MS 1241 : 1991

MALAYSIAN
STANDARD
MS 1241 : 1991
ICS : 23.020

SPECIFICATION FOR FIBREGLASS WATER TANKS-

EFFECTIVE CAPACITY OF LESS THAN 2000 LITRES

STANDARDS & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

© Copyright
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 MS 1241 : 1991

This Malaysian Standard, which had been approved by the Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards
Committee, and endorsed by the Council of the Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) was
published under the authority of the SIRIM Council in November, 1991.

SIRIM wishes to draw the attention to the fact that this Malaysian Standard does not purport to include all the
necessary provisions of a contract.

The Malaysian Standards are subject to periodical review to keep abreast of progress in the industries concerned.
Suggestions for improvements will be recorded and in due course brought to the notice of the Committees charged
with the revision of the standards to which they refer.

The following references relate to the work on this standard:

Committee reference: SIRIM 491/5
Draft for comment: D 134 (ISC D)

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date of issue Text affected

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MS 1241 : 1991

CONTENTS
Page

Committee representation iii

Foreword iv

1 Scope 1
2 Definition 1
3 Materials 1
4 Test requirements 2
5 Design and manufacture 4
6 Supports 5
7 Installation guidelines 5
8 Marking 5

Figures

1 Relationship between thickness and glass content 6

2 Test specimen 8
2a Method of preparing specimens with attached and place from test blank 9
3 Diagram of barcol impressor 15
4 Test specimen for the determination of lap shear strength of laminate 18

Tables

1 Visual defects 2
2 Mechanical/physical properties 3
3 Maximum limits below which count is acceptable 4
4 16

Appendices

A Tensile strength 7
B Bending strength 10
C Elastic modulus in bend 12
D Glass content of glass-reinforced laminates 13
E Barcol hardness 15
F Water absorption 17
G Lap shear strength of laminate 18
H Effects on water 20
I Leakage test 26

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Committee representation

The Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this Malaysian Standard was prepared,
comprises representatives from the following Government Ministries, trade, commerce and manufacturer associations and
scientific and professional bodies.

Master Builders Association

Malaysian Institute of Architects
Ministry of Works and Utilities (Public Works Department)
Ministry of Housing and Local Government (Housing Division)
Institution of Engineers (Malaysia)
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Association of Consulting Engineers (Malaysia)
Chartered Institute of Building (Malaysia)

Technical Committee on Fibre Reinforced Products which prepared this Malaysian Standard consists of the following
representatives:

Ir. Anthony Ngu Buoi Lan (Chairman) Cawangan Bekalan Air, JKR
Encik Ahmad Mahir Mokhtar Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Encik Rosman Yahya Institut Latihan dan Penyelidikan, JKR
Encik Philip Leong Kok Tai Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
Encik Tan Eng Hong HUME Industries (M) Bhd.
Encik M. K. Lee MALEX Ind. Bhd.
Encik Ho Fong Yike Soon Seng Cement Product
Encik Ooi Beng Yean UAC Bhd.
Encik George Choong National Chamber of Commerce and Industry Malaysia
Encik Roslan Hassan Institut Teknologi MARA
Cik Hamidah Ab.Hamid (Secretary) Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia

A Special Working Group on Specification for Fibreglass Water Tank Committee to assist with the preparation of the standard
comprises the following members:

Ir. Anthony Ngu Buoi Lan (Chairman) Jabatan Kerja Raya

Tuan Haji Yahya Haji Ariffin Jabatan Kerja Raya
Encik Lim Meow See Jabatan Bekalan Air Selangor Darul Ehsan
Encik Lee Soon Jin Jabatan Perumahan Negara
Encik Siow Tian Ho Empire Corporation Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Teh Kim Poo Resintech Fibreglass Industries Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Koo Kim Siong Yunku Fibreglass Industries Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Don Repacholi Austrasian Plastics Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Pang Chee Khiong Yit Huat Fibre Glass Enterprise
Tuan Haji Satar bin Harun Mega Fibreglass (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Encik George Sia Potaglas Sdn. Bhd.
Encik Ler Leong Tat (Secretary) Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia

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MS 1241 : 1991

FOREWORD

This Malaysian Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fibre Reinforced Products
under the authority of the Building and Civil Engineering Industry Standards Committee.

In the formulation of this standard, references were made to the following standard publications:

JKR (Dec. 1989) Specification for fibreglass water tank

BS 3532:1962 Specification for Unsat. polyester resin systems low pressure fibre reinforced
plastics

BS 3396 Specification for Woven glass fibre fabrics for plastics reinforcements

Part 1:1982 Specification for loom state fabrics

Part 2:1966 Desized fabrics

Part 3:1970 Finished fabrics for use with polyester resin system

BS 3496:1973 Specification for E glass fibre chopped strand mat for the reinforcement of
polyester resin system

BS 3691:1969 Specification for Glass fibre rovings for the reinforcement of polyester and of
epoxide system

BS 3749:1974 Specification for Woven roving fabrics of E glass fibre for the reinforcement of
resin systems

BS 4994:1973 Specification for Vessels and tanks in reinforced plastics

BS 278 Method of testing plastics

BS 4549 Guide to quality control requirements for reinforced plastics moulding

BS 4504 Specification for Flanges & bolting for pipes valves and fittings. Metric series

BS 21:1985 Specification for Pipe threads for tubes and fitting where pressure-tight
joints are made on the threads (Metric dimensions)

SS 245:1981 Specification for glass reinforced polyester sectional water tanks

In the preparation of this standard, tremendous assistance had been rendered by the Jabatan Kerja
Raya Malaysia and Jabatan Bekalan Air Selangor. Such assistance is hereby acknowledge.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

SPECIFICATION FOR FIBREGLASS WATER TANKS - EFFECTIVE CAPACITY

OF LESS THAN 2000 LITRES

1. SCOPE

This Specification applies to tanks subjected only to hydrostatic head of water and intended for storage
of potable water, in systems connected to public mains. Tanks shall be used indoor and outdoor. The
tanks are designed for domestic and commercial use only. Nominal capacity of tanks shall be less than
2000 litres. This Specification only covers the use of polyester resin in wet lay-up system, excluding
sectional panel and cast-in- situ tanks. The tank has to be gelcoated and protected from ultra-violet light
by ultraviolet stabilizers.

