Mod H Installation Overheads Winter04wppq

Standardized Child Passenger Safety Training Program Winter 2004

Correct Installation of Child Safety Seats

Objectives • List and explain each of the elements of correct installation • Describe and demonstrate correct installation of CRSs • Describe and demonstrate the ways to make common configurations of retractors and latchplates secure a CRS

Correct Installation - 2

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Objectives • Describe the function of LATCH • Explain the uses and limitations of vehicle and CRS instructions • Describe the air bag risks to children and the ways to prevent them

Correct Installation - 3

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Importance of Correct Installation • Incorrect installation can be fatal • Installation instructions based on FMVSS 213 testing • Testing done under “ideal” conditions with tight safety belt • Real world conditions are MUCH different

Correct Installation - 4

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Reasons for Incorrect Installations • Lack of information • Lack of instructions • Failure to read instructions • Confusing instructions • CRS and vehicle incompatibilities

Correct Installation - 5

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Elements of Correct Installation • Direction • Location • Belt path • Tight safety belt or lower anchorage belt

Correct Installation - 6

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Direction • Forward or rearward facing • Rear facing until at least 20 pounds AND at least 1 year old • For optimal protection RF to max weight and/or height for CRS Correct Installation - 7

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Rear-Facing Back Angle • Back is primary restraint • Balance with comfort and keeping airway open • Range - 30o to 45o according to manufacturer’s instructions • Newborns more reclined • More upright as child grows • Car bed option for special needs Courtesy of Kathleen Weber Child Passenger Protection Research Program University of Michigan Medical School

Correct Installation - 8

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Maintaining Angle Angle  should not  EXCEED 45  degrees 

(measured from  vertical plane)

Built-In Noodles Over­Tightening May Present a  Problem Combining  Noodles with some  built­in adjusters  may also be an  issue

NoodleMania Putting items  behind or under  CRD has no likely  crash benefit…  creates possible  illusion/danger

Slip Guard It’s OK to use it, but… •  No likely crash benefit •  Can create false sense        of security

Fold­Down Armrests

Direction Forward-facing: Upright or semi-recline

Adjust recline angle to upright Correct Installation - 9

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle What is the safest location?

Correct Installation - 10

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle Safest location considerations: - Front or back seat? » Back seat is best for all

children » Center rear is safest » Sometimes front seat is a better option » Never place rear facing infant in front of active air bag

Correct Installation - 11

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle • Safest location considerations: - Vehicle seat design - Type of safety belt systems or LATCH - Needs of all passengers (children and adults)

Correct Installation - 12

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle

Special considerations for rear facing seats: - Space requirements - Seat slope

Correct Installation - 13

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Considerations - Location

Supplemental/Modified

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle • Noodles or towels help achieve proper recline angle • Avoid over reclining • Avoid interfering with safety belt routing

NO!

YES Correct Installation - 14

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle Special considerations for forward facing seats: - Width of CRS - Size of vehicle - Tether strap (length and anchor location)

Correct Installation - 15

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Location in Vehicle Which location in the vehicle is the safest for each child?

Correct Installation - 16

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installation Class Exercise What are the SAFEST locations in THIS vehicle for ALL of these occupants?

Air Bag & Lap/shoulder

Lap/shoulder Lap Only

Parent # 2 2 months old, 11lbs

DRIVER

3 years old, 30lbs

Air Bag & Lap/shoulder

7 years old, 64lbs

Correct Installation - 17

Lap/shoulder

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installation Class Exercise What are the SAFEST locations in THIS vehicle for ALL of these occupants? Parent # 2 Air Bag & Lap/shoulder

Lap/shoulder

Air Bag & Lap belt

Lap Only

DRIVER Air Bag & L/S

Lap/shoulder

Correct Installation - 18

7 months old, 24 lbs. 2 years old, 27 lbs. 4 years old, 41 lbs. 12 years old, 85 lbs.

