UL 1177 UL Standard for Safety Floating Vests

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of UL 1177 testing. These requirements cover marine buoyancy vests using kapok, fiber glass, or single-cell polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene foam flotation material.

Within these main two classes are a range of support levels, buoyancy types, activation methods for inflatables, and ancillary items (such as locating aids), all of which will affect the user's likelihood of survival.

Of the different types of flotation allowed, inflatable PFDs either provide full buoyancy without any user intervention other than commissioning (i.e. PFDs inflated by a fully automated method) or require the user to initiate inflation. Hybrid PFDs always provide some buoyancy, but rely on the same methods as inflatable PFDs to achieve full buoyancy. Naturally with floating PFDs, the user only needs to plug in the PFD to achieve its class performance.

PFDs provide varying degrees of buoyancy in garments that are lightweight and only bulky and restrictive as needed for their intended use. They will need to be secure when fitted to provide positive support in the water and allow the wearer to swim or actively assist themselves or others. The selected PFD should ensure that the user's mouth and nose are clear of water, under the expected conditions of use and the user's ability to assist.

It is essential that owners, users and employers select PFDs that meet the right standards for the conditions in which they will be used. Manufacturers and sellers of PFDs should clearly communicate product features, alternative options, and limitations to normal use to prospective buyers prior to purchase.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with UL 1177 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.