ASTM_F_2821_-_10.pdf

Designation:F282110Standard Test Methods forBasket Type Rescue Litters1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2821;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 These test methods will enable the user to determine ifa rescue litter meets their requirement for strength dependingupon their particular applications and methods of use.1.2 The test methods described in this standard are designedto test several parameters under“manner of use”conditions.1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded asstandard.The values given in parentheses are mathematicalconversions to inch-pound units that are provided for informa-tion only and are not considered standard.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 basket type litter,na conveyance for the sick orinjured usually consisting of a tubular metal frame enclosing amolded plastic or wire shell.Also known as a basket stretcher.2.1.2 litter bridle,na manufactured or improvised systemthat attaches the litter to the raising or lowering system.2.1.3 horizontal lift,nrefers to the patient being in ahorizontal position with the head and feet at approximately thesame level.In this configuration the litter bridle attaches to thelitter at four points.2.1.4 anchor plate,na device installed inside the litter thatis used to attach the litter to the bed of the test apparatus.Itmust be of sufficient size and stiffness to distribute the forceson the litter shell or frame,thereby allowing the test of theattachment points.2.1.5 vertical lift,nrefers to the patient being in a head upand feet down position.In this configuration the litter bridleattaches to the litter at the head end only.3.Summary of Test Method3.1 Horizontal test method is designed to test the litterattachment points and the resistance of the litter to folding orcurling.3.2 Vertical test method is designed to test the structuralstrength of the head end of the litter or the manufacturersdesignated bridle attachment points or both,and for a two-piece litter,to also test the connection between the two sectionsof the litter.3.3 These tests are destructive in nature and will require anew litter for each test.4.Significance and Use4.1 These test methods are intended to provide reproducibledata from which acceptance criteria,design data,and specifi-cations can be developed for basket type rescue litters.5.Apparatus5.1 GeneralUse calibrated electronic load measuring de-vices.The testing equipment shall have sufficient capacity toprevent yielding of its components under the anticipatedultimate load,and shall have sufficient stiffness to ensure thatthe applied tension loads remain parallel to the axis of theanchors.5.2 Anchor Plate(if used)Shall be installed in the litter insuch a way that the force distributes equally and does notconcentrate on a single element.The purpose is to test theattachment points of the litter bridle,the connection points thathold the halves of two-piece litter together,and the littersability to resist folding or bending both longitudinally andlaterally.The anchor plate size must be kept to a minimum sothat it does not provide any increased resistance to the litterbending during a test.In cases where the litter does not have aframe,the plate shall span any ribs or other structural elementswithin the shell in order that the forces are distributed over awide enough area that unintentional damage does not occur.5.3 Sample OrientationThe litter subject to test can beloaded either horizontally or vertically depending upon the testapparatus being used.6.Hazards6.1 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is the1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 onSearch and Rescue and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.01 onEquipment,Testing,and Maintenance.Current edition approved May 1,2010.Published June 2010.DOI:10.1520/F2821-10.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applicabil-ity of regulatory limitations prior to use.6.2 These tests are destructive in nature and there is thepotential for injury from flying objects that are ejected duringthe tests.The person performing the tests shall wear appropri-ate safety equipment,the test apparatus shall be properlyg