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Belt Path Finding the correct belt path - Look for belt paths - Read manufacturer’s instructions

Correct Installation - 19

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Belt Path Finding the correct belt path Forward Facing

Correct Installation - 20

Rear Facing

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Which belt path should be used on a convertible CRS in the forward facing position? A) Whichever is easier to get both your hands and the seat belt through B) The one giving the tightest installation C) The one labeled for Forward Facing on the CRS D) The one sliding under buckle stock on the CRS

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Which belt path should be used on a convertible CRS in the forward facing position? • • • •

Whichever is easier to get both your hands and the seat belt through The one giving the tightest installation The one labeled for Forward Facing on the CRS The one sliding under buckle stock on the CRS

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tight Safety Belt Tightly securing the CRS - Install as tightly as possible with reasonable force - Pull CRS at belt path - CRS should not move side to side or forward more than 1” - Parent must be able to repeat installation

Correct Installation - 21

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

General Methods to Obtain a Tight Installation • CRS facing proper direction • Correct belt path • Compress vehicle seat cushion • Buckle, tighten, lock the safety belt • No more than 1” of movement at the belt path Correct Installation - 22

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS with a Safety Belt • Lap belt (or lap belt portion of lap and shoulder combination) is what holds CRS • Lap belt must stay tight and locked at all times • Some automatic safety belt systems cannot be used Correct Installation - 23

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS With: Automatic Safety Belt Systems • If automatic shoulder with no lap belt: cannot install CRS • If automatic shoulder with manual lap belt: may be able to use • If automatic lap and shoulder: must have auxiliary lap belt installed Correct Installation - 24

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Three Ways to Lock a Safety Belt: • Locking Latch Plate • Locking Retractor • Locking Clip (Regular or Belt shortening)

Correct Installation - 25

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS With: A Locking Latch Plate • Locking latch plate may be standard, lightweight, or switchable • May be on a lap only belt or continuous loop lap and shoulder belt • To install a CRS - Put switchable latch plate in locked mode first - Route belt through correct belt path and buckle - Push down on seat while pulling up on webbing to tighten - Check for tight installation - Check latch plate angle Correct Installation - 26

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

If Standard Locking Latch Plate Doesn't Stay Locked

• Unbuckle and flip • NEVER use a locking clip on system that doesn't have a retractor!

Correct Installation - 27

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

If Lightweight Locking Latch Plate Doesn't Stay Locked • Try twisting buckle stalk webbing to move latch plate lower • If continuous loop lap and shoulder belt, locking clip may be used

Correct Installation - 28

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Twisting Buckle Stalks Normal Webbing Strength is 6000 pounds

1 twist  = 6% strength reduction 2 twists  = 11% strength reduction 3 twists  = 20% strength reduction 6 twists = 40% strength reduction

Installing a CRS With Locking Retractors • Systems with a Locking Retractor - ALR or - Switchable

• Lap only may have a sewn or locking latch plate • Lap and shoulder combination - May have sliding, locking, or sewn latch plate - Separate webbing systems with sewn-on latch plate usually have locking retractor in lap belt portion

Correct Installation - 29

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS With an Automatic Locking Retractor • Pull belt all the way out • Route belt through correct belt path and buckle • Push down on CRS while feeding belt slack into retractor • Belt automatically locks as it is fed into retractor • Check to be sure retractor stays locked Correct Installation - 30

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS With a Switchable Retractor • Route belt through correct belt path and buckle • Switch retractor - Pull belt all the way out to the end, or - Push button on retractor

• Push down on CRS while feeding belt slack into retractor • Belt automatically locks as it is fed into retractor • Check to be sure retractor stays locked.

Correct Installation - 31

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing a CRS With a Switchable Retractor Special Situations • Tension in shoulder portion may lift up CRS - Keep in ELR mode and - Use locking clip

• When using with a BPB, may switch to ALR unless otherwise stated by CRS manufacturer

Correct Installation - 32

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Systems that Need a Regular Locking Clip • Pre-crash positioning device • To use, ALL 3 conditions must be present (unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer): - Continuous loop lap & shoulder belt - ELR (may be switchable left in ELR mode - Latch plate does not stay locked with reasonable pressure at belt path

• NEVER use a regular locking clip on a belt system that does not have a retractor!

