Safety Issues

Seat Belt Safety Checklist

Tongue and Buckle Assembly

 

Check the engagement of tongue and buckle

  • The buckle and tongue assembly should securely latch together with no freeplay (limited movement)

  • The tongue should eject actively when released

  • There should be no visible cracks on the buckle and the buckle cover must be intact

  • The tongue should have no metal deformation, webbing marks, or visible cracks on metal or plastic sections

Retractor

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

  • The retractor should lock if the webbing is pulled out suddenly

Webbing

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

  • The webbing should be flat throughout its entire length

  • Look for plastic burn marks, frayed stitching and any signs of rippling

  • Look for fading as exposure to sunlight can reduce the strength by up to 50%

Anchorage

  • Ensure all anchorages are free from corrosion and securely fastened to the vehicle structure

  • All mounting points should not show any signs of deformation