Understanding the Legal Definition of Critical Characteristic
Definition & Meaning
A critical characteristic refers to an essential feature of a product that must be manufactured according to approved specifications. If this characteristic is not adhered to, it could negatively impact safety. Before a product is shipped, testing or inspection is required to confirm that it meets the necessary technical standards for which it received approval.
Legal Use & context
The term "critical characteristic" is primarily used in the context of safety regulations for mining products and equipment. It is relevant in legal practices related to product safety, compliance, and regulatory approvals. Understanding critical characteristics is crucial for manufacturers and suppliers in ensuring that their products meet safety standards, thereby avoiding legal liabilities. Users can manage related forms and compliance procedures through resources like US Legal Forms.
Real-world examples
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(hypothetical example) A manufacturer of mining helmets must ensure that the helmet's impact resistance is tested and meets the specified standards. If the helmet is shipped without this testing, it could pose safety risks to users.
(hypothetical example) A company producing safety harnesses must verify that the stitching strength, a critical characteristic, is tested to prevent failures during use.