Correct Installation - 33

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Using a Regular Locking Clip • Route belt through correct belt path and buckle • Push down on CRS while pulling up on webbing to tighten • Hold both pieces of webbing together and unbuckle • Attach RLC within 1" of latch plate and re-buckle • Incorrect placement could cause the safety belt to fail-introducing slack, increasing head excursion, and causing serious injury Correct Installation - 34

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Using a Locking Clip 1

2

3

4

Supplemental/Modified

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Regular Locking Clip Review • AIDES A LATCH PLATE THAT DOES NOT LOCK! • Continuous loop lap shoulder an ELR and a latch plate that won’t stay tight! • Locking clip keeps the lap belt at a fixed length for PRE CRASH positioning. • The ELR locks the belt in a sudden stop or collision to bear the load of the crash.

Supplemental/Modified

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Incorrect Locking Clip

Locking clip Installed on wrong side of CSS Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Attached or Built-In Locking Clips/Lock-offs • Pre-crash positioning device holds CRS in place prior to crash • During crash, retractor locks the belt and keeps CRS in place • Use according to manufacturer's instructions • Adding a regular locking clip should only be considered if the CRS will not stay locked in place and the CRS manufacturer allows it Correct Installation - 35

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Systems that Need a Belt Shortening Clip • Shortening clip required for systems with - Emergency locking retractor AND - Sewn-on latch plate

• Must use "heavy duty" clip • Possible fix for cases where the buckle is on a long piece of webbing • Should be used as a last resort -- finding another seating position is the best solution

Correct Installation - 36

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Using a Belt-Shortening Clip • Route belt through correct belt path and buckle • Push down on CRS, pull belt out of retractor to end • Make loop of excess webbing • Thread clip on webbing and double-back to keep from slipping • Re-buckle and test for tightness

Correct Installation - 37

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

A good explanation of the difference between the locking clip that comes with the CRS and a belt shortening clip provided by a vehicle manufacturer is…? A) Belt shortening clip can also be used as a harness retainer clip B) A regular locking clip can also be used to shorten a lap belt C) A regular locking clip assists a non locking retractor; belt shortening assists a non-locking latch plate D) A belt shortening assists a non locking retractor; a regular locking clip assists a non locking latch plate

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

A good explanation of the difference between the locking clip that comes with the CRS and a belt shortening clip provided by a vehicle manufacturer is…? A) Belt shortening clip can also be used as a harness retainer clip B) A regular locking clip can also be used to shorten a lap belt • A regular locking clip assists a non locking retractor; belt shortening assists a non-locking latch plate • A belt shortening assists a non locking retractor; a regular locking clip assists a non locking latch plate

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tightening Tools • NO regulations or recommended testing procedures • Concerns about possible stress on CRS due to over-tightening • Vehicle mfgs. do not approve of their use on their safety belts • CRS mfgs. do not approve of their use with their products Correct Installation - 38

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

80% Rule Interpretation

No more than 20% of the CSS base/footprint can  hang over the edge of the vehicle seat. Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing the Flexible LATCH System CRS • Locate the lower anchor in the vehicle seat • Position CRS in appropriate direction for size and age of child • Lock snap hooks or other attachments to lower anchors • Put weight on CRS and tighten webbing and check for tightness • Attach tether strap (if applicable) Correct Installation - 39

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing the Rigid LATCH System CRS • Locate the lower anchor in the vehicle seat • Position CRS in appropriate direction for size and age of child • Push rigid attachments onto anchors • Check that both are locked and adjust if necessary • Attach tether strap (if applicable) Correct Installation - 40

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Installing LATCH System Seat • Some vehicles will have plastic guides to help align rigid attachments with lower anchors • Labels are also used for easy identification of the lower anchor locations

Correct Installation - 41

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

LATCH Best Practices Situation: • If CRS has LATCH attachments but vehicle has no LATCH. • Vehicle has LATCH anchors but CRS does not have LATCH attachments. • Both CRS and Vehicle have user-ready LATCH hardware but the system is not used. • Both CRS and vehicle have LATCH hardware but no tether is used. • LATCH components used incorrectly Correct Installation - 42