NOTE 1 : However, cast-in-situ can only be produced on request for specific requirements.

2. DEFINITION

2.1 Cure. The chemical reaction resulting in the final polymerised product.

2.2 Unsaturated polyester resin. Resin produced by condensation of one or more acids
(including one or more unsaturated acids) with one or more polyols followed by co-polymerization with
one or more cross-linking agent.

2.3 Filament. A single glass fibre as drawn.

2.4 Laminate . A resin sheet or moulding reinforced with a form of glass fibre or other suitable
material. Resin used in structure laminate shall not be pigmented or unduly wear.

2.5 Laying-up. A process of applying or producing laminates in position on a former prior to

cure.

3. MATERIALS

3.1 Unsaturated polyester resin. These materials when used in contact or likely to come into
contact with water shall not constitute a toxic hazard, shall not support microbial growth and shall not
give rise to unpleasant taste or odour, cloudiness or discoloration of the water. Concentrations of
substances, chemicals and biological agents leached from materials in contact or likely to come into
contact with potable water and measurements of organoleptic/physical parameters shall not exceed the
maximum values recommended by the World Health Organization.

3.2 Gelcoat. A gelcoat is a polyester coating that is applied to the mould surface and becomes
an integral part of the finished product. Its function is to protect the fibreglass from the environment. In
doing so, it produces cosmetically appealing surfaces that are durable, long lasting, available in a wide
range of colours, and it can eliminate the need for other finishing.

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MS 1241 : 1991

3.3 Ultra violet stabilisers. A substance which absorbs radiant energy in the wavelength of
ultraviolet. The radiant energy absorbed is converted to heat (thermal energy). UV Absorbers are
added to unsaturated substances to decrease light sensitivity and consequent discolouring and
degradation. Among compounds used are benzophenous; benzotriazoles; substituted acrylonitriles and
phenol-nickel complexes.

3.4 Additives. The amount of hardener, catalyst and accelerators to be added should follow
the recommendation of resin supplier. Pigment or fillers shall not be used in resins.

3.5 Glass fibre. The glass fibre used for construction of the tanks shall be a non-alkali fibre
glass conforming to an appropriate British Standard BS 3396, BS 3496, BS 3749, (or product
manufactured from these fibre-glass).

4 TEST REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Appearance. Internal and external surfaces shall be visually inspected for defects as in
table 1 which shall be inconspicuous.

Table 1. Visual defects

Visual Defects Description

Pin holes Small pits appearing on the surface

Poor impregnation Poor impregnation of fibreglass with resin

Scars Cuts, cracks and scratches exposing the glass reinforcement

Rough contour Sharp projection or exposed fibres

Repaired marks surface and non-structural repairs

Blister Blister on surface caused by air pockets

4.2 Mechanical/Physical properties. Mechanical and physical tests shall be conducted on

specimens cut from waste area or from flat laminates prepared in the same construction and by the
same technique as the process equipment. In all cases, the average value of the indicated number of
the specimens shall be to determine conformance with detailed requirements as stated in table 2.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Table 2. Mechanical/physical properties

Physical properties Acceptance criteria Test Method

Tensile strength (MN/m2) min. 70 Appendix A

(Cross-breaking bending strength (MN/m2) min. 100 Appendix B

Elastic Modulus in bend (MN/m2) min. 6000 Appendix C

Glass Content (%) min. 25 Appendix D

Barcol hardness 30 or 90% of resin manufacturers Appendix E

specification, whichever is higher

Water absorption (%) max. 1.0 Appendix F

Lap shear strength (MN/m2) min. 7.0 Appendix G

All test methods and procedure are in accordance to BS 2782: Appendix B of BS 4994 : 1987 and SS
245 : 1981.

4.3 Hydrostatic Test. When subjected to hydrostatic head condition (i.e. filling with water to
the maximum possible head) for not less than 48 hours, the tank shall not show any indication of
cracking, resin crazing or excessive strain either internally or externally.

4.4 Test for effects on water. The fibreglass water tank shall not contaminate the water.
Test shall be included to determine the degree of effect on taste, odour, colour and turbidity, the
change in levels of toxic metals and other toxic substances and whether or not the fibreglass water
tanks supports the growth of bacteria, algae and fungi. These effects shall be within the limits
specified below:

(a) Effect on taste, odour, colour and turbidity. When tested by the method described in
appendix H the 7th extract shall show no deterioration of colour or turbidity as compared with the
original tap water.

Taste and odour should be assessed on the 7th extract or on earlier extracts if all taste
and odour has gone. This extract shall not have a taste or odour described as `chlor-
phenolic', `medicinal', or `disinfectant'. Other tastes may be present in this extract if they are
not detectable at dilutions greater than 1 + 3 with tap water (i.e. a threshold odour number of

4). Tasters described as `rubber', `plastics', `greasy', `waxy' or similar descriptions may be
present in this extract if they are not detectable at dilutions greater than 1 + 6 with tap water
(i.e. a threshold odour number of 7).

(b) Toxic metals. Toxic metals should be assessed on the extract or on earlier extracts if
these are within the recommended limits when tested by the method described in appendix H, the
amounts of toxic metals in this extract shall not exceed the limits specified by the World Health
Organization European Standards for Drinking Water.

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MS 1241 : 1991

(c) Cytotoxicity. When tested by the method described in appendix H, the extract after the
third extraction, if necessary, shall be free from cytotoxicity. If the control system fails to support the
confluent growth of the cell line, the results of the test shall be regarded as invalid. If confluent growth
of the cells does not occur in contact with the third extract of the test material, this should be
interpreted as a failure in this test.

