Material Safety Noadswood Science, 2012

Material Safety  To understand how materials are tested for safety and whether they are ‘fit for purpose’ Sunday, May 03, 2015

Markings  Look at the three motorbike helmets below – which one would you buy?!  Would either of the symbols below, if on the back of one of the helmets make you reconsider?!

Markings  What is wrong with this safety helmet?!  Is it fit for purpose?! It has no CE mark so you can’t be sure if it will meet the standards a helmet requires…

Structure & Properties  Materials scientists are concerned with the design, manufacture and use of all classes of materials including: -  Metals  Ceramics  Polymers  Biomaterials  They are also concerned with energy, environmental, health, economic and manufacturing issues related to these materials  It is their job to research the structures and properties of materials to obtain information that could be used to make new products or enhance existing ones…

Product Tested  Products must be tested by materials scientists for their quality before they goal on sale – why is this?  Product testing ensures that they comply with national and international standards and mandatory regulations that determine formulation, biological, chemical and physical properties  This is all to ensure they are fit for purpose safe to use!

Setting & Testing Standards  In the UK the British Standards Institute (BSI) and European Committee for Standardization (CEN) are two organisations which are responsible for setting and testing product standards…  “Standards are created by bringing together all interested parties… all parties benefit from standardization through increased product safety and quality”

CE Mark  Products marketed in the European Community carry a CE mark  A CE mark means the product has been tested for quality and purpose, and that a certain standard has been met  Without this guarantee buying products such as motorbike helmets is a major risk  * In the UK we also have the kite mark recognised and awarded by the BSI

Markings  So why shouldn’t you buy this helmet?!  Is it fit for purpose?! It has no CE mark so you can’t be sure if it will meet the standards a helmet requires…

Fatal?  In 2011 moto GP rider Marco Simoncelli died when his motorbike helmet came off…  The helmet was CE marked and was of the highest quality… but Simoncelli wore the helmet loose and undone (against the testing recommendation) – this cost his life

Products  What products do we buy in the UK with safety standards attached to them? Try and list 10…  Protective clothing – safety helmets, motorcycle helmets, riding helmets, eye protection etc…  Fire safety – carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms etc…  Building & construction – windows, glass, insulation, ladders, toilet seats etc…  Vehicles – car service, windscreens, road markings, lights, garage services  Electrical & gas – plugs, sockets, fuses, IT equipment, gas appliances etc…  Health – surgeon’s gloves, condoms etc…  Sports – cricket balls, playground surfaces etc…

Experiment  Look at the selection of protective clothing – all the items will be used on a construction site  Decide what properties make these items ‘fit for purpose’ and then label them with information: -  When should they be used  What do they protect you from  What are they unable to protect you from  What recommendations go along with it (i.e. not suitable at night)  Are there any items here you would not recommend to use, and if so why not…  * Make your recording clear and concise!