Buckle and Strap Slippage in Use
ANSI: None.
ASTM: None.
Australia/NZ None.
BSI: None.
Canada: None.
CPSC: None
Europe: No test, but helmet strap must be able to maintain tension. Further, residual slippage in retention system test specifically includes any buckle slippage. Slippage of the buckle can be measured and recorded "for information purposes" separately from other elements that contribute to total extension when tested for retention.
Europe-Child: None.
Japan: None
Snell B90: None
Snell B95: None
Snell N94: None
Sweden: None
(For buckle and strap strength see Retention System below.)
Certification Process
ANSI: None.
ASTM: Permits "self-certification." Recommends that manufacturer
have an independent lab test each model and size at least
annually.
Australia/NZ SAA lab testing for certification and ongoing quality
control tests of each production batch of helmets before
they are shipped to retailers.
BSI: BSI lab testing.
Canada: CSA lab. Inspection of manufacturer's facility to verify
existence of calibrated lab equipment as well as quality
control and other procedures necessary to ensure
compliance with the standard.
CPSC: Manufacturer must issue certificate based
on a "reasonable testing program." Can use tests prescribed in the
standard or other test procedures assuring compliance. At least one helmet
from each production lot must be tested. New lot if change any component.
If non-complying helmets found, must ensure that "sufficient actions are taken
that it is reasonably likely that no noncomplying helmets remain in the production
lot." Identified noncomplying helmets to be destroyed or modified to conform.
Europe: Not specified in the standard, presumably governed by CEN rules.
Europe-Child: Not specified in the standard, presumably governed by CEN rules.
Japan: Not known.
Snell B90: For initial certification, Snell lab testing and staff
visit to factory. Follow up testing of random samples
purchased from consumer outlets.
Snell B95: For initial certification, Snell lab testing and staff
visit to factory. Follow up testing of random samples
purchased from consumer outlets.
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: Not known.
Child Helmets
ANSI: None.
ASTM: None. (Revision to be balloted)
Australia/NZ None.
BSI: None.
Canada: Helmets for cyclists or passengers under five years old
are tested with A headform weighing 3.1 kg or E headform
weighing 4.1 kg. Peak g level cannot exceed 200 g for flat
anvil drop from nominal 1.5 m. height (5.7 m/s), nominally
50 J for A size headform and 67 J for E size. For
cylindrical anvil peak cannot exceed 150 g for drop of
nominal 1 m. (4.2 m/s), nominally 34 J for the A headform
and 45 J for the E headform. Label in yellow Pantone 803
required stating "This helmet has been designed for use by
cyclists or cycle passengers under the age of five years."
CPSC: Helmets for children 1 to 4 years of age must have
additional coverage.
Europe: Separate optional helmet spec for child helmets with breakaway
buckle designed to prevent playground strangulations.
Europe-Child: Separate optional helmet spec for child helmets with breakaway buckle designed to prevent playground strangulations.
Japan: None
Snell B90: None.
Snell B95: None.
Snell N94: None.
Sweden: None.
Conditioning Environments
ANSI: Ambient: Laboratory environment 18 degrees C to 27 degrees
C (F 64 degrees to 81 degrees), Relative humidity 20 to 80
per cent . Cold: -8 to -12 degrees C (F 14 degrees). Hot:
48 to 52 degrees C (F 122 degrees) in circulating air
oven. Wet: Immersed in water at 18 to 27 degrees C (F 64
to 81 degrees). Ageing: none. All conditioning for at least four hours.
Testing to begin "immediately" upon removal of helmet from
conditioning environment, and helmet to be returned to the
conditioning environment after 5 minutes for at least 15
minutes.
ASTM: Ambient: 17 to 23 degrees C (F 63 to 73 degrees) with a
relative humidity of 25 to 75 per cent . Cold: -13 degrees
to -17 degrees C (F 8 to -1 degree). Hot: 47 degrees to 53
degrees C (F 117 to 127 degrees) with relative humidity no
higher than 25 per cent . Wet: Immersed in potable water at 15
degrees to 23 degrees C (F 63 to 73 degrees). Ageing: none. Barometric
pressure in all environments must be 75 to 110 kPa. Helmet
is stabilized in ambient conditions for 24 hours before
any further conditioning or testing. Conditioning times 4
to 24 hours for cold, hot and wet. Sample must be tested within 1 minute after removal
from conditioning environment and returned within 3 minutes or if kept out
longer must be reconditioned for 5 minutes for each minute over 3.