(d) Microbiological growth. When tested by the method described in appendix H, the
counts of coliform organisms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa made 4 weeks, 5 weeks and 6 weeks
after the initial inoculation shall be less than 1 per 100 ml. All the counts of bacteria capable of growth
at 37°C and 22°C and fungi made 4 weeks, 5 weeks and 6 weeks after the initial inoculation shall be
less than 10 times the corresponding count in the control flask.

Irrespective of the above requirements however counts shall be deemed to be acceptable if they are
less than the maximum limits given in table 3.

Table 3. Maximum limits below which count is acceptable

Coliform organisms 0 per 100 ml

Pseudomonas aeruginosa 0 per 100 ml

37°C Colony count 100 per ml

22°C Colony count 10 000 per ml

Fungi 100 per ml

There shall be no visible film on the sample or turbidity in the water which is confirmed or
microbiological examination as growth.

4.5 Leakage test. When the tank is tested in accordance with the method described in
appendix I, there shall be no visible sign of leakage.

4.6 Deflection Test. The tanks shall be installed on a supporting structure, filled with water
to overflow level and maintained for not less than 2 hours for this test. After conditioning, the
deflection of sides and ends of the tanks shall not exceed 1.0% of the depth of tanks. A dial gauge
with an accuracy of at least 0.01 mm shall be used.

5. DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE

5.1 The thickness of each layer, for design purpose, shall be determined from the glass
content for that layer by using the graph shown in Fig. 1, in no case shall the laminate thickness
(excluding any lining and stiffeners) be less than 3 mm, for tanks subject to a hydrostatic head of 1.5
m head of water.

Notwithstanding this, the laminate thickness for tank cover may be less than the minimum 3 mm
provided that it is rigid and its centre does not sag by more than 10 mm when the cover is placed on
the tank. The cover shall be pitched and have a minimum slope (from the centre to the edges) of 1%.

Abrupt changes in laminate thickness shall be avoided. The blending taper between regions of
differing thickness shall not be steeper than 1 in 6.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

5.2 Materials should be stored and used in compliance with the supplier's instructions. The
requisite amount of resin, catalyst or hardener and any other ingredient such as accelerator or
permitted filler shall be accurately measured and thoroughly mixed.

The manufacturer shall ensure that good adhesion is obtained between successive layers of the
laminate. Adjacent pieces of reinforcement shall be overlapped by at least 50 mm. The edges shall
be worked out by brushing with a stippling action and all joints shall be staggered.

6. SUPPORTS

Smooth, flat, horizontal, firm, continuous and durable support shall be provided over the whole area of
the bottom of tank.

Recommended supports are:-

(i) a suitable prepared concrete slab or,

(ii) a suitable plywood not less than 12 mm thick and supported on adequate grillage (for
sheltered conditions) or,

(iii) a steel plate, supported on an adequate grillage and of sufficient thickness to ensure that
local strains in the flat bottom are not greater than the design strain.

7. INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Manufacturers shall provide installation guidelines.

8. MARKING

8.1 Each tank shall be permanently and legibly marked on the thicker uppermost part of the
wall as follows:

(i) manufacturer's name, mark or initial;

(ii) the manufacturer's serial number;

(iii) the date of manufacture;

(iv) capacity (in cubic metres).

8.2 Each tank may also be marked with the Quality Mark of Standards and Industrial
Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM). Details of terms and conditions governing the use of this
mark may be obtained direct from the Institute.

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MS 1241 : 1991

Figure 1. Relationship between thickness and glass content

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix A

Tensile strength

A1. APPARATUS

A testing machine that can be operated at constant rates of crosshead motion.

A2. TEST SPECIMEN

Five specimens shall be used for this test.

The test specimen shall be a rectangular strip not less than 230 mm long and 25 ± 0.5 mm wide with
four rectangular end pieces, as shown in fig. 2, bonded to it with a cold hardening epoxide resin (see
NOTE 2). The thickness of the rectangular strip shall be that of the sheet under test except that where
this exceeds 10 mm the thickness of the strip shall be reduced to 10 ± 0.4 mm one face being left intact.
The faces shall be parallel to within 0.15 mm.

The four end pieces of any one test specimen shall be of the same thickness, which shall be not less
than 3 mm. They shall be prepared from materials similar to that under test (see NOTE 3).

A3. PROCEDURE

The test shall be carried out at 27° ± 2°C unless otherwise specified in the relevant British Standard for
the material. Any conditioning that may be required shall be in accordance with the relevant British
Standard for the material and shall be applied to the finished test specimen.

The mean width and mean thickness of the specimen between the end pieces be measured to the
nearest 0.05 mm. The specimen shall be clamped in the serrated jaws of a tensile machine. The jaws
shall grip the faces of the end pieces and the specimen shall be in axial alignment with the direction of
pull. The specimen shall be loaded by separating the grips at a substantially constant rate such that
fracture occurs in 0.5 to 1.5 minutes. The maximum load shall be noted and shall not differ from the true
load by more than 2%.

A4. CALCULATION

L
Tensile strength (TS) =
A

where,

TS= Tensile strength, N/m²

L= Load at break, N
A= Original cross-sectional area, m²

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MS 1241 : 1991

Results obtained on specimens that break within the area of the end pieces shall be disregarded and
additional specimens tested in their place. The tensile strength of the material under test shall be
reported as the arithmetic mean of the tensile strengths of the test specimens.

Figure 2. Test specimen

NOTE 2. For materials reinforced with glass mat the end pieces may be omitted, except in cases of dispute.

NOTE 3. A suitable method of preparing the test specimens with end pieces attached is to machine from moulding or sheet under
test a sheet 230 mm (9 in) long and 150 mm. (6 in) wide and to attach strips to it to from the end pieces as shown in fig. 2a. It is
convenient to use a cold-setting epoxide adhesive as the bonding agent provided that care is taken to follow the instructions of the
manufacturer about the relative proportions of the resin and other conditions of use.

Before the adhesive is applied the surfaces to be bonded should be slightly roughened with a fine grade
of abrasive paper and thoroughly cleaned with solvent. It is recommended that assembly should be
allowed to stand overnight while under pressure.

