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PosterousProducts: Quality, Safety, Certification
Safety, environmental compatibility, quality: everything you need to know about the product testing activities of TÜV Rheinland and TÜV Rheinland LGA.
Checking of fitness equipment
Checking that fitness equipment is maintained in proper condition is an essential part of the testing of fitness centres. Only when a fitness centre fulfils all the criteria is it certified with the TÜV Rheinland “Prae Fit” seal of fitness. With over 400 gyms and studios having passed its tests, TÜV Rheinland is one of Germany’s leading certifiers of fitness centres. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Pruefung_von_Fitnessstudios.jpg (8.17 MB)
Checking of fitness equipment
Fitness centres have to comply with an extensive catalogue of tests in order to receive a TÜV Rheinland test mark. In addition to the proper condition and safety of the equipment, TÜV Rheinland focuses on the qualifications of the employees, the quality and emergency management of the centre as well as hygiene. Only when all test criteria are up to standard is the fitness centre awarded the TÜV Rheinland “Prae Fit” seal. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Pruefung_von_Fitnesstudios2.jpg (7.45 MB)
Test of Water Toys
Tests of water toys at TÜV Rheinland in 2010: The experts purchased inflatable water toys and air mattresses directly on the beaches of holiday resorts, and then tested them. Of the 88 tested products, 43 articles are not permitted to be sold within the European Union, because they do not fulfil the applicable safety requirements. For 29 products, the greatest problem is the high concentration of plasticisers.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Test_von_Wasserspielzeug1.jpg (4.71 MB)
Test of Water Toys
"Dummy test" at TÜV Rheinland: Swim seat rings for babies are classified as swimming teaching aids and as personal protective equipment. Therefore, they are not permitted to be designed as water toys – otherwise, they are forbidden to be sold in the European Union. Amongst other things, permissible swim seats for small children must offer increased security against capsizing, provide evidence that children can be freed if they tip over, must demonstrate a clear size system organised by age group and body weight, and most importantly, must display warning information for parents that the child must remain under constant supervision.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Test_von_Wasserspielzeug3.jpg (4.70 MB)
Pulltest
In the summer of 2009, TÜV Rheinland purchased inflatable bathing toys and lilos at beaches around the Mediterranean and then tested them for harmful substances and defects in quality at the TÜV Rheinland LGA laboratory. Nearly all items contained high concentrations of plasticisers. In order to determine whether small parts can become loose and present a hazard for children, a pull test was performed. Two items failed the test.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Zugpruefung.jpg (1.20 MB)
Toy Testing
With more than 100,000 inspections and tests of toys annually, TÜV Rheinland is one of the leading testing houses for toys worldwide. Not only does toy testing take place in the German laboratories, but also in 20 locations in Hong Kong and China. The tests include both chemical tests – with regard to plasticisers, for example – as well as physical and mechanical inspections.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Spielzeugpruefung1.jpg (2.46 MB)
Durability Testing of Leisure Appliances
In order to ensure that air beds do not already lose air on their first trip to the swimming pool or beach, TÜV Rheinland experts put airbeds through their paces – in terms of quality and safety. The stitching is loaded with weights in order to test its tear strength. However, the experts at TÜV Rheinland advise that air beds should never be used as swimming aids, in deep water or without supervision.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Purchase of Inflatable Bathing Articles
TÜV Rheinland test of inflatable bathing articles in summer 2010: the test purchases were made in Italy, the Netherlands and France.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Wasserspielzeugkauf1.jpg (374 KB)
Purchase of Inflatable Bathing Articles
TÜV Rheinland test of inflatable bathing articles in summer 2010: the test purchases were made in Italy, the Netherlands and France.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Wasserspielzeugkauf2.jpg (405 KB)
Inspection
Summer fun spoiled by toxins: In the summer of 2009, TÜV Rheinland purchased inflatable bathing toys and lilos at beaches around the Mediterranean and then tested them for harmful substances and defects in quality at the TÜV Rheinland LGA laboratory. Nearly all items contained high concentrations of plasticisers. 17 products are not permitted to be sold in the EU.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Beprobung1.jpg (1.02 MB)
Preparation of Samples
Beverages, fruit, vegetable or animal products: At TÜV Rheinland Agroisolab, the experts offer close analysis of origin of, and authenticity checks on, a broad range of foodstuffs.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Probenvorbereitung.jpg (1.36 MB)
Weighing out Samples on a Precision Balance
Before identifying the isotopic signature of samples, they need to be weighed out on a precision balance. The analysis is a scientific means of accurately locating the country of origin of foodstuffs, for example.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Mikroeinwaage.jpg (1.50 MB)
Extraction
TÜV Rheinland Agroisolab is using the so-called isotope analysis to closely analyse foodstuffs for their origin. The photo shows a Soxhlet extractor designed for the extraction of lipids, for example.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Extraktion.jpg (1.74 MB)
Supplying Mass Spectrometers
TÜV Rheinland Agroisolab is using the so-called isotope analysis to closely analyse foodstuffs for their origin. Eight isotope mass spectrometers constitute the core of the laboratory.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Bestueckung_Massenspektrometer2.jpg (1.65 MB)
Testing of Entertainment Electronics
Testing of entertainment electronics: In the TÜV Rheinland Group’s testing laboratories in Japan and Germany, electronic entertainment devices and communications technology are tested for their suitability for use, EMC and electrical safety. When testing televisions, the quality of reception, picture quality, colour quality and the audio capabilities of the appliances are examined.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Pruefung_von_Unterhaltungselektronik.jpg (3.79 MB)