Australia/NZ Ambient: 18 degrees to 25 degrees C (F 64 to 77 degrees).
Cold: -3 to -7 degrees C (F 41 degrees). Hot: 48 to 52
degrees C (F 122 degrees) in circulating hot air oven.
Wet: Immersed in water at 18 to 25 degrees (F 64 to 77
degrees). Ageing: none. All conditioning for 16 to 30 hours. If during
testing the time out of the conditioning environment
exceeds 5 minutes, the helmet is returned to the
conditioning environment for a minimum of 3 times as many
minutes as it was out of the environment, or 16 hours,
whichever is the lesser, before testing is resumed. (Not
yet updated for 1996 version.)
BSI: Ambient: Not specified. Cold: -8 to -12 degrees C (F 14
degrees). Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C (F 122 degrees). Wet:
Immersion inverted in water 10 to 20 degrees C (F 50 to 68
degrees) Ageing: none. All conditioning for between 4 and 24 hours. Wet
to be drained for 15 to 45 minutes in upright position
before testing within 20 minutes of conclusion of
draining. Others to be tested within 35 to 45 seconds of
removal from conditioning environment.
Canada: Ambient: 15 to 25 degrees C (F 59 to 77 degrees), relative
humidity 55 to 65 per cent. Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C (F 122
degrees). Cold: -8 to -12 degrees C (F 14 degrees). Wet:
Immersed in water at 18 to 27 degrees C (F 64 to 81
degrees). Ageing: none. All conditioning for at least four hours. First
impact between 30 and 90 seconds after removal from
conditioning environment, then helmet returned
"immediately" to conditioning environment for at least 15
minutes before another test is conducted.
CPSC: Ambient: 17 to 27 degrees C (F 63 to 81 degrees) with a
relative humidity of 20 to 80 per cent. Cold: -13 to -17
degrees C (F 9 to -1 degrees). Hot: 47 to 53 degrees C (F
117 to 127 degrees). Wet: Immersed "crown down" in potable water at 17 to 27
degrees C (F 63 to 81 degrees). Ageing: none. Barometric pressure in all
environments must be 75 to 110 kPa. Helmet is stabilized
in ambient conditions for 24 hours before any further
conditioning or testing. Conditioning times 4 to 24 hours
for cold, hot and wet. Sample must be tested within 2 minutes after removal
from conditioning environment and returned within 3 minutes or if kept out
longer must be reconditioned for 5 minutes for each minute over 3, not to exceed 4 hours.
Europe: Ambient: Not specified. Cold: -18 to -22 degrees C (F -4
degrees) for four to six hours. Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C
(F 122 degrees) for four to six hours. Wet: none. Aging: Exposed for 48 hours to a 125 watt xenon-filled quartz lamp at 250 mm followed by spraying for four to six
hours with 1 l. of water per minute at ambient temp (not specified). Alternate ageing method uses a Xenon arc lamp "filtered to provide the spectral power distribution that closely approximates that of terrestrial daylight." Helmet is fixed on a cylindrical holder concentric to the lamp and rotating every 1 to 5 minutes. If helmet is to be tested for impact the area to be tested is directed toward the lamp, with the plane tangential to the outer surface normal to the radius of the cylindrical holder. Sample should receive 1 GJ/msq. over the wavelength 280 nm to 800 nm, either measured or calculated. Samples intermittently sprayed with distilled or demineralized water with a conductivity below 5 microS/cm alternating 18 minutes of spraying and 102 minutes without. During non-spray periods the relative humidity should be 45 to 55 per cent. Temperature within the test chamber to be 67 to 73 degrees C, measured with a black standard thermometer at the same distance from the lamp as the exposed test areas of the helmet. Wet: none. No specification for time out of conditioning
before first impact. Second impact on each sample except
UV-wet sample is specified with "no reconditioning," which
may address question of maximum time out of conditioning
environment.
Europe-Child: Same as adult standard above.