Test specimens can then be sawn from the blank by means of carbide-tipped fine toothed circular saw
or a nylon-bonded carborundum wheel. The sawing operation must not overheat the specimen and the
sawn edges must be free from imperfections. It is essential that the edges of the specimen are finished
by hand.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Figure 2a. Method of preparing specimens with attached end piece from test blank

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MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix B

Bending strength

B1. APPARATUS

A testing machine that can be operated at constant rates of crosshead motion and in which the error in
the load measuring system shall not exceed ± 1% of the maximum load expected to be measured. The
radius of the loading blocks and supports shall be at least 3.0 mm.

B2. TEST SPECIMEN

Five test specimens shall be used for this test. Each specimen shall be a rectangular bar 13.0 ± 0.5 mm
wide and of length 24 to 30 times its thickness. The thickness of the specimen shall be the thickness of
the panel under test except where this exceeds 10 mm thickness of the specimen shall be reduced to 10
mm one face of the specimen being left intact.

B3. PROCEDURE

The test shall be carried out at a temperature of 27° ± 2°C. The breadth (b) and thickness (d) of the
specimen shall be measured to the nearest 0.03 mm.

The specimen shall be placed symmetrically across two parallel V- shaped supports, the distance (L)
between the supporting edges being 16 times the measured thickness of the specimen, to the nearest 1
mm.

A load shall be applied squarely across the breadth of the specimen by means of a third V-shaped block
parallel to and midway between the supporting blocks. The contact edges of the supporting blocks and
the block applying the load shall have a radius of at least 3.0 mm. The cross-head speed shall be set to
5.0 mm/minute. The load of fracture (P) shall be noted.

B4. CALCULATION

The bending strength of the test specimen shall be computed as follows:

3PL
S = 2bd²

where

S = Bending strength, N/m²;

P = Load at fracture, N;
L = Support span, m;
b = Breadth of specimen, m;
d = Thickness of specimen, m.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

The bending strength of the material under test shall be reported as the arithmetic average of the
bending strength of the test specimens.

NOTE 4. The above calculation is not valid if the specimen is slipping excessively between the supports. Care should be taken to
ensure that there is no slippage.

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MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix C

Elastic modulus in bend

C1. APPARATUS

A testing machine that can be operated at constant rates of cross- head motion.

C2. TEST SPECIMEN

Two specimen shall be used for this test. Each specimen shall be of a rectangular bar. The length of
the specimen shall be not less than 24 times its thickness and breadth shall be 10 mm to 25 mm. The
thickness of the specimen shall be the thickness of the panel under test except where this exceeds 10
mm, thickness of the specimen shall be reduced to 10 mm, one face of the specimen being left intact.

C3. PROCEDURE

The test shall be carried out at 27° ± 2°C. The breadth and thickness of the specimen shall be
measured to the nearest 0.01 mm.

The specimen shall be placed symmetrically across two parallel supports, the edges that makes contact
across the specimen having radii of 1.5 to 3.5 mm. The distance (L) between the line of contact of the
support with the specimen shall be 16 times the thickness of the specimen, to the nearest 1 mm.

A load shall be applied squarely across the breadth of the specimen by means of a loading nose of
radius 5 mm and parallel with and midway between the two supports. The rate at which the specimen
shall be deflected i.e., the rate of travel of the loading nose relative to the supports on which the
specimen tests shall be 5mm/min. For a series of values of forces the corresponding deflections shall
be noted and from there a load- deflection curve shall be drawn.

C4. CALCULATION

The elastic modulus in bending of the specimen shall be calculated from the initial straight part of the
load deflection curve as follows:

Elastic modulus in bending (Emod) = PL³

4bd³D
where,

Emod = Elastic modulus in bending, N/m²;

P = Load selected from the straight part of the curve, N;
L = Distance between supports, m;
b = Breadth of specimen, m;
d = Thickness of specimen, m;
D = Deflection corresponding to the load, m.

The elastic modulus of the material under test shall be reported as the arithmetic average of the elastic
modulus of the test specimens.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix D

Glass content of glass-reinforced laminates

D1. APPARATUS

(i) a weighing balance with an accuracy of ± 10 mg;

(ii) a muffle furnace;

(iii) a crucible of appropriate dimensions;

(iv) a dessicator.

D2. TEST SPECIMEN

Two specimens shall be used for this test.

The specimen shall not contain fillers. It may be of any convenient shape provided that it is
representative of the material under test and that its mass is not less than 5g. A rectangular specimen,
with a face of area not less than 400 mm² and whose shorter edges are not less than 12 mm long, is
usually suitable.

D3. PROCEDURE
o o
A crucible of appropriate dimensions shall be heated in a muffle furnace at 575 ± 25 C for 15 minutes,
cooled in a dessicator and weighed (W). The test specimens shall be placed in the crucible and the
crucible and contents heated in an oven at 105°C to 110°C for 2 hours. The crucible and contents shall
then be cooled in a dessicator, weighed and returned to the oven for a further 30 min, cooled and
reweighed. This procedure shall be repeated until the mass (W) becomes constant to within 0.01 g.

(a) Sample containing no filler and colouring agent

The crucible and contents shall then be heated in a ventilated muffle furnace at a temperature of 575 ±
25°C until the residue of glass fibre is white in colour (approximately 30 min). The crucible and contents
shall then be removed from the furnace, allowed to cool in a dessicator and weighed. This process of
heating, cooling and weighing shall then be repeated until the mass (W) becomes constant to within
0.01 g.

(b) Sample containing filler and/or colouring agent

o
The crucible and contents shall be heated in a ventilated muffle furnace at a temperature of 575 ± 25 C
to burn out the resin completely (by repeating the process of heating and weighing as above), leaving
behind the glass, filler and colouring agent. Water shall then be added to the residue and the mixture
shall be filtered through a tared standard sieve of 200 mesh size. Wash the residue with water till the
filtrate is clear. The glass residue shall then be heated at 105-110°C for 3 hours or more until the mass
of the glass residue (W4) becomes constant to within 0.01 g.

