used.
(d) Furnace control. (1) The furnace
temperature shall be determined by at
least
four
mineral
insulated
thermocouples having rapid response,
and distributed so as to represent fairly the furnace temperature and to insure as uniform heating as possible.
The thermocouples shall be arranged so
that the hot junction is approximately
10 cm. from the nearest point of the
specimen.
(2) The furnace temperature shall be
continuously controlled so as to follow

the standard time-temperature curve
within the accuracy specified in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.
(3) The standard time-temperature
curve is defined by a smooth curve
drawn through the following points:
At the beginning of the test, 20 °C. (68
At the end of the first 5 minutes,
(1,000 °F.).
At the end of the first 10 minutes,
(1,300 °F.).
At the end of the first 30 minutes,
(1,550 °F.).
At the end of the first 60 minutes,
(1,700 °F.).

°F.)
538 °C.
704 °C.
843 °C.
927 °C.

For a further definition of the timetemperature curve, see Appendix I of
the ASTM Standard E–119, ‘‘Fire Tests
of Building Construction and Materials’’.
(4) The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that the area under
the mean time-temperature curve is
within 15 percent of the area under the
standard time-temperature curve during the first 10 minutes of the test,
within 10 percent during the first onehalf hour, and within 5 percent for any
period after the first one-half hour. At
any time after the first 10 minutes of
the test the mean furnace temperature
shall not differ from the standard curve
by more than 100 °C. (180 °F.). Consideration will be given to adjusting the results for variation of the furnace exposure from that prescribed. If corrections are made, they shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in
the ASTM E–119.
(e) Temperature of unexposed surface.
For the unexposed surface temperature
measurement a thermocouple of 0.5
mm. (0.020″) diameter wires shall be
soldered centrally with high temperature solder to one surface of a disc of
copper 12 mm. in diameter and 0.2 mm.
thick. The discs shall be covered with
an oven-dry asbestos pad 50 mm. × 50
mm, and 4 mm. thick. The disc and the
pad may be fixed to the surface of the
steel plate by pins, tape, or a suitable
adhesive. The asbestos pad shall have a
density of approximately 1,000 kg./m. 3
and thermal conductivity of 0.11 kcal/
m/hr. × °C. at 100 °C. (212 °F.).
(f) Temperature observations. (1) All
observations shall be taken at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes. The surface temperature on the exterior side

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§ 164.007–7

of the steel plate shall be measured by
thermocouples located as follows:
(i) One thermocouple located approximately in the center of each quadrant
of
the
steel
plate
(four
thermocouples total).
(ii) One thermocouple close to the
center of the steel plate.
(iii) One thermocouple in way of or as
close as possible to one of the pins or
other through metallic connections (if
any) used for holding the insulation in
place.
(iv) Further thermocouples at the
discretion of the testing laboratory or
Coast Guard for the purpose of determining the temperature at points
deemed likely to give a greater temperature rise than any of the abovementioned thermocouples.
(2) The average temperature rise on
the unexposed surface shall be obtained
by averaging the readings of the
thermocouples mentioned in paragraphs (f)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section.
(g) Other observations. Throughout
the test observations shall be made of
all changes and occurrences, which are
not criteria of performance, but which
may create hazard in case of a fire; for
example the emission of appreciable
volumes of smoke or noxious vapors
from the unexposed side of the test
specimen. The specimen shall be examined after the test for changes that
have taken place and the information
shall be noted in the test report.
(h) Duration of testing. The test shall
be continued for at least one hour or
until the maximum surface temperature rise values noted in § 164.007–5(a)
have been reached, whichever occurs
later.
§ 164.007–5 Test requirements.
The insulation value of the specimens for the full scale test shall be
such that the average temperature of
the thermocouples on the unexposed
surface described in § 164.007–4(f)(2) will
not rise more than 139 °C. (250 °F.)
above the initial temperature, nor will
the temperature at any one point on
the surface, including any through metallic connection, rise more than 181
°C. (325 °F.) above the original temperature at the end of 60 minutes. The results obtained on the small scale test
2′×2′ (60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be recorded.

§ 164.007–6

Test report.

(a) The test report required shall contain at least the following:
(1) Name of manufacturer.
(2) Purpose of test.
(3) Test conditions and date of test.
(4) Description of the panel tested
giving the details of the assembly comprising a steel plate, insulation (thickness and density) spacer strips and fastening and the method of mounting the
panel assembly in the test furnace.
(5) Complete time-temperature data,
including initial temperature, for each
thermocouple together with curves of
average temperature for the unexposed
surface of the insulation and the thermocouple recording the highest temperature. In addition, for § 164.007–
9(g)(2),
complete
time-temperature
data consisting of a numerical timetemperature table for each furnace and
each surface of insulation thermocouple together with the initial temperature of each thermocouple.
(6) A log maintained by the owner
relative to deflections, cracking or
loosening of the insulation, smoke or
gas emission, glow, flame emission,
and any other important data. The
time of each observation should be
noted.
(7) Photographs of both sides of the
panel before and after testing.
(8) Summary of test results.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.007–7

Analysis of results.

(a) When only one sample is tested,
the results of the test shall be binding
and no analysis by the Coast Guard
will be undertaken.
(b) When more than one sample of
the same density material is tested simultaneously and the results are not
exact, the Coast Guard may analyze
the results. Data from the tests may be
analyzed to determine the minimum
thickness to meet the requirements of
§ 164.007–5(a).
(c) Consideration will be given to correction for inaccurate furnace control
in accordance with § 164.007–4(d)(4).
[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29, 1969; 34 FR
19030, Nov. 29, 1969]

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 164.007–8 Retests.
(a) Manufacturers of approved structural insulation shall maintain quality
control of materials used, manufacturing methods, and the finished product
utilizing appropriate quality control
testing so as to meet the requirements
of this specification, and any other
conditions outlined on the certificate
of approval. Structural insulation materials are not inspected at regularly
scheduled factory inspections; however,
approved materials are subject to
retest for continued compliance with
the requirements of this subpart on the
following basis:
(1) The Coast Guard may detail a marine inspector or other Coast Guard
designated inspector at any time to
visit any place where structural insulation is manufactured to conduct any
inspections or examinations deemed
advisable and to select representative
samples for further examination, inspection, or tests. The inspector shall
be admitted to any place where work is
done on structural insulation or component materials.
(2) At a frequency of not less than
once every 5 years following issuance
of approval, samples of an approved
material selected from production
stock shall be forwarded by the inspector to the Commandant for testing in
accordance with the requirements of
this subpart. Where the plant is outside
the jurisdiction of a Coast Guard District Commander, the frequency of
such testing shall be once every 2
years. The cost of such testing shall be
borne by the manufacturer. The nature
of the product or its production may
dictate a differing retest frequency.
(3) The Coast Guard reserves the
right to make spot-check tests of approved structural insulation at any
time on samples selected by a marine
inspector obtained during installation
on a vessel. The manufacturer will
incur no expense for such tests, but the
results, shall be binding upon the approval of his product.
(b) A small scale furnace test (2′×2′
furnace test 60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be
conducted. The time of failure shall
not vary from the original small scale
test values by more than 10 percent. In
addition tests shall be conducted to determine incombustibility (§ 164.009),

density and thickness. Values of retesting for density and thickness shall not
vary from the original test values by
more than 10 percent.
§ 164.007–9 Procedure for approval.
The following items shall be accomplished in sequential order.
(a) Test request information. If a manufacturer desires to have a structural insulation approved, a written request
shall be submitted to the Commandant
of the Coast Guard together with the
following:
(1) If the material has already been
approved as an incombustible material
under subpart 164.009 of this part, the
approval number of the material shall
be indicated. If not, the procedure set
forth in subpart 164.009 of this part
shall be followed; and such approval
shall be obtained prior to submittal
under this specification.
(2) A description and trade name of
the structural insulation.
(3) A statement of the composition of
the material and the percentage of
each component.
(4) A sample of the material at least
1 foot square in the thickness and density proposed by the manufacturer to
be tested. When more than one thickness of a material of the same density
is to be tested, only a sample of a single thickness need be submitted.
(5) The range of thicknesses and densities in which it is proposed to manufacture or use the material together
with any information or recommendations that the manufacturer may have
as to maximum or minimum thickness
or density.
(6) The location of the place or places
where the material will be manufactured.
(7) Description of attachment to or
protection of the bulkhead or deck. If
an adhesive is used, a liberal sample
shall be supplied.
(8) A sketch showing typical installation methods and indicating limitations if any.
(9) A general statement describing
manufacturing procedures indicating
the degree of quality control exercised
and the degree of inspection performed
by outside organizations.
(10) A statement indicating proposed
methods for field identification of the

336

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§ 164.008–1

products as being approved. Identification shall include the Coast Guard approval numbers.
(b) Test suitability. The above information will be examined by the Coast
Guard, and if it is indicated that the
material is in all respects suitable for
testing, the manufacturer will be so advised. Coast Guard comments on the
manufacturer’s recommended thickness and density of the sample or samples for the fire resistance test will be
given at this time, together with the
estimated cost of the required test.
(c) Samples to be submitted. If the material is indicated as being suitable for
testing, the manufacturer shall submit
a 100 cm. × 150 cm. (40″×60″) sample, a 30
cm. × 30 cm. (12″×12″) sample and a 60
cm. × 60cm. (24″×24″) sample for each
thickness and density proposed to the
Fire Research section of the National
Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC
20234, and shall advise the Coast Guard
of the shipment. A separate test will be
made for each density of the material
for which approval is desired.
(d) Pretest information. At this time
the manufacturer shall submit to the
Coast Guard the following:
(1) A statement that the material is
offered for testing as described pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section
is completely representative of the
product which will be manufactured
and sold under U.S. Coast Guard approval if such approval is granted and
that the shipbuilder will be advised of
the proper installation methods and
the limitations of the approval.
(2) A commitment that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost or review of the tests
when billed by them.
(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the test, he should so indicate at
this time.
(e) Test authorization. The National
Bureau of Standards will then be authorized to conduct the tests noted in
§ 164.007–4 and, upon completion of all
testing, the manufacturer will be billed
directly by the National Bureau of
Standards. Four copies of the test report containing the information required by § 164.007–6 will be submitted
to the Coast Guard.
(f) Notification of results. A copy of the
report will be forwarded to the manu-

facturer and he will be advised if his
material is approved under this subpart. If approved, any stipulations of
the approval will be specified. This information will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER, and a certificate of approval will be issued to the manufacturer.
(g) Other laboratories. (1) If the manufacturer desires to have the test conducted at some laboratory other than
the National Bureau of Standards, this
information shall be supplied at the
time of initial contact with the Coast
Guard. If the proposed laboratory is acceptable to the Coast Guard, the manufacturer will be so advised, and any
special testing requirements together
with any estimated cost of expenses incurred by the National Bureau of
Standards for their review will be specified at this time. The Coast Guard
shall be notified in advance of the date
of the test so that a representative
may be present.
(2) The laboratory shall submit four
copies of a detailed test report to the
Coast Guard together with representative samples of the material taken before and after testing. The test report
and samples will be examined by the
National Bureau of Standards for compliance with this subpart. The test report shall include the information required by § 164.007–6 together with any
other pertinent data.

Subpart 164.008—Bulkhead Panels
SOURCE: CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29,
1969, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.008–1 Applicable
specification
and reference material.
(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the
date of manufacture of the bulkhead
panel shall form a part of the regulations of this subpart (see §§ 2.75–17
through 2.75–19 of subchapter A, Procedures Applicable to the Public, of this
chapter):
(1) Coast Guard specification:
Subpart 164.009 of this part, Incombustible
Materials for Merchant Vessels.

(b) Technical reference. For guidance
purposes this technical reference may

337

§ 164.008–2

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

be used, which is entitled American Society for Testing Materials Standard
E–119, ‘‘Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials’’, ASTM, 1916
Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.
(c) Copies on file. A copy of the specification listed in paragraph (a) of this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval and this specification. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to have the latest issue of the
specification on hand together with the
certificate of approval and approved
plans when manufacturing under this
specification subpart.
(1) The Coast Guard specification
may be obtained from the Commandant
(G–MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29, 1969, as
amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3,
1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.008–2 Conditions of approval.
(a) Bulkhead panel material shall be
of such quality as to successfully meet
the requirements for an incombustible
material as set forth in subpart 164.009
of this part.
(b) Bulkhead panels used in Class B–
15 construction and as a component in
Class A–30 or Class A–15 construction
shall meet the thermal insulation requirements of § 164.008–4(a) for at least
15 minutes, and the integrity requirements of § 164.008–4(b) for at least 30
minutes.
(c) Bulkhead panels for use as a component in Class A–60 construction shall
meet the thermal insulation requirements of § 164.008–4(a) for at least 15
minutes and the integrity requirements of § 164.008–4(b) for at least 60
minutes.
(d) The product shall be so marked as
to be readily identifiable to an inspector in the field. The marking shall include the Coast Guard approval number.
(e) The specimen to be tested shall be
representative of the typical installation on board a vessel and any limitations shall be shown on the sketch required by § 164.008–7(a)(7).