Japan: Ambient: not specified. Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C. Cold: -8
to -12 degrees C. Wet: Immersion in water at 20 to 30
degrees C. Ageing: none. Conditioning for four hours. If time out of
conditioning environment exceeds 5 minutes the helmet is
reconditioned 3 minutes for every one minute over the 5
minute mark. Ageing: none.
Snell B90: Ambient: Not specified. Cold: -18 to -22 degrees C for 4
to 24 hours. Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C for 4 to 24 hours.
Wet: Continuously sprayed or immersed in water at a
temperature of 20 to 30 degrees C. for 4 to 24 hours.
Testing to begin within 2 minutes of removal from
conditioning environment. Ageing: none.
Snell B95: Ambient: Not specified. Cold: -18 to -22 degrees C for 4
to 24 hours. Hot: 48 to 52 degrees C for 4 to 24 hours.
Wet: continuously sprayed on external surface with water
at a temperature of 20 to 30 degrees C for 4 to 24 hours,
and not to be immersed. Ageing: none. Testing to begin within 2 minutes
of removal from conditioning environment. Samples returned
to conditioning environment between tests.
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: Ambient: Not specified. Cold: -18 to -22 degrees C (minus
4 degrees F). Ageing: Stored at 68 to 72 degrees C (158
degrees F) for 7 days, returned to ambient, then subjected
to UV from a 125 W quartz lamp at a distance of 25 cm for
48 hours, returned to ambient, then tested.
Conspicuity
ANSI: None.
ASTM: None.
Australia/NZ No helmet color specified, but recommends that helmets be
white or in colors within the yellow or orange spectrum.
BSI: None.
Canada: None.
CPSC: None.
Europe: None.
Europe-Child: None.
Japan: Shell shall be "bright and vivid." White, cream, yellow,
light green, etc. are preferable. If color is not visible
at night the helmet's conspicuity shall be enhanced with
reflective tape or the like.
Snell B90: Outside may include brightly colored decals.
Snell B95: Introduction mentions helmet may be brightly colored or
have reflective surfaces safety features not directly
addressed in the standard but meriting the consideration
of wearers and manufacturers.
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: None
Construction
ANSI: "To absorb impact energy and to provide a retention
system." No projections greater than 5 mm. Rivet heads
radiused and not more than 2 mm above shell. Rigid
internal projections must be covered with padding.
ASTM: "To reduce the acceleration of the wearer's head and to
remain on the wearer's head during an impact." Any
internal rigid projections that could contact the wearer's
head during impact must be "protected by some means of
cushioning or force spreading." Helmets must pass all
tests with and without included attachments. Recognizes
the desirability of lightweight construction and
ventilation but is a performance standard not intended to
restrict design. Defines projection as any internal or external part of
a helmet that extends beyond the faired surface and is likely to cause injury.
Australia/NZ Shall consist of a means of "absorbing" impact energy and a
retention system. All components permanently attached to
one another, not including the fitting foam, which is
removed for testing. No internal projections likely to
cause injury in an accident. Any external projections from
shell must not protrude more than 5 mm, irregularities
smoothly faired. Chin straps must pass under jaw and must
be at least 12 mm wide if they contact the wearer's throat
under the chin. Adjustment required "to produce tension on
straps between all fixing points" when fastened. Visors
and other attachments included in testing, but visors
removed for helmet stability test.
BSI: No chin guard or chin cup permitted, no sharp edges on
inside, inside projections covered with protective
padding, normally has shell not necessarily of hard
material (shell either contains or provides means of
"absorbing" impact energy) and retention system. May have
vent holes. All parts of retention system must be fastened
permanently to system or helmet. Chin strap must be
between 15 mm and 26 mm wide and be adjustable without any
rigid part of buckle contacting jaw of standard headform.
If shell is thermoplastic, "any irregularity in the
internal or external surface should blend into the
surrounding surface in a curve, the radius of which is not
less than half the thickness of the shall at that point.
Canada: Defines helmet as "the outer shell, the inner fitting
(e.g., sizing foam), shock absorption system (i.e., helmet
liner), and the retention system. Note a helmet need not
contain all of these elements." Below helmet reference
plane (27.5 mm above basic plane for medium-size
headform), outer surface of the shell to be smoothly
faired. No rigid protrusions on inner surface of liner,
minimum width of strap 12 mm, visors removable and not
part of standard.
