Question: Locking clip and another Tech..

[Caseylaine]

Last time I participated in a seat check one of the Tech's (a policeman) used a locking clip for a tilting infant seat... BUT he used it at the end where the belt enters the seat... does that make sense.

It was NOT used within 1" of the belt clip.

Is this a no-no? I would assume that it would be, since the locking clip is being used in a way that it is not intended. But I just wanted to make sure.

[An Aurora]

Nope, not ok.

[Gypsy]

The tilting is caused by locking the retractor, to avoid the tilting you want to NOT lock the retractor, but you still need to lock the belt, so putting a locking clip in place (within an inch of the buckle) is proper. What he did is not proper.

[Pixels]

I agree with the others, it is not proper. Let me explain why. Locking clips aren't designed to take crash forces. If it comes off, and is properly used, the amount of slack introduced in the belt before the Emergency Locking Retractor kicks in is small, so it's ok. By putting it on the wrong side, he is putting a lot of slack in the belt.

Also, on the correct side, there is not as much forces to open up the locking clip. On the wrong side, the shoulder belt has leverage against the locking clip, making it much more likely to bend and come off.

[Caseylaine]

Awesome thanks! I was pretty certain it was wrong.. and I've seen him do a couple other things that didn't seem right. I think that our program for techs has a lot of old information and seemingly poor advice. But as a new tech I am reticent to say anything to them..

When I have butted heads about certain issues (not using seats after ANY crash, where they say its okay after a minor crash... grrrr) it has basically come down to me being "wrong" and them being "Right".

[Pixels]

You're gonna have to pick your battles. Stick with the ones you know you can win, with evidence (usually the owner's manual).

[Gypsy]

Awesome thanks! I was pretty certain it was wrong.. and I've seen him do a couple other things that didn't seem right. I think that our program for techs has a lot of old information and seemingly poor advice. But as a new tech I am reticent to say anything to them..

When I have butted heads about certain issues (not using seats after ANY crash, where they say its okay after a minor crash... grrrr) it has basically come down to me being "wrong" and them being "Right".

I'd report them to one of your instructors, and if it continues, report it to your certifying body there - here it's Safe Kids.