(f) The bulkhead panel shall successfully pass the retests required by
§ 164.008–6.
§ 164.008–3

Testing procedure.

(a) Tests. All tests, including the
retests, shall be conducted at the National Bureau of Standards or other
laboratories designated by the Coast
Guard.
(b) Preparation of test specimen. (1)
The test specimens shall be conditioned to approximately constant
weight with the air being maintained
at a relative humidity of 40 to 70 percent and a temperature of 15° to 25 °C.
(59° to 77 °F.). After conditioning, but
before testing, the temperature of the
specimen should not exceed 40 °C. (104
°F.).
(2) The specimens shall be mounted
in the furnace in a vertical position in
such a way as to give an exposed surface of at least 4.65 square meters (50
square feet) and a height of at least 2.44
meters (8 feet).
(3) The specimen shall be supported
at the top and secured on the vertical
sides and at the bottom in a manner
representative of conditions in service.
If provision for movement at the edges
of a bulkhead panel is made for a particular construction in service, the
specimen should stimulate these conditions.
(4) The method of securing shall be
such that there is no possibility of misinterpretation of test results due to the
passage of flame at the edges of the
specimen when the method of fixing is
not the subject of the test.
(c) Furnace control. (1) The furnace
temperature shall be determined by at
least
four
mineral
insulated
thermocouples having rapid response
and distributed so as to represent fairly the furnace temperature and to insure as uniform heating as possible.
The thermocouples shall be arranged so
that the hot junction is approximately
10 cm. (4″) from the nearest point of the
specimen.
(2) The furnace temperature shall be
continuously controlled so as to follow
the standard time-temperature curve
within the accuracy specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

338

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.008–3

(3) The standard time-temperature
curve is defined by a smooth curve
drawn through the following points:
At the beginning of the test, 20 °C. (68
At the end of the first 5 minutes,
(1,000 °F.).
At the end of the first 10 minutes,
(1,300 °F.).
At the end of the first 30 minutes,
(1,550 °F.).
At the end of the first 60 minutes,
(1,700 °F.).

°F.).
538 °C.
704 °C.
843 °C.
927 °C.

For a further definition of the timetemperature curve, see Appendix I of
the ASTM Standard E119, ‘‘Fire Tests
of Building Construction and Materials’’.
(4) The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that the area under
the mean time-temperature curve is
within 15 percent of the area under the
standard curve during the first 10 minutes of the test, within 10 percent during the first one-half hour, and within
5 percent for any period after the first
one-half hour. At any time after the
first 10 minutes of the test the mean
furnace temperature shall not differ
from the standard curve by more than
100 °C. (180 °F.). Consideration will be
given to adjusting the results for variation of the furnace exposure from that
prescribed. If corrections are made,
they shall be in accordance with the
procedures set forth in ASTM E–119.
(5) The pressure in the furnace shall
be equal to that in the laboratory at
about one-third of the height of the
specimen.
(d) Temperature of unexposed surface.
For the unexposed surface temperature
measurement, a thermocouple of 0.5
mm. (0.020″) diameter wires shall be
soldered centrally with high temperature solder to one surface of a disc of
copper 12 mm. diameter and 0.2 mm.
thick. The discs shall be covered with
an oven-dry asbestos pad 50 mm. × 50
mm. and 4 mm. thick. The disc and the
pad may be fixed to the surface of the
specimen by pins, tape or a suitable adhesive, depending on the nature of the
specimen material. The asbestos pad
shall have a density of approximately
1,000 kg./m. 3 and thermal conductivity
of 0.11 kcal./m./hr. × C. at 100 °C. (212
°F.).
(e) Flame penetration. (1) Where
cracks or openings are formed during

the test, an ignition test as prescribed
in § 164.008–4(b) shall take place immediately after the appearance of cracks
or damage, followed by similar tests at
frequent intervals. The purpose of the
test is to indicate whether cracks and
openings formed during the test are
such that they would lead to passage of
flame.
(2) The cotton wool used for the tests
prescribed in § 164.008–4(b) shall consist
of new undyed soft fibers without any
admixture of artificial fibers, and shall
be free from thread, leaf, and shell
fiber dust. A suitable material for this
purpose is sold in the form of rolls for
surgical use. A pad shall be cut measuring 10 cm. × 10 cm. approximately 2
cm. thick and weighing between 3 and
4 grams. It shall be oven-dried prior to
the test. The pad shall be attached by
means of wire clips to a 10 cm. × 10 cm.
frame of 1 mm. diameter. A wire handle
approximately 75 cm. long attached to
the frame would facilitate its use on
the specimen.
(3) When testing for cracks or openings during the test, the pad shall be
held in a vertical position facing the
crack or opening with the aperture located in a central part of the cotton
wool. The pad may be reused if it has
not absorbed any moisture or become
charred during the previous application.
(f) Temperature observations. (1) All
observations shall be taken at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes. The surface temperatures on the unexposed
side of the test specimen shall be measured by thermocouples located as follows:
(i) One thermocouple located approximately in the center of each quadrant
of
the
steel
plate
(four
thermocouples total).
(ii) One thermocouple close to the
center of the test specimen, but away
from the joint, if any.
(iii) At least one thermocouple at the
vertical joint of the test specimen.
(iv) Further thermocouples at the
discretion of the testing laboratory or
Coast Guard for the purpose of determining the temperature at points
deemed likely to give a greater temperature rise than any of the above
mentioned thermocouples.

339

§ 164.008–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) The average temperature rise on
the unexposed surface shall be obtained
by averaging the readings of the
thermocouples mentioned in paragraphs (f)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section.
(g) Other observations. Throughout
the test, observations shall be made of
all changes and occurrences, which are
not criteria of performance but which
may create hazard in case of a fire; for
example the emission of appreciable
volumes of smoke or noxious vapors
from the unexposed side of the test
specimen. The specimen shall be examined after the test for changes that
have taken place and the information
shall be noted in the test report.
(h) Duration of testing. The test shall
be continued for at least 30 minutes to
meet the requirements of § 164.008–2(b)
or at least 60 minutes to meet the requirements of § 164.008–2(c). In either
case, the test shall be continued until
the maximum surface temperature rise
values noted in § 164.008–4(a) have been
reached, or until cracks which lead to
flaming as specified in § 164.008–4(b) are
formed.
§ 164.008–4 Test requirements.
(a) Thermal insulation: The insulation value of the specimens for the full
scale test shall be such that the average temperature of thermocouples on
the unexposed surface described in
§ 164.008–3(f)(2) will not rise more than
139 °C. (250 °F.) above the initial temperature, nor will the temperature at
any point on the surface, including any
joint, rise more than 225 °C. (405 °F.)
above the initial temperature at the
end of 15 minutes. When failure is due
to excessive temperature rise on the
joint, consideration will be given to alternate joint construction. The results
obtained on the small scale test (2′×2′)
(60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be recorded.
(b) The test shall determine the
length of time, up to one hour, that the
bulkhead panel, including the joint can
withstand the passage of flame. Cracks
and openings shall not be such as to
lead to flaming of a cotton wool test
pad as prescribed in § 164.008–3(e)(3) held
facing the aperture at about 25 mm. for
a period of 30 seconds. If no flaming occurs, the pad shall be removed and reapplied after a suitable interval.

§ 164.008–5

Test report.

(a) The test report required by
§ 164.008–7 (e) and (g) shall include at
least the following:
(1) Name of manufacturer.
(2) Purpose of test.
(3) Test conditions and date of test.
(4) Description of the panel tested
giving size, thickness, density, detail of
joint and method of assembling in test
furnace.
(5) Complete time-temperature data,
including initial temperature, for each
thermocouple together with curves of
average temperature for the unexposed
surface of the insulation and the thermocouple recording the highest temperature. In addition, for § 164.008–
7(g)(2) complete time-temperature data
consisting of a numerical time-temperature table for each furnace and
each surface of insulation thermocouple together with the initial temperature of each thermocouple.
(6) A log setting forth the observer’s
notes relative to deflections, smoke or
gas emission, glow, flame emission,
and any other important data. The
time of each observation should be
noted.
(7) Complete observations on the appearance of cracks and data on the
testing of the cracks as specified in
§ 164.008–4(b).
(8) Photographs of both sides of the
panel before and after testing.
(9) Summary of test results.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29, 1969; 34 FR
19030, Nov. 29, 1969]

§ 164.008–6

Retests.

(a) Manufacturers of approved bulkhead panels shall maintain quality control of materials used, manufacturing
methods, and the finished product utilizing appropriate quality control testing so as to meet the requirements of
this specification, and any other conditions outlined on the certificate of approval. Bulkhead panels are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory
inspections; however, approved bulkhead panels are subject to retest for
continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart on the following
basis:

340

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.008–7

(1) The Coast Guard may detail a marine inspector or other Coast Guard
designated inspector at any time to
visit any place where bulkhead panels
are manufactured to conduct any inspections or examinations deemed advisable and to select representative
samples for further examination, inspection, or tests. The inspector shall
be admitted to any place where work is
done on bulkhead panels or component
materials.
(2) At a frequency of not less than
once every 5 years following issuance
of approval, samples of an approved
bulkhead panel selected from production stock shall be forwarded by the inspector to the Commandant for testing
in accordance with the requirements of
this subpart. Where the plant is outside
the jurisdiction of a Coast Guard District Commander, the frequency of
such selection and testing shall be
every 2 years. The cost of such testing
shall be borne by the manufacturer.
The nature of the product or its production may dictate a differing retest
frequency.
(3) The Coast Guard reserves the
right to make spot-check tests of approved bulkhead panels at any time on
samples selected by a marine inspector
obtained during installation on a vessel. The manufacturer will incur no expense for such tests, but the results
shall be binding upon the approval of
his product.
(b) A small scale furnace test (2′x 2′
furnace test) shall be conducted. The
time of failure shall not vary from the
original (2′×2′ furnace) test values by
more than 10 percent. In addition, tests
shall be conducted to determine incombustibility (§ 164.009), density and
thickness. Values on retesting for density and thickness shall not vary from
the original test values by more than
10 percent.
§ 164.008–7 Procedure for approval.
The following items shall be accomplished in sequential order.
(a) Test request information. If a manufacturer desires to have a bulkhead
panel approved, a written request shall
be submitted to the Commandant of
the Coast Guard, together with the following:

(1) If the material has already been
approved as an ‘‘Incombustible Material’’ under subpart 164.009 of this part,
the approval number of the material
shall be indicated. If not, the procedure
set forth in subpart 164.009 of this part
shall be followed; and such approval
shall be obtained prior to submittal
under this specification.
(2) The description and trade name of
the bulkhead panel.
(3) A statement of the composition of
the material and the percentage of
each component.
(4) A sample of the material at least
1 foot square in each thickness and
density of the material as manufactured.
(5) The range of thicknesses and/or
densities in which it is proposed to
manufacture or use the material, together with any information or recommendations the manufacturer may
have as maximum or minimum thickness or density.
(6) The location of the place or places
where the material will be manufactured.
(7) A sketch showing typical installation
methods
and
indicating
limtations, if any.
(8) A general statement describing
manufacturing procedures indicating
the degree of quality control exercised
and the degree of inspection performed
by outside organizations.
(9) A statement indicating proposed
methods for field identification of the
products as being approved. Identification shall include the Coast Guard approval number.
(b) Test suitability. The above information will be examined by the Coast
Guard and if it is indicated that the
material is in all other respects suitable for testing, the manufacturer will
be so advised. Coast Guard comments
on the manufacturer’s recommended
thickness and density of the panel for
the fire resistance and integrity test
will be given at this time together with
the estimated cost of the tests.
(c) Samples to be submitted. If the material is indicated as being suitable for
testing, the manufacturer shall submit
the samples required by paragraph
(c)(1) of this section to the Fire Research Section of the National Bureau
of Standards, Washington, DC 20234,

341

§ 164.009–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

and shall advise the Coast Guard of the
shipment.
(1) One representative panel of the
material having a surface approximately 4.65 square meters (50 square
feet) and a height of 2.44 meters (8 feet)
containing at least one vertical joint,
located at approximately one-third
panel width from one edge (20–24
inches), and one representative panel of
the material having 60 cm. × 60 cm.
(2′×2′) dimensions. If the manufacturer
desires to submit the panel in thickness or size other than that recommended, prior approval shall be obtained from the Commandant. The
manufacturer shall supply any labor
required for fabrication of the panel
and for attaching the panel to the
frame for testing.
(d) Pretest information. At this time
the manufacturer shall submit to the
Coast Guard the following:
(1) A statement that the material as
offered for testing and as described pursuant to § 164.008–6(a)(3) is completely
representative of the product which
will be manufactured and sold under
U.S. Coast Guard approval if such approval is granted and that the shipbuilder will be advised of the proper installation methods and the limitations
of the conditions of approval.
(2) A commitment from the manufacturer that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost
of the tests or review when billed by
them.
(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the test, he should so indicate at
this time.
(e) Test authorization. The National
Bureau of Standards will then be authorized to conduct the test noted in
§ 164.008–4(a) and, upon completion of
all testing, the manufacturer will be
billed directly by the National Bureau
of Standards, four copies of the report
containing the information required by
§ 164.008–5 shall be submitted to the
Coast Guard.
(f) Notification of results. A copy of the
report will be forwarded to the manufacturer, and he will be advised if his
material is approved under this subpart. If approved, any stipulations of
the approval will be specified. This information will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER, and a certificate of ap-

proval will be issued to the manufacturer.
(g) Other laboratories. (1) If the manufacturer desires to have the tests conducted at some laboratory other than
the National Bureau of Standards, this
information shall be supplied at the
time of initial contact with the Coast
Guard. If the proposed laboratory is acceptable to the Coast Guard, the manufacturer will be so advised and any special testing requirements together with
an estimated cost of expenses incurred
by the National Bureau of Standards
for their review will be specified at this
time. Payment will be made as noted
in paragraph (d)(2) of this section. The
Coast Guard shall be notified in advance of the date of the test so that a
representative may be present.
(2) The laboratory shall submit four
copies of a detailed test report to the
Coast Guard, together with representative samples of the material being
taken before and after testing. The test
report and samples will be examined by
the National Bureau of Standards for
compliance with this subpart. The test
report shall include the information required by § 164.008–5 together with any
other pertinent data.