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MS 1241 : 1991

D4. CALCULATION

For samples determined according to D3(a).

Percentage glass content = 100 (W3 - W1)

(W2-W1)

where,

W1 = Mass of crucible
W2 = Mass of sample + crucible
W3 = Mass of glass residue + crucible

For samples determined according to D3(b)

Percentage glass content = 100 W4

W2-W1

where,

W1 = Mass of crucible
W2 = Mass of sample + crucible
W4 = Mass of glass residue

The glass content of the material under test shall be reported as the arithmetic mean of the results
obtained on the test specimens.

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix E

Barcol hardness

E1. APPARATUS

E1.1 Indentor. The indentor shall consist of a hardened steel truncated cone having an angle of
26 degree with a flat tip of 0.157 mm in diameter. It shall fit into a hollow spindle and be held down
bgwa spring loaded plunger.

E1.2 Indicating device. The indicating dial shall have 100 divisions, each representing a depth
of 0.0076 mm penetrations. The higher the reading, the harder the material.

Figure 3. Diagram of barcol impressor

E2. TEST SPECIMENS

The testing area shall be smooth and free from mechanical damage.

The specimens shall be at least 1.5 mm thick and large enough to ensure a minimum distance of 3 mm
in any direction from the indentor point to the edge of the specimen.

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MS 1241 : 1991

E3. PROCEDURE

The test shall be carried out at temperature of 27° ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity.

Place the impressor and the material to be tested (or the calibration disk) on a solidly supported flat,
hard, firm surface such as stone, metal or ceramic. If softer supporting surfaces are used, a falsely low
instrument reading may occur.

Set the point sleeve on the surface to be tested. Set the legs on the same surface or on solid material of
the same thickness, so that the indentor is perpendicular to the surface being tested. Grasp the
instrument firmly between the legs and point sleeve. Apply quickly, by hand, uniformly increasing force
on the case until the dial indication reaches a maximum. Record the maximum reading obtained.

E4. CONDITIONING

Test specimen shall be conditioned at 27° ± 2°C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity for at least 40 hours
prior to test.

E5. REPORT

Barcol Hardness = Maximum reading registered on the dial of a Barcol Impressor.

E6. NUMBER OF READINGS

This is governed by the variance of average at a specific Barcol Hardness. A guide is given in table 4.

Table 4

Hardness Reading variance Coefficient of Variance of average Minimum no. of

M - 934 scale variation percent reading

30 22.4 2.9 0.77 29

40 17.2 2.2 0.78 22

50 12.0 1.7 0.75 16

60 7.8 1.5 0.78 10

70 3.6 1.2 0.75 5

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 MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix F

Water absorption

F1. APPARATUS

A weighing balance with an accuracy of ± 10 mg.

F2. TEST SPECIMEN

Two specimen shall be used for this test.

The specimen shall be 38.0 + 0.5 mm, - 0 mm, square and shall have smooth edges. The thickness
shall be the thickness of the sheet under test except that where the nominal sheet thickness 25.5 mm,
the thickness of the specimen shall be reduced to 25.5 ± 0.5 mm by machining one face smoothly, the
other face being left intact.

The surfaces of all specimen shall be free from dust, oil or other matter that might interfere with the
the absorption of water.

F3. PROCEDURE

The thickness of the test specimen shall be measured to the nearest 0.025 mm. The specimen shall
than be weighed (W) and immersed for 24 ± 1 hour in distilled water at 27° ± 2°C. Precaution shall be
taken to prevent specimen from making contact over any substantial area with one another or with the
container. The specimen shall be dried with a clean cloth or filter paper and, not more than 2 min
after removal from the water, shall be reweighed (W).

F4. CALCULATION

Water absorption = W2 - W1

where,

W2 = Weight of specimen after immersion in water, mg

W1 = Weight of specimen before immersion in water, mg

The water absorption of material under test shall be reported as the average of the water absorption
of the test specimens.

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MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix G

Lap shear strength of laminate

G1. TEST SPECIMEN

Form of test specimen

Test specimen shall be of the form and dimensions as shown in fig. 5. They shall have a minimum
thickness of 3 mm and the length of the specimen may be varied to accommodate the requirements of
the available testing equipment. The edges of specimen shall be smooth but not round or bevelled.
Two parallel cuts, one in each opposite face of the specimen and 12.5 mm apart, shall be sawn
across the entire width of the specimen. The incision shall be of sufficient depth to sever the centre
layer located midway between the two faces of the laminate, as shown in figure below:

Figure 4. Test specimen for the determination of lap shear strength of laminate

NOTE 7. Saw cuts must be parallel within 0.8 mm.

Depth of saw cut shall be half laminate thickness of one layer of half laminate thickness + 0.1 mm, and -
0 mm (if number of layers or thickness per layer is unknown). Saw cuts shall be as narrow as
practicable.

18
 MS 1241 : 1991

G2. NUMBER OF TEST SPECIMEN

Five specimens shall be tested when they consist of laminates made entirely from chopped strand mat
or by spraying. Ten specimen, five parallel with each principal axis of anisotropy, shall be tested
whenever the laminate contains woven rovings or directional reinforcement. Specimens that fail
prematurely or at an obvious flaw should be discarded and retests made.

G3. PROCEDURE

The specimens shall be conditioned by being stored at 20° ± 5°C for a minimum of 3 hours immediately
before testing.

The specimen shall be inserted in the grips of the tensile testing machine and stressed until rupture
occurs. A shear- type failure with some peeling at the interlaminar bond should result.

The speed of testing (i.e. the relative rate of motion of the grips or test fixtures during test) shall be within
the range 5.0 mm/min to 6.5 mm/min.

G4. RESULTS

The lap shear strength shall be calculated from:

W
S = a.b

where

S = Lap shear strength (N/mm);

W = Maximum load (N);
a = Distance between sawcuts (mm);
b = Width of specimen (mm).

The lap shear strength of the laminate under test shall be reported as the arithmetic mean of the lap
shear strengths of the specimens.