CPSC: "To reduce the acceleration of the wearer's head and to
remain on the wearer's head during an impact." Optional
devices must be unlikely to cause injury. Detachable
components must not make helmet unsafe if detached and
helmet can still be worn. If any part detaches during
testing it must not present a laceration or puncture
hazard or reduce coverage of the head. External
projections greater than 7 mm must break away, and all
others must be smoothly faired to offer "no significant
frictional resistance to tangential impact forces." No
projections inside greater than 2 mm.
Europe: Normally has means of "absorbing" impact energy and means of
retaining helmet on head in a crash. Has good durability
to withstand normal handling, designed so parts do not
injure user in normal use before or after testing. Should have low weight, be
ventilating, be easy to put on and take off, be usable
with eyeglasses, not significantly interfere with user's
ability to hear traffic noise. Strap must be at least 15
mm wide and may have comfort fitting but may not have a chin cup.
Buckle must be adjustable to maintain tension in the strap
and not sit on jaw bone. Buckle cannot be green, and
ideally the opening mechanism should be red or orange. "All parts of the retention system shall be securely fastened to the helmet."
Europe-Child: Normally has means of "absorbing" impact energy and means of
retaining helmet on head in a crash. Has good durability
to withstand normal handling, designed so parts do not
injure user in normal use. Should have low weight, be
ventilating, be easy to put on and take off, be usable
with eyeglasses, not significantly interfere with user's
ability to hear traffic noise. Strap must be at least 15
mm wide and may have comfort fitting but no chin cup.
Buckle must be adjustable to maintain tension in the strap
and not sit on jaw bone. Buckle cannot be green, and
ideally the opening mechanism should be red or orange.
Japan: Rigid smooth shell with rounded rim. If there is an
integrated visor it shall not interfere with vision. Rivet
heads must not protrude over 2.0 mm (inside helmet?) and
external snaps and such shall not protrude over 5 mm.,
excluding easily detachable protrusions. Shock absorbing
line fitted well to the shell. May have vents. Chinstrap
to be firmly attached. Earflaps if provided shall not
detach during riding.
Snell B90: Requires smooth external and internal surfaces. External
projections greater than 7 mm must break away, and all
others must be smoothly faired to offer "no significant
frictional resistance to tangential impact forces." No
"metallic parts or other rigid projections on the inside
of the helmet that might injure the wearer's head in the
event of impact." No feature on the inner surface
projecting more than 2 mm. All edges to be smoothly
rounded, vent holes permitted. No component whose absence
compromises either impact or retention performance can be
detachable unless its detachment prevents the helmet from
being worn. If any component detaches during testing it
"must offer no laceration or puncture hazard nor reduce
the coverage of the head." Retention system "shall be
designed so as to discourage 'non-essential' features
which, if misused, can degrade the performance." Any quick
release buckle shall not release "inadvertently.
"Introduction says no specific construction or materials
required, and intent is to leave room for new helmet
technology.
Snell B95: Requires smooth external and internal surfaces. External
projections greater than 5 mm must readily break away, and
all others must be smoothly faired to offer "minimal
frictional resistance to tangential impact forces." No
"metallic parts or other rigid projections on the inside
of the shell that might injure the wearer's head in the
event of impact." No fixture on the inner surface can
project more than 2 mm. No interior metallic parts or
other rigid projections that might injure the wearer's
head. All edges to be smoothly rounded, vent holes
permitted. No component whose absence compromises either
impact or retention performance can be detachable unless
its detachment prevents the helmet from being worn. If any
component detaches during testing it "must offer no
laceration or puncture hazard nor reduce the area of
coverage of the head." Retention system "shall be designed
so as to discourage 'non-essential' features which, if
misused, can degrade the performance." Any quick release
buckle shall not release "inadvertently. "Introduction
says no specific construction or materials required, and
intent is to leave room for new helmet technology. Upon
inspection of the helmet, "any feature found to reduce the
protective capacity of the headgear, whether explicitly
mentioned in this Standard or not, will be a cause for
rejection."