Subpart 164.009—Noncombustible
Materials for Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGD 74–129, 41 FR 41701, Sept. 23,
1976, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.009–1

General.

(a) This subpart contains—
(1) Procedures for approval of noncombustible materials used in merchant vessel construction;
(2) The test and measurements required for approval of materials; and
(3) A list of noncombustible materials for which specific approval under
this subpart is not required.
(b) The test and measurements described in this subpart are conducted
by a laboratory designated by the Commandant. The following laboratories
are so designated:
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 333
Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL
60062

342

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.009–11

Dantest, National Institute for Testing
and Verification, Amager Boulevard 115, DK 2300 Copenhagen S.,
Denmark
[CGD 74–129, 41 FR 41701, Sept. 23, 1976, as
amended by CGD 86–035, 54 FR 36316, Sept. 1,
1989]

§ 164.009–3 Noncombustible materials
not requiring specific approval.
The following noncombustible materials may be used in merchant vessel
construction though not specifically
approved under this subpart:
(a) Sheet glass, block glass, clay, ceramics, and uncoated fibers.
(b) All metals, except magnesium and
magnesium alloys.
(c) Portland cement, gypsum, and
magnesite concretes having aggregates
of
only
sand,
gravel,
expanded
vermiculite, expanded or vesicular
slags, diatomaceous silica, perlite, or
pumice.
(d) Woven, knitted or needle punched
glass fabric containing no additives
other than lubricants not exceeding 2.5
percent.
[CGD 86–035, 54 FR 36316, Sept. 1, 1989]

§ 164.009–7 Contents of application.
An application for approval of a material under this subpart must contain
the following:
(a) The trade name of the material.
(b) The thickness or density, or both,
of the material, or the range of
thicknesses or densities, or both, of the
material as manufactured.
(c) The composition of the material.
(d) The density and percentage of
moisture and volatile matter of each
component of the material.
(e) The address of the factory manufacturing the material.
(f) A sample representative of the
material that is 305 mm long and 305
mm wide and that has a height equal
to the largest thickness of the material
as manufactured.
(g) If the applicant intends to observe
the test and measurements of the sample, a statement to that effect.
(h) A commitment by the applicant
to pay for the cost of the test and
measurements when billed by the designated laboratory.

§ 164.009–9 Procedure for approval.
(a) An application for approval of a
material under this subpart must be
sent to the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
(b) The application is examined by
the Coast Guard to determine the probability that the material meets the requirements for approval. The Coast
Guard notifies the applicant of the results of the examination and of the
sample size necessary for submission to
the designated laboratory.
(c) The designated laboratory notifies the applicant of the time and place
for submission and testing of the sample.
(d) The designated laboratory conducts the tests and measurements of
the sample in accordance with the procedures in this subpart, prepares a test
report, and sends four copies of the report to the Commandant (G–MSE). The
applicant may observe the test and
measurements.
(e) The Commandant sends a copy of
the test report to the applicant and advises him whether the material is approved. If the material is approved, an
approval certificate is sent to the applicant.
[CGD 74–129, 41 FR 41701, Sept. 23, 1976, as
amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3,
1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.009–11 Furnace apparatus.
(a) The test furnace apparatus consists of a furnace tube, stabilizer, draft
shield, furnace stand, temperature coil
controls with a voltage stabilizer, specimen holder, specimen insertion device,
and three thermocouples (a furnace
thermocouple to measure furnace temperature, a surface thermocouple to
measure temperature at the surface of
a specimen, and a specimen thermocouple to measure temperature at the
center of a specimen). A detailed plan
of the construction and arrangement of
the furnace apparatus may be obtained
from the Commandant (G–MSE).
(b) Temperatures measured by the
thermocouples are recorded by an instrument having a measuring range
that corresponds to the temperature
changes that occur during a furnace

339

§ 164.009–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

calibration or test. The temperature
recording equipment is accurate to
within at least 0.5 percent of temperatures recorded during a test.
[CGD 74–129, 41 FR 41701, Sept. 23, 1976, as
amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3,
1983; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.009–13 Furnace calibration.
A calibration is performed on each
new furnace and on each existing furnace as often as necessary to ensure
that the furnace is in good working
order. In each calibration the energy
input to the furnace is adjusted so that
the furnace thermocouple gives a
steady reading of 750±10 °C. The wall
temperature of the furnace tube is then
measured by an optical micro-pyrometer at intervals of 10mm on 3 equally
spaced vertical axes. The furnace is
correctly calibrated if the temperature
of the furnace tube wall is between 825
and 875 °C. 50 mm above and below the
midline of the wall and if the average
wall temperature is approximately 850
°C.
§ 164.009–15 Test procedure.
(a) General. Paragraphs (b) through
(k) of this section contain the test procedures for each material submitted
for approval, except fiberglass and
other materials that melt at 750°±10 °C.
Paragraph (l) of this section contains
test procedures for fiberglass and other
materials that melt at 750°±10 °C.
(b) Preparation of specimens. (1) The
designated laboratory prepares 5 cylindrical specimens representative of the
properties of the sample submitted for
testing. The dimensions of each specimen are as follows:
diameter: 45(+2/¥0) mm
height: 50±3 mm
volume: 80±5 cm 3

(2) If the height of the sample, except
a composite material, is less than 47
mm, the specimens prepared consist of
layers of the sample.
(3) If the sample is a composite material and has a height that is not
50±3mm, the layers of the specimen
prepared are proportional in thickness
to the layers of the sample.
(4) The top and bottom faces of each
specimen prepared are the faces of the
material as manufactured.

(5) If it is not practicable to prepare
a specimen by the procedures described
in paragraphs (b)(2) through (b)(4) of
this section, the test is performed on
five specimens of each component of
the sample made to the dimensions
prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section.
(c) Conditioning of specimen. Each
specimen is conditioned for at least 20
hours in a ventilated oven maintained
at 60±5 °C. and is then cooled to room
temperature in a desiccator.
(d) Weight of specimen. The weight of
each conditioned specimen after cooling is determined before it is tested.
(e) Placement of specimen in holder.
After a specimen is conditioned and
weighed, it is placed in the specimen
holder. A specimen that is made of layers of a composite material is held
firmly together in the specimen holder.
(f) Attachment of thermocouples. After
the specimen is placed in the specimen
holder, the thermocouples are attached
to the specimen as follows: A vertical
hole with a diameter of 2 mm and a
depth that is half the height of the
specimen is made in the center of the
top of the specimen. The specimen
thermocouple is then inserted into the
hole so that its hot junction is at the
center of the specimen. The surface
thermocouple is put in contact with
the surface of the specimen at its midheight.
(g) Preparation of the apparatus. The
apparatus is examined to determine
whether it is in good working order and
to ensure that the equipment is protected against drafts and is not exposed
to direct sunlight or artificial illumination. The furnace temperature is
stabilized at 750 °C.±10 °C. and kept at
that temperature for the duration of
the test. The furnace temperature is
stabilized when no adjustments are
needed in the energy input to the furnace to keep the temperature constant.
(h) Insertion of specimen. After the
furnace temperature is stabilized for at
least 10 minutes, the specimen is inserted into the furnace. The insertion
is completed within 5 seconds. The
specimen is positioned so that the hot
junction of the surface thermocouple is
diametrically opposite the hot junction
of the furnace thermocouple.

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§ 164.009–17

(i) Heating period. The heating period
begins upon insertion of the specimen
into the furnace and continues for 20
minutes, or until peak temperatures
have passed.
(j) Test observations. Temperature
measurements at each thermocouple
are made at intervals of not more than
10 seconds during the heating period,
and note is taken of the occurrence and
duration of any flaming. At the end of
the heating period, the specimen is removed from the furnace and weighed
while still hot.
(k) Test results. Material is approved
under this subpart if the test results of
the sample submitted are within the
following limits:
(1) The highest temperature recorded
for each specimen during the test by
the furnace thermocouple, when averaged with the highest temperatures recorded for the other specimens, is not
more than 50 °C. above the stabilized
furnace temperature.
(2) The highest temperature recorded
for each specimen during the test by
the surface thermocouple, when averaged with the highest temperatures recorded for the other specimens, is not
more than 50 °C. above the stabilized
furnace temperature.
(3) The duration of flaming of each
specimen during the test, when averaged with duration of flaming recorded
for the other specimens, is not more
than 10 seconds.
(4) The average weight loss of the
specimens after heating is not more
than 50 percent of their average weight
after conditioning.
(l) Fiberglass and other materials that
melt at 750 °C.±10 °C. If the material
submitted for approval is fiberglass or
other material that melts at 750°±10
°C., it is tested as described in paragraphs (b) through (k) of this section,
except the average weight loss of the
sample is determined as follows:
(1) Five cylindrical specimens in addition to the five cylindrical specimens
required in paragraph (b) of this section are prepared as described in paragraph (b) of this section.
(2) Each of the additional specimens
is placed on a weighing dish and both
the specimen and the weighing dish are
conditioned as described in paragraph
(c) of this section.

(3) The weight of each specimen and
its weighing dish is determined as described in paragraph (d) of this section.
(4) After a specimen and weighing
dish are conditioned and weighed, they
are placed in the specimen holder with
the specimen supported by weighing
dish. No specimen thermocouple or surface thermocouple is attached to the
specimen.
(5) The apparatus is prepared as described in paragraph (g) of this section,
and after the furnace temperature has
stabilized for at least 10 minutes, the
specimen and weighing dish are inserted into the furnace. The specimen
and weighing dish are then heated for
20 minutes or until peak temperatures
have passed. At the end of the heating
period, the specimen and weighing dish
are removed from the furnace and
weighed while still hot.
(6) The average weight loss of the
specimens after heating may not be
more than 50 percent of their average
weight before heating.
§ 164.009–17 Density measurement.
(a) The measurements described in
this section are made to determine the
density of a sample.
(b) If the sample is a solid material,
a specimen that has a length of 305
mm, a width of 305 mm, and thickness
equal to that of the sample is prepared.
The length and width are measured to
the nearest 0.80 mm and the thickness
to the nearest 0.25 mm. Allowance is
made for any irregularity in the surfaces of the specimen. The average of
at least four measurements of each dimension is determined.
(c) If the sample is fibrous insulation,
a specimen is prepared from sheets of
the sample submitted. The sample is a
cube and each dimension is 305 mm±1.60
mm. The average of at least four measurements of each dimension is determined.
(d) The weight of a specimen is determined with a sensitive balance scale
accurate to at least 0.5 percent of the
weight of the specimen.
(e) The dimension and weight measurements of a specimen are made after
it has been conditioned for at least one
week, and for any additional time
needed for the specimen to reach a constant weight, in an atmosphere that is

345

§ 164.009–19

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

22.8 °C.±2 °C. and 50 percent ±5 percent
relative humidity.
§ 164.009–19 Measurement of moisture
and volatile matter content.
(a) The measurements described in
this section are made to determine the
moisture and volatile matter content
of a sample.
(b) A specimen cut from the density
specimen of a sample is conditioned for
at least one week, and for any additional time needed for the specimen to
reach a constant weight, in an atmosphere that is 22.8 °C.±2 °C., and 50 percent ±5 percent relative humidity. The
conditioned specimen is then weighed
and transferred to a previously weighed
wide mouth weighing bottle that has a
glass stopper. With the stopper removed, the bottle, stopper, and specimen are heated at 105 °C.±5 °C. for four
hours. After four hours, the stopper is
inserted in the bottle and the bottle
and sample are cooled and weighed.
(c) The content of moisture and volatile matter is the difference between
the two weighings and is reported as a
percentage of the weight of the conditioned specimen.