G5. REPORT

The report shall state:

(i) the lap shear strength of the laminate;

(ii) the individual test results;
(iii) the conditioning of the test specimen.

19
MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix H

Effects on water

H1. GENERAL

The effects of the material fibreglass water tank on the quality of potable water are determined by the
following tests:

H1.1 Effect on taste, odour, colour and turbidity.

H1.2 Toxic metals.

H1.3 Cytotoxicity.

H1.4 Microbiological growth.

H2. TEST SPECIMEN

H2.1 Number of specimens. 8 specimens shall be tested. Each test shall be carried out in
duplicate using 2 separate test specimens. Alternatively, 4 containers internally coated with the
specimen coating may be used, 2 for the microbiological growth test and the other 2 to be used in
succession for each of the remaining 3 tests.

H2.2 Size of specimens. The surface area of each specimen shall be 150 cm² ± 10%. The
specimen should not exceed 15 cm in length and 6 cm in width or depth. For sample containers the
capacity should be between 1 to 5 litres.

H2.3 Sample preparation. Specimens of coatings shall be applied to water tank or containers
of an appropriate material of the size described above, including all appropriate priming and undercoats,
and completely covering all sides and edges. Specimens specially prepared for testing shall be subject
to the same conditions of maturing or curing as would normally be achieved either in manufacture or on
site. Specimens shall not be subject to any specialized cleaning procedures, except where this would
normally occur.

H3. METHOD OF TEST FOR TASTE, ODOUR, COLOUR AND TURBIDITY

H3.1 Extraction. Immerse the test specimen in 750 ml of odour free tap water contained in a
glass vessel for a period of 24 hours at room temperature. In the case of containers, place at least one
litre of water in the sample. Store an additional quantity of odour free tap water for the same period of
time and under the same conditions as control.

H3.2 Assessment. Assess the extract for taste, odour, colour and turbidity using prescribed
methods given in `Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater' (14th edition, 1975)
published jointly by American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association and Water
Pollution Control Federation of `Analysis of raw, potable and waste waters' by the Department of
Environment, London.

20
 MS 1241 : 1991

H3.3 Repeat tests. If there is any deterioration in taste, odour, colour or turbidity, repeat the
examination on further 24 hours extractions until a negative result is obtained or 7 days have elapsed.

H4. METHOD OF TEST FOR TOXIC METALS

H4.1 Extraction. Immerse the test specimen in 750 ml of distilled water contained in a glass
container for a period of 24 hours. In the case of containers, use at least one litre of water. Store an
additional quantity of distilled water for the same period and under the same conditions as control.

H4.2 Assessment. Determine the quantities of toxic metals in the extract. The analyses should
normally include arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and selenium. Other metals such as
barium, beryllium, manganese, mercury, molybdenum, silver, tin, vanadium and zinc should be included
if known to be incorporated in the sample. The assessment should preferably be made by atomic
absorption spectrophotometry, but other standard methods as given in the prescribed references (H3.2)
may be used.

H4.3 Repeat tests. If the results obtained are greater than the limits specified in the World
Health Organisation Standards for drinking water, make further 24 hour extractions until results lower
than these limits are obtained up to a maximum of 7 daily extractions.

H5. METHOD OF TEST FOR CYTOTOXICITY

H5.1 Extraction. Immerse the test specimen in 750 ml of tap water contained in a borosilicate
glass container for a period of 24 hours at room temperature. In the case of containers, use at least one
litre of water. Store an additional quantity of tap water for the same period and under the same
conditions are control. Cover the containers during period of extraction.

H5.2 Material and media

H5.2.1 Cell line. African green monkey kidney cells (VERO established cell line ATCC Number
CCL 81) or equivalent shall be used.

H5.2.2 Media. Commercially available media may be used wherever practical provided that they
are known to be suitable for use with the cell line. Only glass distilled water, known to be free from any
cytotoxic effect shall be used.

21
MS 1241 : 1991

H5.2.2.1 Growth medium

Distilled water* 90 ml

199 concentrate (X10) with Earle's salts

but without sodium bicarbonate buffer 10 ml

Newborn calf serum 7 ml

-1
Gentamicin solution (4 000 i.u. ml ) 1 ml

4.4% sodium bicarbonate buffer saturated

with carbon dioxide 2 ml

Maintenance medium

Distilled water* 90 ml

199 concentrate (X10) with Earle's salts but

without sodium bicarbonate buffer 10 ml

Newborn calf serum 2 ml

-1
Gentamicin solution (4 000 i.u. ml ) 1 ml

4.4% sodium bicarbonate buffer saturated

with carbon dioxide 3 ml

All components of the medium shall be known to be sterile, and the medium must be prepared
aseptically. Store in the dark at 4° ± 1°C.

NOTE 5: The extract shall be used in place of distilled water for conducting the test.

H5.2.2.2 Concentrated growth and maintenance media. These shall be prepared to the formulae
given in H5.2.2.1 but excluding any distilled water. Store at 4° ± 1°C.

H5.2.2.3 Trypsin solution

Trypsin 0.25 gm

Phosphate buffered saline 100 ml

Warm to 37°C to dissolve. Check pH 7.2. Sterilize by filtration through 0.22 um membrane filters.
Store at -20°C.

22
 MS 1241 : 1991

H5.3 Preparation of cell suspension. Obtain a 24 hours or 48 hours confluent monolayer

culture of the cells in 4 oz or other suitably sized sterile medical flat bottles with airtight closures using
the growth and maintenance media specified in H5.2.2.1. Pour the growth or maintenance medium off
the cells, irrigate the cells well with 10 ml phosphate buffered saline, discard this and add 5 ml of the
trypsin solution, place the bottle on its side with the cell layer covered completely, leave for 30 seconds
o o
at room temperature, and then pour off the excess trypsin solution. Incubate the bottle at 37 ± 1 C for 4
to 5 minutes. Examine the bottle to ensure that the cells have become detached from the bottle surface,
and if satisfactory add about 2.5 ml growth medium and shake the bottle gently to suspend the cells.
The number of viable cells per ml of the cell suspension may be determined by the use of a
haemacytometer counting chamber together with the use of a suitable stain, such as Trypan Blue.

