SFI requires HANS re-cert every 5 years
10-04-2011, 01:41 PM
#1
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SFI requires HANS re-cert every 5 years
September 28, 2011 - New Recertification Requirement for SFI 38.1 Head and Neck Restraint Devices
A recent SFI Specification revision now requires that Head and Neck Restraint Devices which are certified to SFI Specification 38.1 be inspected and recertified every five (5) years, effective January 1, 2012. Any existing certified device with an SFI 38.1 conformance label must be sent back to the original manufacturer for inspection after five (5) years from the date of manufacture punched out on the label. Product inspection, maintenance, and/or replacement procedure will be per individual manufacturer. Inspection must be done by the original manufacturer only, and not their authorized resellers or dealers.
When a device is determined by the original manufacturer to be acceptable for continued use, that manufacturer will affix a new SFI 38.1 conformance label marked with the inspection date and it will be valid for use for another five (5) years from that date.
Sanctioning Bodies requiring 38.1 devices will begin enforcing the five (5) year recertification rule as of January 1, 2012.
http://www.sfifoundation.com/
A recent SFI Specification revision now requires that Head and Neck Restraint Devices which are certified to SFI Specification 38.1 be inspected and recertified every five (5) years, effective January 1, 2012. Any existing certified device with an SFI 38.1 conformance label must be sent back to the original manufacturer for inspection after five (5) years from the date of manufacture punched out on the label. Product inspection, maintenance, and/or replacement procedure will be per individual manufacturer. Inspection must be done by the original manufacturer only, and not their authorized resellers or dealers.
When a device is determined by the original manufacturer to be acceptable for continued use, that manufacturer will affix a new SFI 38.1 conformance label marked with the inspection date and it will be valid for use for another five (5) years from that date.
Sanctioning Bodies requiring 38.1 devices will begin enforcing the five (5) year recertification rule as of January 1, 2012.
http://www.sfifoundation.com/
10-04-2011, 02:01 PM
#3
Three Wheelin'
Hmmmm:
"Sanctioning Bodies requiring 38.1 devices will begin enforcing the five (5) year recertification rule as of January 1, 2012."
Some sanctioning bodies, like NASA accept an FIA standard in lieu of SFI 38.1. Some head and neck restraint products, like my HANS device, purchased in 2006, carry both certifications. So, unless NASA changes their rules next season, I will not have to have my 5+ year old HANS checked out by Hubbard Downing to run with NASA in 2012.
In any case, I wonder how Hubbard Downing and other manufacturers will deal with this. I wonder if they can create a service for a price that makes good business sense for them. Of course they can decide not to offer a service, which would be... interesting.
SFI is a manufacturer's association. Their specs for certain types of driver's suits (beyond SFI 3.2A/5 if I recall correctly) require periodic re-certification. I do not know whether many of the suit manufacturers with such products have programs for this. Of course with things like belts, few companies offer any type of re-web and/or recertification program.
"Sanctioning Bodies requiring 38.1 devices will begin enforcing the five (5) year recertification rule as of January 1, 2012."
Some sanctioning bodies, like NASA accept an FIA standard in lieu of SFI 38.1. Some head and neck restraint products, like my HANS device, purchased in 2006, carry both certifications. So, unless NASA changes their rules next season, I will not have to have my 5+ year old HANS checked out by Hubbard Downing to run with NASA in 2012.
In any case, I wonder how Hubbard Downing and other manufacturers will deal with this. I wonder if they can create a service for a price that makes good business sense for them. Of course they can decide not to offer a service, which would be... interesting.
SFI is a manufacturer's association. Their specs for certain types of driver's suits (beyond SFI 3.2A/5 if I recall correctly) require periodic re-certification. I do not know whether many of the suit manufacturers with such products have programs for this. Of course with things like belts, few companies offer any type of re-web and/or recertification program.
Last edited by Mahler9th; 10-04-2011 at 10:51 PM.