(2) Each observation of flame emission and the time and duration of each
emission.
§ 164.009–23

§ 164.009–25

Marking.

The manufacturer must mark each
shipping container for an approved
noncombustible material with the approval number and date of approval of
the material.

Subpart 164.012—Interior Finishes
for Merchant Vessels

§ 164.009–21 Laboratory report.
The laboratory report of the test and
measurements of a material contains
the following:
(a) Name of the designated laboratory.
(b) Name of manufacturer of the material.
(c) Date of receipt of the material
and dates of the test and measurements.
(d) Trade name of the material.
(e) Description of the material.
(f) Density of the sample.
(g) Percentage of moisture and volatile matter in the sample.
(h) Description of the specimens tested if the specimens are prepared from
composite material.
(i) If the test was done on individual
components of the sample, a description of the components.
(j) Test results including the following:
(1) Complete time and temperature
data for each thermocouple.

Factory inspection.

The Coast Guard does not inspect
noncombustible materials approved
under this subpart on a regular schedule. However, the Commander of the
Coast Guard District in which a factory is located may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit a factory
where a noncombustible material is
manufactured to conduct an inspection
of the manufacturing and quality control procedures and to select representative samples of the material for examination or tests to verify that the material is as stated in the original application for approval. The manufacturer
is advised in advance of the time of
testing samples selected and may witness the tests upon request.

§ 164.012–1

Applicable specifications.

(a) The following specifications, of
the issue in effect on the contract date
for the particular installation on any
vessel, form a part of this subpart:
(1) American Society for Testing Materials’ standard: E 84–50T—Tentative
Method of Fire Hazard Classification
for Building Materials.
(2) National Fire Protection Association’s standard: NFPA No. 255—Method
of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
(3)
Coast
Guard
specifications:
164.008—Bulkhead Panels for Merchant
Vessels. 164.009—Incombustible Materials for Merchant Vessels.
(b) A copy of this subpart, together
with copies of the specifications referred to in this section, shall be kept
on file by the manufacturer of any Interior Finish except those qualifying
under § 164.012–5(c). It should be noted
that the standards listed in paragraphs

346

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§ 164.012–12

(a) (1) and (2) of this section are identical and, therefore, only one need to
be kept on file. The Coast Guard specifications may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001. The American Society for Testing
Materials Standards may be purchased
from that society at 1916 Race Street,
Philadelphia, Pa., 19103. The National
Fire Protection Association Standard
may be purchased from that association at 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy,
MA 02269.
[CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9303, Sept. 30, 1961, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10903, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.012–5 Scope.
(a) The purpose of this specification
is to set forth the fire protection standards for ‘‘Interior Finishes’’ applied to
‘‘Bulkhead Panels’’ or ‘‘Incombustible
Materials’’ approved under subpart
164.008 or 164.009 of this subchapter. The
term ‘‘Interior Finish’’ means any
coating, overlay, or veneer except
standard paint which is applied for decorative or other purpose. It includes
not only the visible finish, but all material used in its composition and in its
application to the approved ‘‘Bulkhead
Panel’’ or ‘‘Incombustible Material.’’
When finishes are applied to both sides
of a panel, each must comply with this
specification.
(b) ‘‘Interior Finishes’’ of not more
than 0.075″ thickness qualifying under
§ 164.012–10 and those materials which
are described in paragraph (c) of this
section, may be used without restriction on all merchant vessels, including
those locations where combustible veneers, trim, moldings, and decorations
are specifically prohibited by subpart
72.05 of subchapter H (Rules and Regulations for Passenger Vessels) of this
chapter.
(c) With the exception of nitrocellulose or other highly inflammable or
noxious fume-producing paints or lacquers (which are prohibited), a limited
number of coats of any standard paint,
or any ‘‘Incombustible Material’’ approved under subpart 164.009 of this
subchapter in any thickness, or a combination thereof, are considered as

automatically satisfying the intent of
this specification and no test or proof
of compliance will be required. Paint
may be applied to one or both sides of
‘‘Bulkhead Panels’’ or ‘‘Incombustible
Materials,’’ but it shall never be applied as an internal layer in sandwich
or laminar construction.
[CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9303, Sept. 30, 1961]

§ 164.012–10

Requirements.

(a) For an ‘‘Interior Finish’’ to qualify under this specification it shall not
be more than 0.075 inch thick (including adhesive and any underlayment)
and shall be subjected to the test described in either standard listed in
§ 164.012–1(a) (1) or (2). The ‘‘Interior
Finish’’ shall be applied to a 1⁄4-inch asbestos
cement
board,
‘‘Bulkhead
Panel’’ or ‘‘Incombustible Material’’
approved under subparts 164.008 and
164.009, in the same manner as will be
employed for the shipboard installation. The classification ratings determined by this test shall not exceed the
following values:
Flame spread classification ........................
Smoke classification ..................................

20
10

(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970]

§ 164.012–11

Marking.

In addition to that information required by the recognized laboratory,
the following information and special
markings shall be included:
Complies with USCG subpart 164.012. Approval No. 164.012/—.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970]

§ 164.012–12

Recognized laboratory.

A recognized laboratory is one which
is operated as a nonprofit public service and is regularly engaged in the examination, testing, and evaluation as
to the safety of insulation and surfacing materials; which has an established
factory inspection, listing, and labeling
program; and which has standards for
evaluating listing and labeling which
are acceptable to the Commandant.
The following laboratories are recognized:
Underwriters’ Laboratories, Inc.
333 Pfingston Road

347

§ 164.012–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Northbrook, IL 60062–2096
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 164.012–13 Examinations, tests, and
inspections.
(a) Manufacturer’s inspection and tests.
Manufacturers of listed and labeled Interior Finishes shall maintain quality
control of the materials used, manufacturing methods and the finished product so as to meet the applicable requirements, and shall make sufficient
inspections and tests of representative
samples and components produced to
maintain the quality of the finished
product. Records of tests conducted by
the manufacturer and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers
that applicable requirements are met,
entering into manufacture shall be
made available to the recognized laboratory inspector or the Coast Guard
marine inspector, or both, for review
upon request.
(b) Laboratory inspection and tests.
Such examinations, inspections and
tests as are required by the recognized
laboratory for listed and labeled material produced will be conducted by the
laboratory inspector at the place of
manufacture or other location at the
option of the laboratory.
(c) Test facilities. The laboratory inspector, or the Coast Guard marine inspector assigned by the Commander of
the District in which the factory is located, or both, shall be admitted to any
place in the factory where work is
being done on listed and labeled products, and either or both inspectors may
take samples of parts or materials entering into construction of final assemblies, for further examinations, inspections, or tests. The manufacturer shall
provide a suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of
the tests which are done at the place of
manufacture.
(d) Additional tests, etc. Unannounced
examinations, tests, and inspections of
samples obtained either directly from
the manufacturer or through commercial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for
listing and labeling, or to determine
conformance of a labeled product to
the applicable requirements. These

may be conducted by the recognized
laboratory or the U.S. Coast Guard.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970]

§ 164.012–14 Procedure for listing and
labeling.
(a) Manufacturers having a surfacing
material which they consider has characteristics suitable for general use on
merchant vessels may make application for listing and labeling as an interior finish by addressing a request directly to a recognized laboratory. The
laboratory will inform the submitter as
to the requirements for inspection, examinations, and testing necessary for
such listing and labeling. The request
shall include a permission for the laboratory to furnish a complete test report together with a description of the
quality control procedures to the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
(b) The U.S. Coast Guard will review
the test report and quality control procedures to determine if the approval
requirements have been met. If this is
the case, the Commandant will notify
the laboratory that the material is approved and that when the material is
listed and labeled it may be marked as
being U.S. Coast Guard approved. Notice of U.S. Coast Guard approval will
be published in CG–190.
(c) If disagreements concerning procedural, technical or inspection questions arise over U.S. Coast Guard approval requirements the opinion of the
Commandant shall be requested by the
laboratory.
(d) The manufacturer may at any
time request clarification or advice
from the Commandant on any question
which may arise regarding manufacturing and approval of approved devices.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970]

§ 164.012–15 Termination of listing and
labeling.
(a) Listing and labeling as an interior
finish acceptable to the Commandant
as approved may be terminated, withdrawn, canceled, or suspended by written notice to the recognized laboratory
from the Commandant, or by written
notice to the manufacturer from the
recognized laboratory or from the Commandant.

348

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.013–5

(b) The condition which may be the
cause for termination of listing and labeling may be any of the following:
(1) When the manufacturer does not
desire to retain the service.
(2) When the listed product is no
longer being manufactured.
(3) When manufacturer’s own program does not provide suitable assurance of the quality of the listed and labeled product being manufactured.
(4) When the product manufactured
no longer conforms to the current applicable requirements of the U.S. Coast
Guard and the recognized laboratory.
(5) When service experience or laboratory or U.S. Coast Guard reports indicate a product is unsatisfactory.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19967, Dec. 30, 1970]

Subpart 164.013—Foam, Unicellular Polyethylene (Buoyant,
Slab, Slitted Trigonal Pattern)
SOURCE: CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51216, Sept. 30,
1997, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.013–1 Scope.
(a) This subpart contains performance requirements, acceptance tests,
and production testing and inspection
requirements for polyethylene foam
used in the construction of personal
flotation devices (PFDs) approved
under part 160 of this subchapter. Manufacturers shall also comply with the
requirements of subpart 164.019 of this
chapter.
(b) All polyethylene foams accepted
under this subpart are non-standard
components.
Acceptance
of
polyethylene foam prior to being incorporated into finished PFDs, or during
the course of manufacture, shall in no
case be construed as a guarantee of the
acceptance of the finished PFD.
§ 164.013–2 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than the one
listed in paragraph (b) of this section,
notice of change must be published in
the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made available to the public. All

approved material incorporated by reference may be inspected at the Office
of the FEDERAL REGISTER, 800 North
Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC 20002, and at the U.S. Coast
Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G-MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593–
0001, and is available from the source
indicated in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart,
and the sections affected are as follows:
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., P.O. Box
13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–
3995 (Phone (919) 549–1400; Facsimile: (919)
549–1842).
UL 1191, Standards for Components for Personal Flotation Devices, May 16, 1995—
164.013–3; 160.013–5.

1(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and letter of acceptance shall
be kept on file by the manufacturer.
§ 164.013–3 Material properties and
workmanship.
(a) General. The unicellular polyethylene foam shall be all new material complying with the requirements
outlined in this specification. Unicellular polyethylene foam must comply
with the requirements of UL 1191, sections 24, 25, and 26 and its assigned Use
Code. Thickness tolerances of the foam
must permit the manufacture of PFDs
complying with their required buoyancy tolerances.
(b) Use Codes 4BC, 4H. Each foam
which has a C-factor of at least 94 according to UL 1191 may be assigned Use
Codes 4BC and 4H.
(c) Use Codes 2, 3, 5R. Each foam
which has a V-factor of at least 85 according to UL 1191 may be assigned Use
Codes 2, 3, 5R (recreational use applications).
§ 164.013–4 Samples submitted for acceptance.
Application samples. A product sample
submitted for acceptance as required
by § 164.019–7(c)(4) must consist of at
least one square foot by the thickness
of foam produced.
§ 164.013–5 Acceptance tests.
Manufacturers shall ensure that the
performance and identification tests

349

§ 164.013–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

described in UL 1191, as appropriate,
are performed on a minimum of five
samples in each of the lightest and
darkest colors submitted for acceptance by a recognized laboratory accepted under § 164.019.
§ 164.013–6 Production tests, inspections, and marking.
Manufacturers shall provide in-plant
quality control of polyethylene foam in
accordance with the requirements of
§ 164.019–13 and any requirements of the
recognized laboratory. The manufacturer of the foam has primary responsibility for quality control over the
production of the foam.
§ 164.013–7 Marking.
(a) General. The manufacturer must
ensure that each shipping label, and
each unit of put-up, is permanently and
clearly marked in a color which contrasts with the color of the surface on
which the marking is applied. Each
label must be marked with —
(1) The manufacturer’s or supplier’s
name, trade name, or symbol;
(2) The unique style, part, or model
number of the material;
(3) The thickness of the material;
(4) The lot number of the material;
and
(5) The product Use Code or Codes.
(b) Each unit of put-up must be
marked with the appropriate recognized laboratory’s certification marking(s).

