EN 1972 Diving Equipment - Snorkels - Requirements and Test Methods

The European standard "EN 1972 Diving equipment - Snorkels - Requirements and test methods" specifies safety requirements for swimmers and divers to increase safety when using snorkels. This standard applies to snorkels that allow users to breathe at the surface of the water with their faces under water. It covers snorkels used by swimmers and divers. However, this standard does not apply to combined face masks and snorkels where the snorkel tube opens into the face mask.

For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

• A snorkel refers to a device consisting of a hose or tube with a mouthpiece that allows the user to breathe while swimming in a swimming position. A snorkel may also include optional devices such as valves and water deflectors.

The mouthpiece refers to the part of the snorkel that is usually held by the teeth, forms a seal against the lips, and through which air is inhaled and exhaled.

The snorkel must not have protruding parts or corners and edges that could cause injury. Snorkels must be tested in accordance with the visual inspection and dimension testing described in this standard. The dimensions of the snorkel must be in accordance with the table given in the standard:

• Class A: For people with large lung capacity. The internal volume is 230 ml maximum and the linear distance is 380 mm maximum.
• Class B: For people with small lung capacity (e.g. children). The internal volume is maximum 150 ml and the linear distance is maximum 350 mm.

The internal volume is the volume that represents the dead space of the snorkel for respiratory exchange. The linear distance is the linear distance between the center of the mouthpiece opening and the lowest part of the air intake opening.

The mouthpiece material must be known to be likely to cause irritation or any adverse health effects. The mouthpiece must be designed to be easily held in the mouth, for example by using handles to grip between the teeth. All parts of the mouthpiece that come into contact with the oral mucosa must be smoothly finished. The end of the tube must not extend beyond the mouthpiece into the mouth. The mouthpiece must be tested in accordance with the visual inspection and dimensional testing described in this standard.

The resistance to air flow, when tested according to this standard, must be within the maximum breathing pressure of the snorkel during inhalation and exhalation plus/minus 10 mbar.

When joints are tested with an axial force of 10 N for 30 s in accordance with this standard, there shall be no signs of separation of the joints.

To prevent the snorkel from being lost during use, any optional snorkel retention device fitted to the cylinder shall be arranged so that the position of the snorkel can be adjusted. The snorkel retention device shall enable the snorkel to be removed and replaced from the mouth without dislodging the face mask. It shall also be tested in accordance with the visual inspection and practical performance test described in this standard.

If an optional shut-off valve is fitted to prevent water ingress, it should only close when immersed in water. After immersion, the valve should open easily on the first exhalation. The valve should be tested in accordance with the practical performance test described in the standard.

The test methods described in the EN 1972 standard are:

• Visual inspection: Visual inspection should be performed with normal visual acuity. Visual inspection should include evaluation of the device marking, information provided by the manufacturer, and any safety data sheets.
• Testing dimensions: The internal volume of the snorkel can be determined by measuring and calculating the dimensions or by filling the snorkel with water. The snorkel is placed with the mouthpiece in the position it would be in during normal use. The linear distance between the center of the mouthpiece opening and the lowest part of the air intake opening is determined.
• Test of resistance to air flow: The mouthpiece is connected to a breathing simulator. The breathing simulator is set to operate sinusoidally at 2,5 l/stroke and 25 strokes/minute at ambient pressure and temperature. The deviation between frequency and amplitude should not exceed plus/minus 3 percent. The pressure at the mouthpiece is recorded. The measurement is continued until a steady state is achieved.
• Joint strength test: A tensile testing machine or dead weight arrangement is used with means for measuring with accuracy of plus/minus 2 N over the entire measurement range. A load is applied across the joint at a uniform rate for 5 seconds. The force is maintained for 10 seconds and the joint is examined for any damage.
• Practical performance testing: For safety reasons, practical performance testing should only be performed after all laboratory tests have been satisfactorily completed, based on visual inspection and joint strength testing. The snorkel should be tested by subjects who regularly practice with the snorkel. Each test subject performs a test swim that includes at least two immersions to a depth of at least 1 m. During the test, the snorkel is subjectively assessed by the user and the user's comments on the following points are recorded after the test: snorkel comfort, security of any joints and connections, adjustment of the mouthpiece and any snorkel retention devices, ease of breathing in on the first exhalation and opening of any shut-off valves, and any other comments reported by the user upon request.

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