Harnesses, Valid Dates & Club Racing

[juliann]

I'm struggling to understand if it is strictly necessary to replace harnesses if they have reached their FIA 'Not Valid After Date' - with reference to the following circumstances :

A) Series Regs do not specifically stipulate any harness requirements over and above MSA Blue Book.

B) Used solely for UK Club Nat B Events

C) For the purposes of my question, leaving out considerations of what is 'good practice'

It appears to me that the Blue Book does not stipulate that harnesses, in the above circumstances, must be within their date as their terminology (at end of quote below) says SHOULD not MUST.

MSA Blue Book 2008 (Competitor Safety & Car Racing Sections) Says :

Seats, Seat Belts and Headrests
Safety Belts
44. All seat safety belts must be complete units
sourced from a recognised manufacturer and fitted in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, MSA
recommendations or FIA requirements (see FIA
drawings 253-42, 253-43, 253-44 and 253-45). It is not
Permitted to mix parts of seat belts. They must be worn
and correctly adjusted at all times during events.
45. Configurations must be as follows:
Three point One diagonal shoulder strap and one lap
strap, with three anchorage points on the
chassis/body shell or roll over bar of the
vehicle on either side and to the rear of
the Driver’s seat.
Four point Two shoulder straps and one lap strap,
with four anchorage points on the
chassis/body shell or roll over bar of the
vehicle. One either side of the Driver and
two to the rear of the Driver’s seat (or one
symmetrical for the two shoulder straps).
Six point Two shoulder straps, one lap strap and
two straps between the legs, with six
anchorage points on the chassis/body
shell or roll over bar of the vehicle. One
either side of the Driver, two to the rear of
the Driver’s seat (or one symmetrical for
the two shoulder straps) and two between
the legs.
46. Only one release mechanism is Permitted on each
seat belt configuration and this must be accessible to
the wearer when seated in the competing position. The
anchorage points to the rear should be positioned so
that the strap from the shoulder is as near horizontal as
possible. It should not be located on the floor directly
behind the Driver/Co-Driver.
47. It is Permitted to make a hole in series production
seats to allow secure anchoring of seat belts. Seat belts
subjected to oil, acid or heat, or involved in a serious
accident should be discarded.
48. All seat belts used on International events must be
homologated by the FIA, and carry their label.
49. Where safety harnesses are mandatory, it is
recommended that those described in 45 are
homologated by the FIA and carry their label.


125. Currently FIA Homologated safety harness should
be fitted and worn at all times by the Driver during
training, practice and competition unless the vehicle
was constructed in Periods A to E.

-----------------------

Most times in scrutineering though, the FIA label is checked on my belts ?!?

Any insights would be appreciated.

Thanks

[Chris Y]

I agree that's a bit vague on the exact wording.. However we were told through the MSA magazine some time ago that belts must be "in date", and good luck arguing the case over with a scrutineer when you've got less than 20 minutes to get to the assembly area.

[scrutineer]

They must be in date, this is something that has been talked about on here a lot (and im sure Al W will be along soon )
Over the last few years people have turned up with out of date belts and they will get turned away, after all the money you spend on getting there and entry fees its not worth the risk, at best you will have a very hard time and have to borrow someones belts (and all the stress!!!) at worst you will lose your money.
Although 44 says that they must be fitted in accordance with MSA and FIA instructions, and these instructions include the date.

[juliann]

Originally Posted by scrutineer

They must be in date, this is something that has been talked about on here a lot (and im sure Al W will be along soon )
Over the last few years people have turned up with out of date belts and they will get turned away, after all the money you spend on getting there and entry fees its not worth the risk, at best you will have a very hard time and have to borrow someones belts (and all the stress!!!) at worst you will lose your money.
Although 44 says that they must be fitted in accordance with MSA and FIA instructions, and these instructions include the date.

I did search, but clearly my search skills are not great

I'm not suggesting I would race with O.O.D. kit, in fact, I wouldn't dream of it myself - the point was mearly one of clarity or rather, the lack of it.

The point about 44 is that the wording is unclear and implies manufacturer recommendation AND/OR (I'm not sure which ?) MSA regs OR FIA not AND.

Whereas, 125 says SHOULD not MUST.

It could be interpreted that non-FIA belts (without FIA Use By Dates) could, but shouldn't (not mustn't) be used


Where's Al when you need him

[Al Weyman]

When was the Blue Book ever clear? Seriously though I think its been about so long and bits get added and taken away (or maybe not taken away) and it can leave a bit of confusion but be that as it may regretfully I think its reasonably clear (unless you really want to play on the difference between the literal meaning of MUST & SHOULD) that I along with many others will have to dump a perfectly good set of belts this season like it or not!