Subpart 164.015—Plastic Foam,
Unicellular, Buoyant, Sheet
and Molded Shape
SOURCE: CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11593, Sept. 10,
1965 unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.015–1 Applicable
specifications
and standards.
(a) Specifications. The following specification and standard, of the issue in
effect on the date the plastic foam material is manufactured, form a part of
this subpart:
(1) Military specification:
MIL–F–859—Fuel Oil, Boiler.

(2) Federal specification:
C–C–91—Candle illuminating.

(3) Federal standard:

Standard 601—Rubber: Sampling and Testing.

(4) A.S.T.M. standard:
D1692T—Flammability of Plastic Foam and
Sheeting.

(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and standards referred to in
this section shall be kept on file by the
plastic foam manufacturer with this
subpart.
(1) The Federal Specification and the
Federal Standard may be purchased
from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC, 20407.
(2) The Military Specification may be
obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
(3) The A.S.T.M. Standard may be
purchased from the American Society
for Testing Materials, 1916 Race Street,
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11593, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 65–64, 31 FR 563 Jan. 18,
1966]

§ 164.015–2

Types.

(a) Unicellular expanded polyvinyl
chloride-acetate copolymer or synthetic rubber modified polyvinyl chloride, polymer or copolymer plastic
foam shall be of three types as follows:
Type A—for life preservers, buoyant vests or
buoyant cushions.
Type B—for buoyant vests or buoyant cushions.
Type C—for ring life buoys.

(b) [Reserved]
§ 164.015–3

Material and workmanship.

(a) The unicellular plastic foam shall
be all new material complying with the
requirements of this specification. The
results of the tests described in
§ 164.015–4 shall yield property values
within the limits shown in Table
164.015–4(a).
(b) The unicellular plastic foam shall
be produced in sheet stock or molded
shapes.
§ 164.015–4

Inspections and tests.

(a) General. Unicellular plastic foam
to be used in a finished product subject
to inspection by the Coast Guard also
shall be subject to inspection at the
plant where the foam is manufactured.

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§ 164.015–4

The manufacturer of the foam has primary responsibility for quality control
over the production of the foam. A marine inspector shall be admitted to any
place in the factory where production
or partial processing of the foam takes
place, and he may take samples of the
foam or other materials for further inspections or tests. The manufacturer
shall provide a suitable place and the

apparatus necessary for the performance of certain tests to be witnessed by
the marine inspector, the results of
which shall comply with Table 164.015–
4(a). Unless otherwise specified, all
tests shall be conducted at a temperature of 21°±3 °C. (70°±5 °F.) The properties listed in Table 164.015–4(a) shall
be determined on specimens of sheet
foam or molded shapes.

TABLE 164.015–4(A)
Type A

Type B

Density (maximum)

Properties

164.015–4(b)

Test method

Pounds/feet3

Units

5.0

5.0

Type C
8.5

Buoyancy in fresh water (minimum)

164.015–4(c)

Pounds/feet3

54.0

54.0

52.0

Volume loss on heat aging (maximum).

164.015–4(d)

Percent

Compression deflection at 25 percent.

164.015–4(e)

P.s.i.

Compression set (maximum)

164.015–4(f)

Fire retardance (maximum)

164.015–4(g)(1)

5.0

5.0

4.0

3.0
max.

3.0
max.

7.0
min.

Percent

24

24

20

Seconds

2

............

30

Inches

1

............

3

............

4

............

164.015–4(g)(2)

Inches per minute

Tensile strength (minimum)

164.015–4(h)

P.s.i.

30

20

60

Ultimate elongation (minimum)

164.015–4(h)

Percent

75

75

............

Water absorption (maximum)

164.015–4(i)

Pounds/feet 2

.06

.06

.06

Flexibility at 0±2F
164.015–4(j)
No cracking
No cracking
Oil resistance

164.015–4(k)

(1)

(1)

(1)

Odor

164.015–4(l)

(2)

(2)

(2)

1 No

softening or swelling.
2 Not objectionable.

(b) Density. The density of the material shall be determined by dividing the
weight of the material by its volume
and shall be expressed in pounds per
cubic foot. The volume shall be determined by measuring the volume of
water displaced by the material or by
direct measurement of the specimen
using vernier calipers reading to 0.001
inch A sheet specimen 4″×4″×thickness
furnished shall be used unless the foam
is molded shape, then the largest single
piece so molded shall be used.
(c) Buoyancy in fresh water—(1) Specimens. The buoyancy test shall be made
with a sample of the sheet material
measuring 12″×12″×thickness of mate-

rial furnished or with the largest molded shape furnished.
(2) Procedure. Securely attach a
spring scale in a position directly over
a test tank. Suspend a weighted wire
basket from the scale in such a manner
that the basket can be weighed while
completely submerged in water. Proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty basket under
water.
(ii) Place the sample inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of
the basket is at least 2 inches below
the surface of the water. Allow the
samples to remain submerged for 24
hours.

351

§ 164.015–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(iii) After 24 hours submergence period, weigh the wire basket with the
sample inside while both are still under
water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section minus
(c)(2)(iii) of this section. The resulting
value is divided by the volume of the
polyvinyl chloride foam expressed in
cubic feet. The final result is in lbs./cu.
ft.
(d) Volume loss on heat aging—(1) Specimen. Test specimens shall consist of
pieces 4″×4″×the thickness of the material furnished. Where the foam is an object of molded shape, the largest single
piece so molded shall be used for this
test.
(2) Procedure. Volume before and
after the heat aging test shall be determined by measuring the volume of
water displaced by the material. The
specimens shall be placed in an oven
maintained at 140°±2 °F., for a period of
one week. At the end of that period the
specimens shall be removed from the
oven and allowed to recover in the open
for 5 hours at 70°±2 °F. before the measurement of final volume is made. The
test shall be run in triplicate, the results averaged and the percentage of
volume loss calculated.
(e) Compression deflection. Compression deflection shall be determined in
accordance with method 12151 of Federal Standard 601, except that the deflection shall be maintained at 25 percent with automatic or manual control, and the load observed and recorded 60 seconds after the 25 percent
deflection is reached.
(f) Compression set—(1) Specimens. The
specimens shall have parallel top and
bottom surfaces which shall be at right
angles to the side surfaces. The specimen may be cylindrical or rectangular.
The minimum dimension across the top
shall be at least 1.0 times the thickness
and the top a minimum of 1 square
inch in area, and a maximum of 16
square inches in area.
(2) Apparatus. The apparatus shall
consist of a compression device with
two parallel plates, between which the
test specimen shall be compressed by
means of four studs and nuts. The
plates may be steel, aluminum or any
rigid smooth metal of sufficient thickness to withstand the required com-

pression stresses without bending. The
surfaces against which the test specimens are held shall be smooth and
shall be thoroughly cleaned and wiped
dry before each test. Metal shims inserted between the plates shall be used
to limit the compression of the specimen.
(3) Procedure. Thickness, before and
after the compression set test shall be
measured as specified in paragraph
(h)(1) of this section. The test specimens shall be compressed 25% of the
original thickness for 22 hours. At the
end of that period, the test specimens
shall be removed from the set apparatus and allowed to rest for 24 hours
before measurement of final thickness
is made. The compression set shall be
calculated by means of the following
formula:
Compression set (percent) = [(ho ¥ hi) ÷ (ho
¥ hs)]×100
(1)
where:
ho=the original thickness.
hi=the thickness 24 hours after removal from
apparatus.
hs=the test compression thickness.

(g) Fire retardance—(1) Types A and C
foams. The test specimens shall be 1⁄4
inch in thickness, 1 inch in width and
approximately 6 inches in length. The
specimens shall be clamped at one end
in a position such that the long dimension forms a 45° angle with the horizontal and with the widths in a vertical
position. A bunsen burner with a 1 inch
yellow flame shall be applied to the
lower or free end of the specimen for 15
seconds. The burner shall then be removed and the time that the specimen
continues to burn after removal of the
burner shall be recorded as burning
time. The length of char shall also be
recorded. The test shall be performed
in a location free from drafts. The average results of three determinations
shall be reported. A plain wax candle
equivalent to those meeting Federal
Specification C–C 91 may be substituted for the bunsen burner.
(2) Type B foam. The test specimens
shall be 1⁄2 inch in thickness, 2 inches
in width and approximately 6 inches in
length. The specimens shall be tested
in accordance with American Society
for Testing Materials Designation D–
1692T specification standard.

352

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§ 164.015–5

(h) Tensile strength and the ultimate
elongation—(1) Specimens. The test
specimens shall be dumbbell shaped,
conforming in shape to die I of method
4111 of Standard FED–STD–601. The
thickness of the specimen shall be 1⁄4
inch. Two specimens shall be taken
from the center of the sample piece and
two from one side, keeping the skin
surface intact. The thickness shall be
measured to the nearest 0.001 inch by a
suitable measurement device such as a
vernier caliper with a sliding vernier to
read 0.001 inch. Care shall be taken not
to compress or distort the specimen
when measuring. The specimens taken
from the center will be skinless; the
others will have skin on one side. Oneinch bench marks shall be placed midway on the constricted portion of the
tensile specimen.
(2) Procedure. (i) The tensile strength
of the specimens shall be determined in
a standard tensile testing machine
with a rate of separation of jaws set at
2 inches per minute. The bench marks
shall be followed with a suitable pair of
dividers until the specimen ruptures. A
minimum of 4 specimens shall be tested and if any specimen breaks at the
clamp or any specimen exhibits any obvious defects, the results obtained
therewith shall be discarded. A new
similar specimen shall then be prepared and tested. The tensile strength
shall be calculated by dividing the
breaking load (to the nearest 0.1 pound)
by the original area of the cross section of the specimen in square inches
and the result shall be expressed in
pounds per square inch. The percent ultimate elongation shall be calculated
as follows:
D1 ¥ D ÷ D × 100
(2)
where:
D = distance between knife edges of bench
marker.
D1 = distance between bench marks at moment of rupture to the nearest 1⁄32 inch.

(3) Averaging determinations. The tensile strength in pounds per square inch
and percent ultimate elongation of four
determinations shall be averaged for
each sample.
(i) Water absorption—(1) Specimens.
Test specimens shall be 4″×4″ square
and approximately 1″ in thickness. The
specimen may have the natural skin on
the top and bottom surfaces.

(2) Procedure. The specimens shall be
weighed and submerged in water under
a 10-foot head of water (equal to 4.35
psi) at room temperature (65°–95 °F.)
for 48 hours. The specimens shall then
be placed in a stream of air for the
minimum time required to remove visible water from the surface, and reweighed. The results shall be calculated in terms of pounds of water
gain per square foot of total exposed
surface.
(j) Flexibility—(1) The size of the specimen shall be approximately 1′×8′ with
a thickness of 1⁄4′±1⁄16″. The test specimens and equipment shall be conditioned for at least 4 hours at 0 °F. ±2
°F., and bent 180° around a 1⁄2″ diameter
steel mandril within 5 seconds at the
test temperature. Care shall be taken
to avoid warming the test specimens,
particularly at or near the bend point,
in performing the test.
(k) Oil resistance—(1) Specimens. The
test specimens shall be a disk approximately 1″ in diameter and 1″ (approximately) in thickness.
(2) Procedure. The specimen shall be
immersed in fuel oil conforming to
Navy special grade of Specification
MIL–F–859 for 70 hours. The specimen
shall then be removed, dipped in alcohol and blotted with filter paper. The
specimen shall then be compared to an
untreated specimen of similar size for
apparent softness and visible swelling.
(l) Odor. The odor of unicellular polyvinyl chloride foam shall be determined by sniffing.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11593, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 65–64, 31 FR 563, Jan. 18,
1966]

§ 164.015–5 Procedure for acceptance.
(a) Unicellular plastic foam is not
subject to formal approval, but will be
accepted by the Coast Guard on the
basis of this subpart for use in the
manufacture of lifesaving equipment
utilizing it.
(b) Upon receipt of an application requesting acceptance, the Commander
of the Coast Guard District will detail
a marine inspector to the factory to
observe the production facilities and
manufacturing methods and to select
from foam already manufactured sufficient sample material for testing for
compliance with the requirements of

353

§ 164.018–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

this specification. A copy of the marine
inspector’s report, together with the
sample material and one copy of an
independent laboratory test report will
be forwarded to the Commandant and if
satisfactory notice of acceptance will
be given to the manufacturer.
(c) Acceptance of unicellular plastic
foam prior to being incorporated into
finished products, or during the course
of manufacture, shall in no case be construed as a guarantee of the acceptance
of the finished products.
(d) The manufacturer of the foam
shall provide the manufacturer of the
lifesaving equipment with an affidavit
certifying that the foam conforms to
all of the requirements of this subpart.