10-04-2011, 02:22 PM
#4
Three Wheelin'
PCA and BMWCCA 2011 rules are both like NASA, and apparently SCCA language for 2012 will be similar, allowing the FIA spec.
So unless things change, you can have FIA spec forever, but products with just the SFI 38.1 cert will need to be dealt with every 5 years if the statement by SFI is true.
So unless things change, you can have FIA spec forever, but products with just the SFI 38.1 cert will need to be dealt with every 5 years if the statement by SFI is true.
10-04-2011, 02:23 PM
#5
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If SFI wants H&N restraints inspected every 5 years, then it would make sense for them to require all helmets to be inspected every 5 years.
What exactly requires inspection?
Unlike seat harnesses, I believe you are allowed to replace the tethers on your HANS device whenever you decide (or upgrade QR/sliding tethers, etc) by yourself with no recertification or inspection.
There really isn't much to inspect in the helmet mounts, since I don't believe the metal is subject to stress or degredation.
If you are involved in a crash, then of course it is prudent to send your helmet in for inspection, along with a H&N restraint.
My 2 cents ... Hubbard and Downing are looking for $$, pure and simple.
What exactly requires inspection?
Unlike seat harnesses, I believe you are allowed to replace the tethers on your HANS device whenever you decide (or upgrade QR/sliding tethers, etc) by yourself with no recertification or inspection.
There really isn't much to inspect in the helmet mounts, since I don't believe the metal is subject to stress or degredation.
If you are involved in a crash, then of course it is prudent to send your helmet in for inspection, along with a H&N restraint.
My 2 cents ... Hubbard and Downing are looking for $$, pure and simple.
10-04-2011, 02:28 PM
#6
Three Wheelin'
I am not so sure. This could end up diluting their margins if they offer a re-cert process. Creating a new service business may have inherently lower margins than selling products like the HANS device. Margin dilution on increased revenues may not make sense for them. If they offer no service, then yes, they can sell more devices.
But, the way I see it, the FIA cert, unless or until it contains a similar check process, and unless/until it is no longer accepted as an alternative by the sanctions, means you are good to go in perpetuity.
So it is clear as mud.
But, the way I see it, the FIA cert, unless or until it contains a similar check process, and unless/until it is no longer accepted as an alternative by the sanctions, means you are good to go in perpetuity.
So it is clear as mud.
10-04-2011, 03:20 PM
#7
Rennlist Member
Might also be a way for Hubbard Downing to push competing H&N restraints from the market. 
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10-04-2011, 04:26 PM
#11
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Thread Starter
Joe, just talked with Trish at HANS. SFI requiring recertification caught them by surprise, but it's the same $15 as retrocertification. Use that link to pay and then ship. (She also noted that few HANS fail--mostly just those that were in MAJOR collisions or were run over by a truck. Their next model for Kyle Busch (NASCAR guy?) will be in a boomerrang shape so that when he throws it it will come back? Must be a NASCAR joke.... I laughed.)
10-04-2011, 04:51 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
I think some of you may have missed something.
If your device, like my HANS, has an allowed FIA certification as well, then recertification may not ever be necessary.
If NASA, BMWCCA, PCA and SCCA allow either standard in 2012 and beyond (as 'CCA, PCA and NASA do currently), and your device has both...
then the FIA certification, which as far as I know right now has no requirement for periodic inspection/recertification, is fine, and you don't have to do anything!
So this may turn out to be a big "NEVERMIND."
If your device, like my HANS, has an allowed FIA certification as well, then recertification may not ever be necessary.
If NASA, BMWCCA, PCA and SCCA allow either standard in 2012 and beyond (as 'CCA, PCA and NASA do currently), and your device has both...
then the FIA certification, which as far as I know right now has no requirement for periodic inspection/recertification, is fine, and you don't have to do anything!
So this may turn out to be a big "NEVERMIND."
