Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) - BS EN 1317-5

Vehicle Restraint Systems (VRS) are road safety measures that contain and redirect vehicles. They reduce the severity of accidents for occupants and the public. Designed and installed on the verge and central reservations of roads, they are used to contain and redirect errant vehicles. Hitting a vehicle restraint system is less harmful than hitting hazards like trees, water, or crowds behind it.

Vehicle restraint system (VRS) standard testing is essential for companies that manufacture, supply, and install VRS products used on roads and highways to contain or redirect errant vehicles.

This standard certification ensures that these products meet strict quality standards, including compliance with relevant regulations and industry best practices. VRS certification may be required by government agencies or other organizations that are responsible for the design, construction, or maintenance of roads and highways.

The certification process is typically conducted by independent certification bodies and may involve product testing, manufacturing audits, and ongoing surveillance and monitoring.

VRS certification is the process of ensuring that a particular type or design of system has been tested and meets necessary standards. Certification is obtained through a rigorous testing process and is important for ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of vehicle restraint systems.

Using impact tests, road authorities can recognize and specify the correct VRS to be used on any given road. In the UK and EU, VRS performance is tested with standard BS EN 1317.

BS EN 1317 consists of several parts:

• Part 1 - Terminology and general criteria for test methods
• Part 2 - Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria, and test methods for barriers, including vehicle parapets
• Part 3 - Performance classes, impact test acceptance criteria, and test methods for crash cushions
• Part 5 - Product requirements and evaluation of conformity for vehicle restraint systems

Permanent barriers, vehicle parapets, and crash cushions must be affixed with the CE Mark to be placed on the EU market. They must be affixed with the UKCA Mark to be placed on the GB market after 30th June 2025 (construction/infrastructure products).

The route to both CE and UKCA Marking is specified with the harmonized (EU) and designated (UK) standard BS EN 1317 Part 5, which requires Initial Type Testing (impact testing) in accordance with BS EN 1317 Parts 1, 2, and 3, along with Factory Production Control.

Vehicle restraint system (VRS) testing offers several benefits to organizations that manufacture, supply, and install VRS products. Firstly, certification can create opportunities for organizational growth by demonstrating a commitment to producing high-quality, compliant products. This can enable businesses to explore new markets and potentially expand their customer base.

Additionally, certification can help establish market differentiation by providing a unique selling point (USP) for products. Standard compliance can offer a visible sign of quality and differentiate products from competitors. This can also assure procurers of consistent quality, which is essential for products like VRS.

Moreover, VRS standard certification ensures compliance with market legislation, which is a crucial advantage for businesses. Certification guarantees that products meet essential regulatory requirements for use on roads and highways. This not only protects customers but also helps to safeguard businesses from potential legal liabilities.

Overall, VRS testing can provide significant benefits to businesses, including opportunities for growth, market differentiation, compliance with essential regulations, and assurance of consistent quality.

Ready to gain the benefits of tested VRS? Register now to connect with our expert advisors.

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