Subpart 164.018—Retroreflective
Material for Lifesaving Equipment
SOURCE: CGD 76–028, 44 FR 38786, July 2,
1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.018–1 Scope.
This subpart prescribes design requirements, approval tests, and procedures for approving retroreflective material used on lifesaving equipment.
§ 164.018–3 Classification.
The following types of retroreflective
material are approved under this specification:
(a) Type I—Material used on flexible
surfaces and rigid surfaces, except rigid
surfaces that are continuously exposed.
(b) Type II—Weather resistant material used on continuously exposed rigid
surfaces.
§ 164.018–5 Specifications and standards incorporated by reference.
(a) The following federal and military specifications and standards are
incorporated by reference into this subpart:
(1) Federal Specification L–P–375 C
(April 23, 1970), entitled ‘‘Plastic Film,
Flexible, Vinyl Chloride’’, as amended
by Amendment 2 of December 2, 1976.
(2) Federal Specification L–S–300 B
(July 12, 1974), entitled ‘‘Sheeting and
Tape, Reflective: Nonexposed Lens, Adhesive Backing.’’
(3) Federal Specification CCC–C–426 D
(August 12, 1970), entitled ‘‘Cloth, Drill,
Cotton.’’

(4) Federal Specification CCC–C–443 E
(December 2, 1974), entitled ‘‘Cloth,
Duck, Cotton (Single and Plied Filling
Yarns, Flat).’’
(5) Federal Test Method Standard
141a (September 1, 1965), entitled
‘‘Paint, Varnish, Lacquer and Related
Materials; Methods of Inspection, Sampling and Testing.’’ (Method 6141
‘‘Washability of Paints’’, and Method
6142 ‘‘Scrub Resistance’’ as amended
May 1, 1974).
(6) Federal Test Method Standard 370
(March 1, 1977), entitled ‘‘Instrumental
Photometric
Measurements
of
Retroreflective
Materials
and
Retroreflective Devices.’’
(7) Military Specification MIL–C–
17415 E (April 16, 1964), entitled ‘‘Cloth,
Coated, and Webbing, Inflatable Boat
and Miscellaneous Use’’, as amended by
Amendment 5 of April 26, 1976.
(8) Military Specification MIL–R–
21607 D (August 5, 1976), entitled ‘‘Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire-retardant.’’
(9) Military Specification MIL–C–
43006 E (March 24, 1978), entitled ‘‘Cloth
and Strip Laminated, Vinyl Nylon
High Strength, Flexible.’’
(b) Federal and military specifications and standards may be obtained
from Customer Service, Naval Publications, Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Ave.,
Philadelphia, Pa. 19120. These materials are also on file in the Federal
Register library.
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on June 14, 1979.
(d) When changes are made to a specification or standard incorporated by
reference into this subpart, the effective date for its use will be the effective date set by the issuing authority
unless otherwise determined by the
Coast Guard.
§ 164.018–7

Approval procedures.

(a) An application for approval of
retroreflective material must be sent
to the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
(b) Each application for approval
must contain—(1) The name and address of the applicant;

354

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.018–9

(2) Two copies of plans or specifications of the material;
(3) A detailed description of the quality control procedures used in manufacturing the material; and
(4) A test report containing observations and results of approval testing
conducted.
(c) The Commandant advises the applicant whether the retroreflective material is approved. If the material is approved, an approval certificate is sent
to the applicant.
[CGD 76–028, 44 FR 38786, July 2, 1979, as
amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3,
1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.018–9 Design requirements.
(a) Type I retroreflective material
must be capable of being attached to
lifesaving equipment either by sewing
it to the equipment or by means of an
adhesive. Type II material must be capable of being attached to lifesaving
equipment either by mechanical fasteners or by an adhesive.
(b) The following information must
be stated on retroreflective material or
on the package in which it is supplied
to a user:
(1) Each surface to which the retroreflective material is designed to be attached.
(2) The instructions for attaching the
material to each surface described in
paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(c) When retroreflective material designed for use with an adhesive is tested in accordance with the ‘‘adhesion’’
test method listed in § 164.018–11, the
material must not peel for a distance
of more than 5 cm (2 in.).
(d) When dry material is tested in accordance with the ‘‘reflective intensity’’ test method listed in § 164.018–11,
the reflective intensity of the material
must be equal to or greater than the
values for reflective intensity listed in
Table 164.018–9.
(e) When wet material is tested in accordance with the ‘‘reflective intensity
during rainfall’’ test method listed in
§ 164.018–11, the reflective intensity of
the material must be at least 90 percent of the values listed in Table
164.018–9.

(f) The reflective intensity of material after testing in accordance with
the ‘‘resistance to accelerated weathering’’ test method listed in § 164.018–11
must be at least 50 percent of the values listed in Table 164.018–9.
(g) After testing in accordance with
the ‘‘fungus resistance’’ test method
listed in § 164.018–11, retroreflective material must not support fungus growth,
and the reflective intensity of the material must be equal to or greater than
the values for reflective intensity listed in Table 164.018–9.
(h) The reflective intensity of materials after testing in accordance with
the ‘‘resistance to water immersion’’
test method described in § 164.018–11,
must be equal to or greater than the
values listed in Table 164.018–9, except
that retroreflectivity is not required in
the area extending outward 5 mm (0.2
inches) from each side of the cuts made
in the material.
(i) The reflective intensity of material after testing in accordance with
the ‘‘abrasion resistance’’ test method
described in § 164.018–11(b)(2), must be
at least 50 percent of the values listed
in Table 164.018–9
(j) After retroreflective material is
tested in accordance with the ‘‘soil resistance and cleanability’’ test method
described in § 164.018–11(b)(3) the material must not have any visible damage
or permanent soiling.
(k) Except as provided in paragraphs
(c) through (j) of this section,
retroreflective material when tested in
accordance with the test methods listed in § 164.018–11 must meet the requirements prescribed for those test methods in Federal Specification L–S–300.
TABLE 164.018–9—REFLECTIVE INTENSITY
Divergence angle 1
(Observation
angle) 2

Incidence angle 1
(Entrance
angle) 2

0.2° ......................
.2° ........................
.2° ........................
.5 .........................
.5 .........................
.5 .........................
2.0° ......................
2.0° ......................
2.0° ......................

¥4°
+30°
+45°
¥4°
+30°
+45°
¥4°
+30°
+45°

Reflective intensity 1
(Specific intensity
per unit area) 2
150
75
50
57
33
25
2.5
2.0
1.0

1 These terms are described in Federal Specification L–S–
300.
2 These terms are described in Federal Test Method Standard 370.

355

§ 164.018–11

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 164.018–11 Approval tests.
(a) Retroreflective material submitted for Coast Guard approval must
be tested in accordance with the following test methods described in Federal Specification L–S–300:
(1) Test conditions.
(2) Test panels.
(3) Adhesion test method using a 0.79
kg (1.75 lb.) test weight, except that
one test panel must be immersed in
distilled water in a covered container
for 16 hours before the weight is applied and the other test panel must be
immersed in salt water (4% NaCl by
weight) in a covered container for 16
hours before the weight is applied.
(This test method is required only for
retroreflective material that is designed for use with an adhesive. If a
particular test panel used in testing results
in
a
test
failure,
the
retroreflective material will not be approved for attachment to material of
the type used as the test panel. The
retroreflective material may nevertheless be approved for use with other
types of material depending on the results of testing with the other panels.
See paragraph (d) of this section for a
listing of tests panels used.)
(4) Flexibility at standard conditions
test method, except that when testing
Type I material—
(i) The material must be unmounted;
(ii) A 1.5 mm (1⁄16-inch) mandrel must
be used in place of the mandrel described in the test method; and
(iii) After testing at standard conditions, the material must be placed in a
chamber at a temperature of ¥18 °C. (0
°F.) for at least 1 hour and then retested in the chamber at that temperature.
(5) Reflective intensity.
(6) Resistance to accelerated weathering test method and subtest methods
‘‘reflective intensity after accelerated
weathering,’’ ‘‘reflective intensity during rainfall,’’ and ‘‘adhesion after accelerated weathering.’’ (The ‘‘adhesion
after accelerated weathering’’ test
method is required only for materials
designed for use with an adhesive. The
‘‘resistance to accelerated weathering’’
test method must be performed for 250
hours, if testing Type I material, and
for 1,000 hours if testing Type II material.)

(7) Resistance to heat, cold, and humidity.
(8) Fungus resistance.
(b) Retroreflective material submitted for approval must also be tested
as follows:
(1) Resistance to water immersion. Two
test panels are used. The test panels
and test conditions must meet paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this section.
The retroreflective material on each
test panel is cut with a sharp knife
from each corner to the corner diagonally opposite so that an ‘‘X’’ is
formed. The cuts must be made completely through the material to the
metal panel. One panel is immersed in
distilled water in a covered container.
The other panel is immersed in salt
water (4% NaCl by weight) in a covered
container. After 16 hours in water, the
panels are removed from the containers, rinsed of deposits, and dried.
Reflective intensity values at the angles listed in Table 164.018–9 must be
measured within 2 hours after removal
of the panels from the water. When
measuring the reflective intensity values, the area within 5 mm (0.2 in.) of either side of the ‘‘X’’ cuts, and within 5
mm of the cut edges of the material,
must not be counted.
(2) Abrasion resistance. One test panel
is used. The panel and test conditions
must meet paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2)
of this section. The test apparatus
must meet Federal Test Method Standard 141, Method 6142, except that the
brush must be dry. One thousand brush
strokes are applied to the material.
The test panel is then wiped with a
clean soft cloth. Thereafter, the reflective intensity of the area of the material in contact with the brush is measured at the angles listed in Table
164.018–9.
(3) Soil resistance and cleanability. One
panel is used. The test panel and test
conditions must meet paragraphs (a)(1)
and (a)(2) of this section. A soiling medium is applied to the material as described in Federal Test Method Standard 141, Method 6141. The soiled area is
then covered with a laboratory watch
glass or similar device. After 24 hours,
the material is uncovered and the soil
medium wiped off with a clean, dry,
soft cloth. The material is then wetted
with mineral spirits and wiped with a

356

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.019–3

cloth soaked in mineral spirits. Thereafter, it is washed with a 1 percent (by
weight) solution of detergent in warm
water and rinsed and dried with a
clean, dry, soft cloth.
(c) Each measurement of reflective
intensity required in paragraphs (a),
(b)(1), and (b)(2) of this section must be
made using either—
(1) The L–S–300 procedure for measuring reflective intensity; or
(2) The procedure for measuring specific intensity per unit area in Federal
Test Method Standard 370, except that
the test apparatus arrangement required in L–S–300 must be used.
(d) If material is designed for use
with an adhesive, the ‘‘adhesion’’ test
method required by paragraph (a)(3) of
this section must be repeated using a
0.79 kg. (1.75 lb.) test weight and using
each of the following materials as test
panels in place of the aluminum test
panels required by this test method:
(1) Smooth panel of cured polyester
laminating resin meeting MIL–R–21607
(Types I and II material).
(2) Cotton drill (Type I material only)
meeting CCC–C–426, or cotton duck
meeting CCC–C–443 (Type I material
only).
(3) Vinyl-nylon laminated cloth
meeting MIL–C–43006 (Type I material
only).
(4) Vinyl film meeting L–P–375 (Type
I material only).
(5) Rubber coated cloth meeting MIL–
C–17415 (Type I material only).
(e) Each flexible material listed in
paragraph (d) of this section when used
as a test panel must be bonded to a
rigid backing.
(f) Test panel material listed in paragraph (d) of this section must—
(1) Be taken from an item of Coast
Guard approved lifesaving equipment;
or
(2) Be certified by the manufacturer
of the material that it meets the applicable specification in paragraph (d) of
this section.
§ 164.018–13 Production inspections.
The Coast Guard does not inspect
retroreflective
material
approved
under this subpart on a regular schedule. However, the Commandant may select samples and conduct tests and examinations whenever necessary to de-

termine whether retroreflective material is being manufactured in compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

Subpart 164.019—Personal
Flotation Device Components
SOURCE: CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20,
1993, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.019–1

Scope.

(a) This subpart contains general requirements for standard personal flotation device (PFD) components, procedures for acceptance of non-standard
PFD components, and production quality control requirements for all PFD
components, used in the construction
of PFDs approved under part 160 of this
subchapter.
(b) Other subparts of this part contain specific requirements applicable
to particular PFD components used in
the construction of Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
(c) Part 160 of this chapter contains
specific requirements and limitations
concerning the use of PFD components
in the construction of particular Coast
Guard-approved PFDs.
§ 164.019–3

Definitions.

