Material Safety

Noadswood Science, 2012

Material Safety To understand how materials are tested for safety and

whether they are ‘fit for purpose’

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Markings Look at the three motorbike helmets below – which one

would you buy?!

Would either of the symbols below, if on the back of one of the helmets make you reconsider?!

Markings What is wrong with this safety helmet?!

Is it fit for purpose?! It has no CE mark so you can’t be sure if it will meet the standards a helmet requires…

Structure & Properties Materials scientists are concerned with the design,

manufacture and use of all classes of materials including: - Metals Ceramics Polymers Biomaterials

They are also concerned with energy, environmental, health, economic and manufacturing issues related to these materials

It is their job to research the structures and properties of materials to obtain information that could be used to make new products or enhance existing ones…

Product Tested Products must be tested by materials scientists for their

quality before they goal on sale – why is this?

Product testing ensures that they comply with national and international standards and mandatory regulations that determine formulation, biological, chemical and physical properties

This is all to ensure they are fit for purpose safe to use!

Setting & Testing Standards In the UK the British Standards Institute (BSI) and European

Committee for Standardization (CEN) are two organisations which are responsible for setting and testing product standards…

“Standards are created by bringing together all interested parties… all parties benefit from standardization through increased product safety and quality”

CE Mark Products marketed in the European Community carry a CE

mark

A CE mark means the product has been tested for quality and purpose, and that a certain standard has been met

Without this guarantee buying products such as motorbike helmets is a major risk

* In the UK we also have the kite mark recognised and awarded by the BSI

Markings So why shouldn’t you buy this helmet?!

Is it fit for purpose?! It has no CE mark so you can’t be sure if it will meet the standards a helmet requires…

Fatal? In 2011 moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli died when his

motorbike helmet came off…

The helmet was CE marked and was of the highest quality… but Simoncelli wore the helmet loose and undone (against the testing recommendation) – this cost his life

Products What products do we buy in the UK with safety standards attached

to them? Try and list 10…

Protective clothing – safety helmets, motorcycle helmets, riding helmets, eye protection etc…

Fire safety – carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms etc…

Building & construction – windows, glass, insulation, ladders, toilet seats etc…

Vehicles – car service, windscreens, road markings, lights, garage services

Electrical & gas – plugs, sockets, fuses, IT equipment, gas appliances etc…

Health – surgeon’s gloves, condoms etc… Sports – cricket balls, playground surfaces etc…

Experiment Look at the selection of protective clothing – all the items will be

used on a construction site

Decide what properties make these items ‘fit for purpose’ and then label them with information: - When should they be used What do they protect you from What are they unable to protect you from What recommendations go along with it (i.e. not suitable at night)

Are there any items here you would not recommend to use, and if so why not…

* Make your recording clear and concise!