Unfortunately, the life-span of lifejackets must be limited. This measure is supported by all cooperating companies within the German Association of Manufacturers of Life-saving Equipment (FSR). It is necessary because by national laws governing the safety of equipment as well as product liability law, the manufacturer is required to provide information as to a definitive maximum lifetime.
The life-span of inflatable life jackets has been limited to 10 years. A pre-requisite for this is that the equipment has been serviced by the manufacturer or an authorized service station at least every two years. The successfully carried out service is documented by the FSR service sticker which also indicates the date of the next service (e.g. in two years time).
When a life jacket has reached the age of 10 years, it may be necessary to take it out of service for reasons of safety. A decisive reason for this is the ageing of rubber and/or plastic coated parts which may lead to brittleness and cracks. Thus, the air-tight properties of the buoyancy chamber can no longer be taken for granted. This is also applicable to all other components of the equipment, such as the inflation device.
If it is determined by SECUMAR SERVICE that a life jacket has reached the end of its life-span, and that a new SERVICE sticker can no longer be given, we inform you immediately.
If required, your SECUMAR dealer will be glad to give you advice on the choice of a replacement life jacket.
For further information, please contact our SECUMAR SERVICE department. The German Association of Manufacturers of Life-Saving Equipment (FSR), Gunther-Plüschow-Str. 8, 50829 Köln, Tel. 0221) 59 57 1-0, Fax 0221 / 59 57 1-10. http://www.bwvs.de/fsr, Email FSR@BWVS.de, will also serve with information. All renowned German manufacturers and/or importers of life jackets are members of FSR.
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