Acceptance means certification by the
Coast Guard that a component is suitable for use in the manufacture of
Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
Commandant means the Chief of the
Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division,
Marine Safety and Environmental Protection, U.S. Coast Guard. Address:
Commandant (G–MSE), U.S. Coast
Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second St.
SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001. Telephone: 202–267–1444.
Component manufacturer means either
a component manufacturer or supplier
seeking acceptance of a component, or
a component manufacturer or supplier
who has obtained acceptance of a component.
Inspector means a Coast Guard marine inspector, authorized representative of the Coast Guard, or a recognized
laboratory representative.
Non-standard component means a PFD
component which is equivalent in performance to a standard component.

357

§ 164.019–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

PFD Type means the performance
type designation as indicated in 33 CFR
part 175 and this subchapter.
Standard component means a PFD
component which complies in all respects with the material, construction,
and performance requirements of a subpart of this part or part 160 of this
chapter.
Use Code means an alphanumeric
code assigned by the Commandant (G–
MSE) to a PFD component to designate
the PFD Type(s) in which it may be
used. Assigned Use Codes are listed in
table 164.019–3.
TABLE 164.019–3
Use code

PFD type acceptable for use

1 ................
2 ................
3 ................
4B ..............
4BC ...........
4RB ...........
5 ................

I, II, and III.
II and III.
III.
IV (all Ring Buoys).
IV (Buoyant Cushions).
IV (Recreational Ring Buoys only).
Wearable Type V (intended use must be specified).
V (Hybrid).
V (Recreational Style).
V (Sailboard vests).
V (Work vests).
Special, limited, or restricted use.
Adult only.
Child only.

5H .............
5R .............
5SB ...........
5WV ..........
6 ................
Suffix A .....
Suffix C .....

[CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.019–4 Component requirements.
(a) PFDs may be constructed only
with Coast Guard-accepted PFD components meeting the requirements of
this subchapter.
(b) PFD components may be used in
the construction of PFDs only in accordance with their Use Codes.
§ 164.019–5 Standard components; acceptance criteria and procedures.
(a) General. Standard components
used in the construction of PFDs must
meet the applicable requirements of
this part or part 160 and the documentation requirements of this section.
(b) Use Codes. Each standard component is assigned a Use Code as indicated in table 164.019–3. Additional Use
Codes may be assigned by the Commandant.
(c) Method and documentation of acceptance. Except as provided in para-

graph (d) of this section, the following
requirements pertaining to the shipment of standard components must be
met in order for the standard components to be considered Coast Guard-accepted standard components:
(1) Each shipment of standard components must be accompanied by an affidavit complying with § 164.019–11.
(2) A sample affidavit, or a copy of
the affidavit, provided with the first
shipment of standard components to a
PFD manufacturer, must be provided
to the Commandant.
(3) A revised sample affidavit, or a
copy of the revised affidavit, must be
provided to the Coast Guard any time
the information on the affidavit accompanying a shipment of standard
components materially changes.
(d) Exception. Affidavits are not required to be provided for standard components that are under the quality control oversight program of a recognized
laboratory meeting the requirements
of § 164.019–17.
(e) Suspension or termination of acceptance. The procedures in §§ 2.75–40 and
2.75–50 of this chapter for suspension
and termination of approvals also
apply to Coast Guard acceptances of
PFD components.
§ 164.019–7 Non-standard components;
acceptance criteria and procedures.
(a) General. Non-standard components may be used in the construction
of PFDs only if they have been accepted by the Coast Guard in accordance
with the requirements of this section.
(b) Use Codes. Each non-standard
component is assigned a Use Code as
indicated in table 164.019–3. Additional
Use Codes may be assigned by the Commandant.
(c) Request for acceptance. The component manufacturer or the recognized
laboratory that performs the acceptance testing required by the applicable
subpart of this part or part 160 of this
chapter must submit, in writing, to the
Commandant, a request for acceptance
of any non-standard component. The
request must include the information,
supporting documentation, and samples required by this section.
(1) The request must include a statement of the intended use of the component by the PFD manufacturer, and the

358

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§ 164.019–9

Use Code(s) for which acceptance is requested. Intended uses must be for one
or more of the following—
(i) Outer Envelope Fabric (exterior
fabrics on wearable PFDs);
(ii) Cover Fabric (for throwable
PFDs);
(iii) Inner Envelope Fabric;
(iv) Closure (including zippers) or Adjustment Hardware;
(v) Body Strap;
(vi) Grab Strap (applies to buoyant
cushions only);
(vii) Tie Tape;
(viii) Reinforcing Tape;
(ix) Thread:
(x) Flotation Foam; or
(xi) Other (specify).
(2) The request must include a statement identifying the component in detail and including the unique style,
part, or model number, the identification data required by the applicable
subpart of this part, and any other
manufacturer’s identifying data. No
two components which differ in any
way, e.g., size, material composition,
construction, may utilize the same
identification number.
(3) The report of a recognized laboratory’s test data in accordance with the
‘‘acceptance tests’’ required by the applicable subpart of this part or part 160
must be submitted with the request.
Each report must include the name of
the laboratory and a description of the
test equipment and test methods used,
and must be signed and dated by an authorized laboratory official.
(4) A sample of each component that
is being considered must be submitted
with the request. Where the lightest
and darkest colors are being tested,
samples of both colors must be submitted. A one linear yard sample is required in the case of textiles.
(5) The request must include a list of
all materials used in the construction
of the particular component. The list
must contain specific identification
and quantity of all materials used.
(6) For hardware and other mechanical components, the request must include scaled drawings showing details
and dimensions of the mechanism.
(7) A statement of dimensional and
performance tolerances, as appropriate, that will be maintained in pro-

duction must be submitted with request.
(8) The request must include a description of the quality control procedures that will be in effect during production.
(9) The request must include a detailed description of the recognized
laboratory’s procedures for oversight of
the manufacturer’s program of production quality control, including a description of the laboratory’s certification marking(s).
(10) The request must include any appropriate installation or use guidelines
for the component.
(d) Documentation of acceptance. When
an acceptance is granted, the Commandant provides written notice to the
applicant.
(e) Alternate requirements. A component that does not meet the requirements of this subchapter is eligible for
acceptance if it—
(1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in lieu of
or in addition to the requirements of
this subpart; and
(2) Provides at least the same degree
of safety as provided by a component
that does comply with this subpart.
(f) Additional tests and documentation.
The Commandant may prescribe additional tests or request additional documentation, if necessary, to determine
the acceptability or suitability of a
particular product.
(g) Suspension or termination of acceptance. The producers in § § 2.75–40 and
2.75–50 of this chapter for suspension
and termination of approvals also
apply to Coast Guard acceptances of
PFD components.
[CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993; 58 FR
32416, June 9, 1993]

§ 164.019–9 Procedure for acceptance
of revisions of design, process, or
materials.
(a) The manufacturer shall not
change the design, material, manufacturing process, or construction of a
non-standard component unless it has
been previously approved by the Commandant, in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.

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(b) The manufacturer or the recognized laboratory that performs the acceptance testing required by the applicable subpart of this part or part 160 of
this chapter shall submit requests for
acceptance of revisions in design, material, manufacturing process, or construction of a non-standard component
in writing and describe the revision in
detail similar to the original request
for acceptance.
§ 164.019–11 Certification (affidavits).
General.
Affidavits
required
by
§ 164.019–5(c) must be notarized, and
certify that a component complies in
all respects with the material and construction requirements of a subpart of
this part or part 160 of this chapter.
Each affidavit must contain the following information:
(a) Name and address of company.
(b) Name and title of signing company official.
(c) Description of the component by
use of the unique style, part, or model
number and other applicable distinctive characteristics such as weight,
size, denier, treatments or coatings,
etc.
(d) Production data (to include lot,
batch number, and quantity shipped) in
sufficient detail to enable the manufacturer or purchaser to trace a shipment
of components back to the lots of raw
materials used in its manufacture.
(e) The intended use of the component, from the list in § 164.019–7(c)(1).
(f) The PFD Type(s) for which the
component is a standard component, as
determined by—
(1) The standard material component
requirements of part 160 of this chapter
with which the component complies; or
(2) The Use Code(s) of the component.
(g) A statement indicating the specific provision(s) of this subchapter
with which the component complies.
(h) A copy of the records of all required production tests performed on
the component lots that are covered by
the affidavit.
§ 164.019–13 Production quality control requirements.
(a) General. Each component manufacturer shall establish procedures for
maintaining quality control of the materials used in production, manufac-

turing operations, and the finished
product.
(b) Recognized laboratory oversight.
Each manufacturer of non-standard
components shall supplement its procedures for assuring production quality
control with a program of oversight by
a recognized laboratory, as described in
the oversight procedures submitted to
the Coast Guard in accordance with
§ 164.019–7(c)(9). The laboratory’s oversight program must be performed at
the place of manufacture unless alternate procedures have been accepted by
the Commandant.
(c) Production tests and inspections.
Production tests and inspections must
be conducted in accordance with this
section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
(d) Responsibilities; component manufacturers. Each component manufacturer shall—
(1) Perform all production tests and
inspections required by the applicable
subpart of this part;
(2) Adhere to the accepted quality
control procedures for the component
as submitted to the Coast Guard in accordance with § 164.019–7(c)(8); and
(3) Establish a continuing program of
employee training and a program for
maintaining production and test equipment.
(e) Responsibilities; recognized laboratories. The same recognized laboratory
that performed the acceptance testing
shall, at least quarterly, or more frequently if required by the applicable
subpart of this part or by the oversight
procedures submitted in accordance
with § 164.019–7(c)(9)—
(1) Audit the component manufacturer’s records required by § 164.019–15;
(2) Perform, or supervise the performance of, the tests required by this section, the applicable subpart of this
part, and the accepted quality control
and oversight procedures; and
(3) Verify, during each inspection,
compliance by the manufacturer with
the manufacturer’s established quality
control program and provide a summary report of any noncompliance to
the Commandant at least annually.
(f) Component lots.
(1) Lot numbers. The manufacturer
shall assign a lot number to each group
of components manufactured. A new

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§ 164.019–13

lot must be started whenever any
change is made in materials, design, or
production method, and whenever any
substantial discontinuity in the manufacturing process (such as a change in
shift) occurs. Changes in lots of incoming materials must be treated as
changes in materials. Lots must be
numbered serially. The lot number assigned, in combination with the unique
product name or identification, must
enable the component manufacturer
(or supplier), by referring to the
records required by this subpart, to determine the source(s) of all raw materials used in that lot.
(2) Lot size. The maximum lot size for
any particular component must be as
defined in the applicable subpart of
this part.
(g) Samples. (1) Procedures for selection of test samples, and required sample sizes, must be in accordance with
the applicable subpart of this part.
(2) The inspector shall select different samples than were tested by the
manufacturer.
(h) Detailed product examination—(1)
General. In addition to the tests and inspections required by the applicable
subpart of this part, the manufacturer
or the inspector shall examine each
sample component to determine that—
(i) The construction, markings, and
workmanship conform to the information submitted in the request for acceptance; and
(ii) The component is not otherwise
defective.
(2) Inspection responsibility. The manufacturer shall ensure that the inspection required by paragraph (h)(1) of
this section is performed by a manufacturer’s representative familiar with the
performance requirements for the component, and all of the production quality control requirements. The manufacturer’s representative must not be
responsible for meeting production
schedules, or be subject to supervision
by someone responsible for meeting
production schedules.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Accept/reject criteria. (1) A component lot passes production testing and
is therefore accepted if each sample
tested passes each test.