H5.4 Procedure. After 24 hours, remove aliquots of the extract from each test container and the
control. Both growth and maintenance media shall be prepared for each specimen and control.
Prepare culture media by placing 0.5 ml of either concentrated growth or maintenance media together
with 4.5 ml of either the test extract or control into a sterile bottle, and mix thoroughly. Store the
maintenance media at 4° ± 1°C for later use.
5
To each bottle containing the diluted growth medium, add at least 5 x 10 monkey kidney cells, gently
mix the contents, and then transfer immediately 1 ml aliquots of this cell suspension into five sterile
o
tubes (12 mm x 100 mm) with airtight closures. Cap each tube tightly and then incubate the tubes at 37
± 1°C for 24 hours and inclined at an angle of 7.5° ± 2.5° from the horizontal. After incubation for 24
hours remove the tubes and examine the state of the tissue culture microscopically.

H5.5 Assessment. If there is confluent growth in the tubes from the control and the test
extracts, examine the cell closely for any signs of toxicity, for example irregular shaping of cells, signs of
`rounding off' of the cells in any appreciable numbers, or granular inclusions.

(a) Where no initial signs of any adverse reactions are seen in the confluent cell monolayer, there is no
need to continue the test and the sample may be considered free from cytotoxicity.

(b) If there is any appreciable irregular shaping or `rounding off' of the cells or granular inclusions in the
cells in the test system, pour off the growth medium from each tube and replace it with the appropriate
maintenance medium prepared previously and store at 4° ± 1°C and re-incubate the tubes at 37° ± 1°C.

Re-examine the cells at daily intervals for three to four days, recording the state of the culture on each
occasion. If the cells remain viable without increasing signs of cytotoxic reactions the sample shall be
considered to be free from cytotoxicity.

H5.6 Repeat test. If any of the five tubes show any signs of continuing cytotoxicity at any time
(except where this cytotoxicity is caused by a failure to obtain an airtight seal on the tube - indicated by a
magenta colouration of the medium in the tube) the test shall be repeated for a second, and if needed a
third 24 hour extraction.

H6. METHOD OF TEST FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL GROWTH

H6.1 Preparation. Place specimens in specially-cleaned 2 litre wide necked flasks. Use empty
flasks as controls. In the case of containers, these containers shall serve as the recipient for the
inoculum and water amounting to not less than one litre of water, and it should be possible to cover the
top with aluminium foil or other suitable material.

23
MS 1241 : 1991

H6.2 Inoculation. To each container place 100 ml of inoculum. The inoculum shall be a
suitable source of microorganisms, e.g. river or well water, or dechlorinated tap water with added
organisms. This inoculum shall be standardized to contain about 100 - 10 000 coliform organisms and
between 1 and 500 Pseudomonas aeruginosa, some fungi and yeasts. Each container shall then be
filled to one litre with dechlorinated tap water.

H6.3 Incubation and assessment. Cover each container and incubate at room temperature in
the dark. After 3 days, remove all the water, except 10 ml, from the container and refill to one litre with
fresh dechlorinated tap water. This procedure should be repeated twice weekly as long as is necessary
to complete the test.

At weekly intervals, beginning four weeks from the initial inoculation, withdraw samples of water from
each flask after shaking, just prior to the water being changed. Examine these samples quantitatively
for the organisms given below. Also examine for visible growth.

Treat the control containers similarly.

H6.4 Enumeration techniques

H6.4.1 Coliform organisms. Count coliform organisms by the standard membrane filtration
technique or the standard multiple tube method as given in `The Bacteriological Examination of Water
Supplies', Report on Public Health and Medical Subjects No. 71, London HMSO (1970), or in `Standard
o
Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater' (14th editions, 1975). Incubate at 37 C for 48
hours.

H6.4.2 Colony counts at 37°C and 22°C. Carry out the aerobic plate count procedure as given in
the standard references (H6.4.1). Incubate plates at 37°C to 48 hours and 22°C for 72 hours.

H6.4.3 Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Use the standard membrane filtration technique and place the
membranes on pads saturated with King's A Broth (Drake's modification), the composition of which is as
follows:

Bacto-peptone 20 g, ethanol 20 g (or 25 ml), K2SO4 10 g, MgCl2 1.4 g (or MgCl26H2O 2.9g), cetrimide
0.5 g, distilled water to 1 litre. Sterilise at 121°C for 15 minutes.
o
Incubate at 37 C for 48 hours. Count colonies which are green and/or fluorescent under an ultra-violet
lamp of 250 nm wave length to obtain a presumptive count of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Confirm the
o
colonies by subculture from the membrane on the milk agar, or other suitable medium, incubate at 41.5
o
± 0.5 C for 24 h. Growth at this temperature, coupled with production of a green and/or fluorescent
pigment and casein hydrolysis, is confirmation of the organism.

H6.4.4 Fungi and yeasts. Carry out the standard membrane filtration technique and place the
membrane on plates containing previously poured Rose Bengal Agar incorporated with a suitable
antibiotic, such as Kanamycin (100 ug/ml) or aureomycin (50 ug/ml). Incubate at room temperature for
up to 7 days.

H6.4.5 Further tests. If all the counts of each group of micro- organisms are within the prescribed
requirement, the test shall cease and the sample shall be deemed not to have supported a significant
microbial activity. If all the counts of each group of micro-organisms fall outside the prescribed
requirement, the test shall cease and the sample be deemed to have supported a significant microbial
activity.

24
 MS 1241 : 1991

If any of the counts are not within the prescribed limits by 6 weeks, carry on weekly assessment for
another 2 weeks. Any sample not giving three satisfactory consecutive counts on each group of micro-
organisms within eight weeks from the beginning of the test shall be deemed to have supported a
significant microbial activity.

NOTE 6 : If count in the test flask are less than 10% of those in the control flask after the 4th, 5th and 6th week of testing, this
indicates the presence of leachable biocidal material and makes the test procedure unsuitable for the assessment of the material
under test.