Safety Tests for Jogging Prams
The European safety standard EN 1888 is a uniform set of safety requirements and test methods for prams which is valid across Europe. These are tested meticulously by the experts at TÜV Rheinland in order to transport small children safely in prams. For example, measurements and weight are painstakingly inspected and prams are put through a practical test in order to inspect quality and safety.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Acoustic Laboratory
In TÜV Rheinland’s testing laboratories, experts also measure the noise characteristics of products as shown here in Yokohama, Japan and check that they adhere to permitted maximum values.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Akkustiklabor.jpg (6.83 MB)
Endurance Tests
Products also have to successfully pass a constant load test in the TÜV Rheinland test laboratories. For example, suitcases are transported a distance of 15 kilometres on a jolt-ramming machine for around three and a half hours in order to check whether the wheels can withstand high loads on a day by day basis.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland LGA
Dauertests.jpg (3.59 MB)
Testing Entertainment Electronics
When testing entertainment electronics, the product experts from TÜV Rheinland and TÜV Rheinland LGA focus on electrical safety, electromagnetic compatibility and suitability for use. In the case of televisions, the reception properties and picture quality are tested for colour units, contrast, geometry and resolution.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland LGA
Sicherheit_von_Fernsehern.jpg (3.06 MB)
Product Tests Worldwide
The TÜV Rheinland experts check products for safety and quality across the globe. The company operates large product testing laboratories in China, Japan, Germany and Hungary. Products which have been tested can be identified by the GS “Safety tested“ label, by the ToxProof seal for products which are low in hazardous substances or by the quality certificate from TÜV Rheinland LGA.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland LGA
Produkttests_weltweit.jpg (2.35 MB)
Solar power plants
Experts of TÜV Rheinland escorts the construction and operation of solar power plants worldwide.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
solar_power_plant_3.jpg (3.97 MB)
Solar power plants
Experts of TÜV Rheinland escorts the construction and operation of solar power plants worldwide.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
solarpowerplant.jpg (4.19 MB)
Solar power plants
Experts of TÜV Rheinland escorts the construction and operation of solar power plants worldwide.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
solar_power_plant_.jpg (4.74 MB)
Solar power plants
Experts of TÜV Rheinland escorts the construction and operation of solar power plants worldwide.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
solarkraftwerk.jpg (4.71 MB)
Combined Sun simulator at the photovoltaic test laboratory in Cologne
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Kombinierter_Sonnensimulator_TUeV_Rheinland_SEAC_Koeln.jpg (2.32 MB)
Thermographic measurement of solar power plants
TÜV Rheinland tests and certifies solar power plants for investors and project partners around the world. The experts, who have many years of experience in this field, certify the bankability of plants on the basis of a comprehensive and innovative list of criteria. The purpose of the certificate is to give investors and plant operators maximum transparency and safety for top-quality, state-of-the-art photovoltaic systems, and therefore for profitable, safe and long-term operation. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Test stand for photovoltaic spectral measurement
For manufacturers of crystalline and thin-film photovoltaic modules, TÜV Rheinland can now measure the spectral sensitivity and quantum efficiency of photovoltaic modules. A new spectral measuring station has been specially set up for this purpose in the solar testing centre in Cologne. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Light-ageing test stand for thin-film solar modules
TÜV Rheinland operates a number of light-soaking test stands for thin-film modules. Light-ageing is required as part of the design certification for terrestrial thin-film photovoltaic modules in accordance with IEC 61646 to make the rated output of modules comparable. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Lichtalterungsteststand-fuer_Duennschichtsolarmodule.jpg (6.89 MB)
Combined Sun Simulator
TÜV Rheinland has commissioned a new sun simulator in the Cologne Solar Testing Centre. The unique feature of the simulator is that it allows measurement not only of photovoltaic modules and thermal solar collectors, but also of combinations of the two technologies. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Combined Sun Simulator
TÜV Rheinland has commissioned a new sun simulator in the Cologne Solar Testing Centre. The unique feature of the simulator is that it allows measurement not only of photovoltaic modules and thermal solar collectors, but also of combinations of the two technologies. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Combined Sun Simulator
TÜV Rheinland has commissioned a new sun simulator in the Cologne Solar Testing Centre. The unique feature of the simulator is that it allows measurement not only of photovoltaic modules and thermal solar collectors, but also of combinations of the two technologies. Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Hailstorm Test
At TÜV Rheinland's testing centres, solar modules are subjected to a whole lot of tests, including a simulated hailstorm test, to see whether a violent thunderstorm might cause damage to them or even make them break.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Module Fracture Test
Solar module testing also involves a fracture test, which simulates the impact of falling objects. This test determines whether there is any risk of injury caused by falling fragments. The impactor used weighs 45.5 kg.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Outdoor Test Facility in Cologne
The TÜV Rheinland experts in Cologne use outdoor test facilities covering a total of 800 square metres.
Photo: TÜV Rheinland
Aussentestfeld_Pruefzentrum_Koeln.jpg (2.58 MB)