(2) A lot having a production test
failure may be accepted if it meets the
following additional test requirements.
(i) When the basis of acceptability is
an average result, a second sampling
with an identical number of samples is
taken. The results of this second sampling must be averaged with the initial
results. If the average result passes the
test, then the lot may be accepted.
(ii) When the basis of acceptability is
individual sample results, a second
sampling is taken. The size of the second sampling must be as specified in
the subpart of this part which covers
the component. If each sample in this
sampling passes the test, the lot may
be accepted.
(3) A rejected lot of components may
be resubmitted for testing, examination, or inspection if—
(i) The manufacturer first removes
each component having the same type
of defect or;
(ii) After obtaining authorization
from the Commandant or the recognized laboratory, the manufacturer reworks the lot to correct the defect.
(4) A rejected lot or rejected component may not be sold or offered for sale
with the representation that it meets
the requirements of this subpart or is
accepted by the Coast Guard, and may
not be used in the construction of
Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
(k) Facilities and equipment—(1) General. The manufacturer shall provide
the test equipment and facilities for
performing production tests, examinations, and inspections described in the
applicable subpart of this part and in
the quality control and oversight procedures submitted in accordance with
§ 164.019–7(c) (8) and (9).
(2) Calibration. The manufacturer
shall have the calibration of all test
equipment checked at least every 6
months by a weights and measures
agency or by the equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(3) Facilities for inspector’s use. The
manufacturer shall provide a suitable
place and the necessary apparatus for
the inspector to use in conducting or
supervising tests. For the detailed
product examination, the manufacturer shall provide a suitable working
environment and a smooth-top table
for the inspector’s use.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(4) Access to facilities. The manufacturer shall permit the inspector to
have access to any place in the factory
where work is being done on PFD components or where components are
stored. The inspector may take samples of parts or materials entering into
production or completed components,
for further examinations, inspections,
or tests.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Alternate procedures for standard
components. In lieu of the quality control procedures specified in this section, manufacturers of standard components may follow the quality control
procedures in a Federal or military
specification with which the component is required to comply by this subchapter, or equivalent procedures accepted by the Commandant.
(n) Additional tests. The Commandant
may prescribe additional production
tests and inspections to maintain quality control. A representative of the
Commandant may conduct inspections
for compliance with the requirements
of this subpart.
[CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993; 58 FR
32416, June 9, 1993]

§ 164.019–15 Component manufacturer
records.
(a) Each component manufacturer
shall retain records as required by
§ 159.007–13 of this chapter.
(b) The records required by paragraph
(a) of this section must include the following information:
(1) For each test, the serial number
of the test instrument used if there is
more than one available.
(2) For each test and inspection, the
identification of the samples used, the
lot number, the unique component
identification, and the quantity of the
component in the lot.
(3) The cause for rejection, any corrective action taken, and the final disposition of each lot rejected.
(c) Manufacturers utilizing procedures and apparatus meeting the requirements of the applicable subpart of
this part or the independent laboratory’s accepted follow-up inspection
procedures are not required to include
the description of procedures or photographs or apparatus required by

§ 159.007–13 of this chapter in the manufacturers’ records.
(d) In addition to the records required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
section, each component manufacturer
shall retain the following:
(1) Records for all materials used in
production, including name and address of the supplier, date of purchase
and receipt, and lot number.
(2) A copy of this subpart, and other
subparts applicable to the component
manufactured.
(3) Each document incorporated by
reference in the applicable subpart(s)
of this part.
(4) A copy of the accepted component
specifications and identifying data.
(5) Records of calibration of all test
equipment, including the identity of
the agency performing the calibration,
date of calibration, and results.
(e) Manufacturers shall retain the
records required by paragraph (d)(1) of
this section for at least 60 months.
(f) Upon request, manufacturers shall
make available to the inspector or to
the Commandant records of tests conducted by the manufacturer and
records of materials entering into construction, including affidavits by suppliers certifying that applicable requirements are met.
§ 164.019–17

Recognized laboratory.

(a) General. A laboratory may be designated as a recognized laboratory
under this subpart if it is—
(1) Accepted by the Coast Guard as
an independent laboratory under subpart 159.010 of this subchapter; and
(2) Established in the inspection of
factory production, listing, and labeling, by having an existing program and
standards for evaluation, listing, and
marking components, that are acceptable to the Commandant.
(b) Designated recognized laboratories.
A current listing of recognized laboratories is available from the Commandant upon request.

Subpart 164.023—Thread for
Personal Flotation Devices
SOURCE: CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29497, May 20,
1993, unless otherwise noted.

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§ 164.023–7

§ 164.023–1 Scope.
This subpart contains performance
requirements, acceptance tests, and
production testing and inspection requirements for thread used in the construction of personal flotation devices
(PFDs) approved under part 160 of this
subchapter. Manufacturers must also
comply with the requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter.
§ 164.023–3 Specifications and standards incorporated by reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than the one
listed in paragraph (b) of this section,
notice of change must be published in
the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made available to the public. All
approved material may be inspected at
the Office of the Federal Register, 800
North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700,
Washington, DC and at the U.S. Coast
Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G–MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593–
0001, and is available from the source
indicated in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart,
and the sections affected are:
FEDERAL STANDARDS
STANDARDS

AND

TEST

METHOD

The following test methods in Federal Test
Method Standard No. 191A, Textile Test
Methods, July 20, 1978:
(1) Method 4010, Length-Weight Relation;
Thread; Yards Per Pound (m/kg)—164.023–
11.
(2) Method 4100, Strength and Elongation,
Breaking; and Tenacity; of Thread and
Yarn; Single Strand—164.023–7.
(3) Method 5804, Weathering Resistance of
Cloth; Accelerated Weathering Method—
164.023–7.
FEDERAL SPECIFICATIONS
(4) V–T–285E—Thread, Polyester, August 21,
1986—164.023–5.
(5) V–T–295E—Thread, Nylon, August 1,
1985—164.023–5.
MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS
(6) MIL–T–43548C—Thread, Polyester Core:
Cotton-, Rayon-, or Polyester-Covered,
September 30, 1986—164.023–5.
(7) MIL–T –43624A—Thread, Polyester, Spun,
January 22, 1982—164.023–5.

(c) All reference materials are available from the Naval Publications and
Forms Center, Customer Service, Code
1052, 5801 Tabor Ave., Philadelphia, PA
19120.
[CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29497, May 20, 1993, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 164.023–5 Performance;
standard
thread.
(a) Use Codes 1, 2, 3, 4BC, 4RB, 5 (any).
Each thread which complies with all of
the requirements of a specification
listed in table 164.023–5(a) is assigned
Use Codes 1, 2, 3, 4BC, 4RB, and 5 (any).

TABLE 164.023–5(A)
[Use codes 1, 2, 3, 4BC, 4RB, 5(any)]
Federal or military
specification

Material

Type

Class

V–T–285E .................................
V–T–295E .................................
MIL–T–43624A .........................
MIL–T–43548C .........................

Polyester ...................................
Nylon ........................................
Polyester ...................................
Polyester covered only .............

I or II
I or II
..............................
..............................

1
A
..............................
..............................

(b) Use Code 4B. Each thread which
meets the requirements of Federal
Specifications V–T–295, Type II, Class
A, number size 4, is assigned Use Code
4B.
§ 164.023–7 Performance; non-standard
thread.
(a) Use Codes 1, 2, 3, 4BC, 4RB, 5 (any).
Each non-standard thread which meets

Ticket No. or size
range
E, F, FF.
E, F, FF.
24 through 12.
24 through 12.

all of the requirements of paragraphs
(a)(1) through (a)(3) of this section is
assigned Use Codes 1, 2, 3, 4BC, 4RB,
and 5 (any).
(1) Single strand breaking strength. The
thread, as received, must have a single
strand breaking strength of not less
than 25 N (5.7 lb.), when tested in accordance with Test Method 4100 in Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

using
a
Constant-Rate-of-Traverse
(CRT) testing machine.
(2) Single strand breaking strength
(after weathering). After exposure in a
sunshine carbon-arc weatherometer in
accordance with Test Method 5804 in
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A
for a period of 100 hours, the thread
must retain at least 60 percent of its
single strand breaking strength as received, and have a breaking strength of
at least 21 N (4.7 lb.).
(3) Loop breaking strength. The thread,
as received, must have a loop breaking
strength of not less than 45 N (10.0 lb.),
when tested in accordance with Test
Method 4100 in Federal Test Method
Standard No. 191A using a CRT testing
machine, except that—
(i) Each specimen must consist of
two 35 cm (14 in.) pieces of thread; and
(ii) Both ends of one piece of thread
must be secured without twisting in
one clamp of the testing machine so
that the length of the loop formed
equals one half the distance between
the clamps. One end of the second piece
must then be passed without twisting
through the loop formed by the first,
and both ends must be secured in the
other clamp of the machine. The
breaking strength must then be determined under the single strand test.
(b) Use Code 4B. Each non-standard
thread which meets all of the requirements of paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of
this section is assigned Use Code 4B.
(1) Single strand breaking strength. The
thread as received must have a single
strand breaking strength of not less
than 160 N (36.0 lb.) when tested in accordance with Test Method 4100 in Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A
using a CRT testing machine.
(2) Single strand breaking strength
(after weathering). After exposure in a
sunshine carbon-arc weatherometer in
accordance with Test Method 5804 in
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A
for a period of 100 hours, the thread
must retain at least 60 percent of its
single strand breaking strength.
(c) Prohibited threads. Cotton thread,
and monofilament thread of any composition, will not be accepted for use in
structural applications unless demonstrated to the Commandant to be
equivalent to standard thread in dura-

bility in all foreseeable conditions of
use and stowage.
§ 164.023–9 Samples submitted for acceptance.
Application samples. A product sample
submitted for acceptance as required
by § 164.019–7(c)(4) must consist of at
least one unit of put-up of thread.
§ 164.023–11 Acceptance tests.
(a) Performance testing. Manufacturers
shall ensure that the performance tests
described in § 164.023–7 (a) or (b), as appropriate, are performed on a minimum of five samples in each of the
lightest and darkest colors submitted
for acceptance.
(b) Identification testing. Manufacturers shall ensure that the following
identification tests are conducted:
(1) The average length/weight ratio of
the thread in meters per kilogram
(yards per pound) must be determined
in accordance with Test Method 4010 in
Federal Test Method Standard 191A.
(2) The generic chemical composition
of the thread must be determined by
qualitative
infrared
analysis,
thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, or other
equivalent means adequate to conclusively identify the composition of the
product tested.
(3) Elongation at break must be determined on the same samples tested
for single strand breaking test in accordance with § 164.023–7(a)(1) or (b)(1),
as appropriate.
§ 164.023–13 Production tests and inspections.
(a) Manufacturer’s test equipment and
facilities. The manufacturer shall provide the following test equipment and
facilities for use in production tests
and inspections:
(1) A Constant Rate of Traverse tensile testing machine, capable of initial
clamp separation of ten inches and a
rate of separation of 30 cm (12 in.) per
minute.
(2) Fletcher, Callaway, U.S. Rubber
clamps, or equivalent cam-actuated
clamps to prevent slippage and twist of
the samples.
(3) An analytical balance or grainyarn scale, accurate to within 0.25 percent of the measured value.

364

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 164.023–15

(b) Lot size. Lot size must not exceed
460,000 meters (500,000 yds.) or 45 kg (100
lb.) of any color.
(c) Sample selection. Samples must be
selected at random by the manufacturer (or inspector, as applicable) after
the entire lot of thread has been completed.
(d) Second sampling. A second sampling, where required, must consist of
five times the original sample size.
(e) Manufacturer’s production tests.
The component manufacturer shall
perform the following tests on the samples indicated (each sample to include
at least 5 specimens unless otherwise
specified in the referenced test procedure) on each lot of thread:
(1) Breaking strength. One sample
must be tested in accordance with
§ 164.023–7(a)(1) or § 164.023–7(b)(1), as applicable.
(2) Length/weight ratio. One sample
must be tested in accordance with
§ 164.023–11(b)(1).
(f) Recognized laboratory production
tests. Manufacturers shall ensure that
the following tests and inspections are
performed on non-standard components
by a recognized laboratory:
(1) Composition. At least annually,
one sample of each accepted thread
must be tested in accordance with
§ 164.023–11(b)(2).
(2) Breaking strength. At least quarterly, one sample in each of the lightest and darkest colors accepted must
be tested in accordance with § 164.023–
7(a)(1) or § 164.023–7(b)(1), as applicable.
This test may be performed by a recognized laboratory, or witnessed by a recognized laboratory inspector at the
manufacturer’s plant, at the laboratory’s discretion.
(3) Elongation. At least annually, one
sample of each accepted thread in each
of the lightest and darkest colors accepted must be tested in accordance
with § 164.023–11(b)(3). This test may be
performed by a recognized laboratory,
or witnessed by a recognized laboratory inspector at the manufacturer’s
plant, at the laboratory’s discretion.

(g) Accept/reject criteria. Unless the alternate procedures as permitted by
§ 164.019–013(m) are followed, the results
of required production testing on a lot
must meet the following criteria for
the lot to be shipped as Coast Guardaccepted thread:
(1) Breaking strength test results
must be within 10 percent below and 20
percent above the acceptance testing
values but not less than the performance minimums.
(2) Length/weight values must be
within 5 percent of the acceptance testing values but not less than the performance minimums.
(3) Elongation values must be within
20 percent of the acceptance testing
values but not less than the performance minimums.
(4) Composition testing must indicate
that the sample tested is of identical
composition to the sample tested for
acceptance or in accordance with the
performance specification.
§ 164.023–15

Marking.

(a) General. The manufacturer must
ensure that each shipping label, and
each spool or individual unit of put-up,
is permanently and clearly marked in a
color which contrasts with the color of
the surface on which the marking is
applied. Each label must be marked
with—
(1) The manufacturer’s or supplier’s
name, trade name, or symbol;
(2) The unique style, part, or model
number of the thread;
(3) The size of the thread;
(4) The composition of the thread;
and
(5) The lot number of the thread.
(b) Non-standard thread. In addition
to the markings specified in paragraph
(a) of this section, each unit of put-up
of non-standard thread must be marked
with the appropriate recognized laboratory’s certification marking(s).

365

PART 165 [RESERVED]