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Function, Installation, and Use of Tether Straps • Tether strap can improve performance of CRS when its use is recommended by the mfg. • Reduces the forward movement and rotation of the seat • Adds additional stability to CRS installation Correct Installation - 43

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tether Anchors •All passenger vehicles made on or after 9/1/00 are required to be equipped with tether anchor points installed •Consult the vehicle owners’ manual to determine correct anchor location Correct Installation - 44

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tether Anchors • Vehicles 1986 to September, 1999 have tether anchor locations • Locations will have pre-drilled holes, “dimples” marking anchor points to drill, or welded nuts for anchors Correct Installation - 45

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tether Anchors Anchor installation can be made in: - The rear window shelf

directly behind the safety seat - The floor of a cargo area directly behind the seating position - The ceiling to the rear of the seating position - Check vehicle owners manual for correct location Correct Installation - 46

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Anchor Installation KEY Points • Parents CAN install anchors themselves • Use vehicle-specific anchor kit whenever possible • If kit not available, use CRS mfg. supplied hardware and consult vehicle mfg. for proper installation

Correct Installation - 47

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Tethers Best Practices Situation: • CRS has a tether and vehicle has a tether anchor installed. • CRS has a tether, but vehicle has no tether anchor. • Neither CRS nor vehicle has tether hardware. • Both the CRS and vehicle have user-ready tether hardware but the tether is not used. • Tether is used incorrectly (attached to an improper place, tether used RF on seat designed for FF tether, etc.) Correct Installation - 48

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Rear Facing Tethering • Currently, only Britax CSSs are designed to be tethered rear facing • NEVER tether a CRS rear-facing unless allowed by CRS manufacturer • Tethering a rear-facing CRS when not allowed will negatively effect its crash performance

Correct Installation – 49

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Rear Facing Tethering

Australian and Swedish Methods

Australian Method = Toward Rear of Vehicle Swedish Method = Toward Front of Vehicle Correct Installation - 50

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Frequently Asked Questions About LATCH • Can new LATCH-equipped CRS still be used in older model vehicles without LATCH? • Can two CRS lower attachments be installed on a single vehicle lower anchor? • Is installation with the LATCH anchors always better than with a seat belt? • Can the two inner LATCH anchors from the outboard seating positions be used to install a LATCH-equipped CRS in the center seat?

Correct Installation – 51 (Optional)

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Frequently Asked Questions About LATCH • Can vehicles be retrofitted with lower LATCH anchors? • Can CRS be retrofitted with flexible lower LATCH attachments? • Does it matter in which direction the child restraint tether hook is attached to the vehicle tether anchor? • How can I achieve the 45 degree recline angle with a rear-facing LATCH restraint?

Correct Installation – 52 (Optional)

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Frequently Asked Questions About LATCH • Should LATCH be used to attach a combination child restraint/ BPB when being used as a BPB? • Must LATCH anchors be replaced after use in a crash? • Is it ever appropriate to install a CRS using both the LATCH anchors and the seat belt?

Correct Installation – 53 (Optional)

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Frequently Asked Questions About Tethers • If a CRS comes with a tether, must the tether always be used? • Can a tether strap kit made for one restraint be used on a different CRS? • Can two tethers be hooked to the same anchor? • Is it possible to tighten a tether strap too much?

Correct Installation - 54 (Optional)

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Frequently Asked Questions About Tethers • Can a tether cause neck injury? • Can a tether cause injury to other passengers in a vehicle? • Where is the tether stowed when it is not being used? • Can tether anchors be used to attach seat belts or harness systems for adults or larger children? • Should a tether anchor be replaced after a crash? Correct Installation - 55 (Optional)

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Hands-On Exercise • Correctly install at least one of each type of CRS • Use appropriate and varied vehicle seating positions and belt systems • Use locking clip • Use belt shortening clip • Practice with tether and LATCH

Correct Installation - 56

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004

Hands-On Exercise • Install each of the listed CRSs and requested tasks in any vehicle • Instructor must check and initial • Use variety of vehicles and safety belt systems

Correct Installation - 57

Standardized CPS Training Program - Winter 2004