25
MS 1241 : 1991

Appendix I

Leakage test

The water tanks shall be installed and on completion, it shall be filled with tap water up to overflow level.
o
After standing for 48 hours at environmental temperature (not exceeding 40 C), there shall be no visible
sign of leakage.

26
 TANDA-TANDA STANDARD SIRIM
Tanda-tanda Standard SIRIM seperti yang tertera di bawah adalah tanda-tanda pengesahan
dagangan berdaftar. Tanda-tanda ini hanya boleh digunakan oleh mereka yang dilesenkan
di bawah skim tanda pengesahan yang dijalankan oleh SIRIM mengikut nombor Standard
Malaysia yang berkaitan. Kewujudan tanda-tanda ini pada atau berkaitan dengan sesuatu
barangan adalah sebagai jaminan bahawa barangabn tersebut telah dikeluarkan melalui
satu sistem penyeliaan, kawalan dan ujian, yang dijalankan semasa pengeluaran. Ini
termasuk pemeriksaan berkala kerja-kerja pengeluaran menurut skim tanda pengesahan
SIRIM yang dibentuk untuk menentukan bahawa barangan tersebut menepati Standard
Malaysia.

Keterangan-keterangan lanjut mengenai syarat-syarat lesen boleh didapati dari:

Ketua Pengarah
Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia
Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Seksyen 2, Peti Surat 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan

SIRIM STANDARD MARKS

The SIRIM standard marks shown above are registered certification trade marks. They may
be used only by those licensed under the certification marking scheme operated by SIRIM
and in conjunction with relevant Malaysian Standard number. The presence of these Marks
on or relation to a product is assurance that the goods have been produced under a system
of supervision, control and testing, operated during production, and including periodical
inspection of the producer’s works in accordance with the certification marking scheme of
SIRIM designed to ensure compliance with a Malaysian Standard.

Further particulars of the terms of license may be obtained from:

Director-General
Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia
Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Section 2. P.O.Box 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan
 INSTITUT STANDARD DAN PENYELIDIKAN PERINDUSTRIAN MALAYSIA

Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia (SIRIM) telah ditubuhkan hasil dari cantuman Institut
Piawaian Malaysia (SIM) dengan Institut Negara bagi Penyelidikan Sains dan Perusahaan (NISIR) di bawah
Undang-Undang Malaysia Akta 157 pada 16hb. September 1975:Akta Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan
Perindustrian Malaysia (Perbadanan) 1975. Institut ini diletakhak dengan kuasa untuk memamju dan
menjalankan penyelidikan perindustrian dan untuk menyedia dan memajukan standard-standard bagi barangan-
barangan, proses-proses, amalan-amalan dan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan; dan bagi mengadakan peruntukan
bagi perkara-perkara yang bersampingan atau berkaitan dengan maksud-maksud itu.

Satu daripada tugas-tugas Institut ini adalah menyediakan Standard-Standard Malaysia dalam bentuk
penentuan-penentuan bagi bahan-bahan, keluaran-keluaran, kaedah-kaedah ujian, kod-kod amalan yang
sempurna dan selamat, sistem penamaan dan lain-lain. Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan oleh
jawatankuasa-jawatankuasa perwakilan yang menyelaras keupayaan pengilang dan kecekapan pengeluaran
dengan kehendak-kehendak yang munasabah dari pengguna. Ia menuju ke arah mencapai kesesuaian bagi
maksud, memudahkan pengeluaran dan pengedaran, kebolehsalingtukaran gantian dan pelbagai pilihan yang
mencukupi tanpa pembaziran.

Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan hanya setelah penyiasatan yang lengkap menujukkan bahawa sesuatu
projek itu disahkan sebagai yang dikehendaki dan berpadanan dengan usaha yang terlibat. Hasil ini berasaskan
persetujuan sukarela dan memberi pertimbangan kepada kepentingan pengeluar dan pengguna. Standard-
Standard Malaysia adalah sukarela kecuali is dimestikan oleh badan-badan berkuasa melalui peraturan-
peraturan, undang-undang persekutuan dan tempatan atau cara-cara lain yang sepertinya.

Institut ini beroperasi semata-mata berasaskan tanpa keuntungan. Ia adalah satu badan yang menerima bantuan
kewangan dari Kerajaan, kumpulan wang dari bayaran keahlian, hasil dari jualan Standard-Standard dan
terbitan-terbitan lain, bayaran-bayaran ujian dan bayaran-bayaran lesen untuk mengguna Tanda Pengesahan
SIRIM dan kegiatan-kegiatan lain yang berhubung dengan Penstandardan, Penyelidikan Perindustrian dan
Khidmat Perunding.

STANDARDS AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

The Standard and Industrial research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) is established with the merger of the
Standards Institution of Malaysia (SIM) and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR)
under the Laws of Malaysia Act 157 on 16th. September 1975: Standards and Industrial Research Institute of
Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1975. The Institute is vested with the power to provide for the promotion and
undertaking of industrial research and for the preparation and promotion of standards for commodities,
processes, practices and services; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with those purposes.

One of the functions of the Institute is to prepare Malaysian Standards in the form of specifications for materials
and products, methods of testing, codes of sound and safe practice, nomenclature, etc. Malaysian Standards are
prepared by representative committees which co-ordinate manufacturing capacity and production efficiency with
the user’s reasonable needs. They seek to achieve fitness for purpose, simplified production and distribution
replacement interchangeability, and adequate variety of choice without wasteful diversify.

Malaysian Standards are prepared only after a full enquiry has shown that the project is endorsed as a desirable
one and worth the effort involved. The work is based on voluntary agreement, and recognition of the community
of interest of producer and consumer. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by statutory authorities by means of regulations, federal and local by-laws or any other similar
ways.

The Institute operates entirely on a non-profits basis. It is a grant aided body receiving financial aid from the
Government, funds from membership subscriptions and proceeds from sales of Standards and other
publications, fees and licence fees for the use of SIRIM Certification Mark and other activities associated with
Standardization, Industrial Research and Consultancy Services.