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: Encircle users head, have good durability and withstand
normal handling, withstand temperatures between -30
degrees C and 70 degrees C (F -22 to 158 degrees) "without
impairment of its protective properties on return to
normal conditions," retain protective qualities under
"normally occurring climatic conditions," be shaped to
stay on head in accident, not have any parts injuring user
in normal use or impact, be easy to put on and take off,
be usable with spectacles. Test samples for impact tests
shall be largest size.
Drop Apparatus
ANSI: Calls out a Snell-style twin wire drop rig. Weight of
support assembly cannot exceed 25 per cent of total
combined weight of support assembly and headform. Center
of gravity of headform and support assembly must lie
within a vertical cone of 10 degrees from point of impact.
Sensitive axis of accelerometer to lie within 5 degrees of
vertical. Anvil mount must be a solid mass of at least 135
kg.
ASTM: Guided free fall using wire, monorail or other drop rig
(example illustration shows twin-wire and monorail rigs)
onto a steel anvil fixed on a rigid base. Drop assembly
exclusive of helmet must weigh 3.1 to 6.1 kg. Drop assembly
minus weight of headform, ball clamp, ball clamp bolts and
accelerometer cannot exceed 1.1 kg. Uniaxial accelerometer
capable of measuring 1,000 g's with sensitive axis aligned
within 5 degrees of vertical. CG of headform must be at
center of mounting ball. CG of combined headform and
supporting assembly must meet F.M.V.S.S. #218 (rev. 4-6-
88) S slash.1.8 with any type of guide system.
Australia/NZ Twin-wire drop rig. Weight of support arm cannot exceed 20
per cent of mass of drop assembly, which is limited to
3.5, 4.0, 5.0 and 6.0 kg for the four headform sizes
ABCD. Center of mass of assembly within 10 degree vertical
cone from point of impact. Sensitive axis of accelerometer
within 5 degrees of vertical. Mass of anvil mount at least
130 kg. (Not yet updated for 1996 version.)
BSI: Twin wire drop rig. Weight of support arm cannot exceed 20
per cent of mass of drop assembly, which without helmet is
5.0 to 5.2 kg. Center of gravity of headform and support
assembly must lie within a vertical cone of 10 degrees
from point of impact. Sensitive axis of accelerometer must
lie within 5 degrees of vertical. Base has minimum mass of
500 kg topped by steel plate at least 25 mm thick.
Canada: Twin wire drop rig, same weight restrictions as Snell
standard below. Wires to be under at least 850 N tension.
"Any similar free fall drop system would be considered a
suitable drop-assembly apparatus."
CPSC: Guided free fall using twin wire or monorail test rig onto
a steel anvil fixed on a rigid base. Base must have mass
at least 135 kg, with steel plate on top at least 25 mm
thick. Drop assembly (headform plus support assembly without helmet)
must weigh 5 kg +/- 0.1 kg. (11 lb.). Uniaxial accelerometer
capable of measuring 1,000 g with sensitive axis aligned
within 5 degrees of vertical. CG of headform must be at
center of mounting ball and within 10 degree vertical cone
from point of impact. CG of drop assembly (headform plus support
assembly) must meet FMVSS 218 S7.1.8 and lie in rectangular area
28 mm by 12.8 mm. Center of anvil must be fixed in alignment
with center vertical axis of the accelerometer.
Europe: Such that in guided free fall the headform attains at
least 95 per cent of theoretical velocity, that it does
not affect the measurement of acceleration at the cg of
the headform, and that headform can be adjusted to permit
any point within the protective zone to be aligned with
the vertical at the center of the anvil, although the headform is never to be turned so that the vertical axis falls "below the horizontal plane." Base must be
"monolithic," made of steel, concrete or a combination of
the two, and have mass of at least 500 kg. No part can have a resonant frequency "liable
to affect the measurements." Requires tri-axial
accelerometer weighing no more than 50 grams and able to
withstand 2000 g. Simplified drawing shows a twin wire guidance system with a four-bearing square "support dolly" frame holding a headform. (Many European labs use a triple wire guidance system with headform cradled on a triangular dolly with a
hole in the center which would drop away below anvil upon
impact. That setup would be permitted under this description.)
Japan: Twin wire drop rig is illustrated. Supporting arm to be
800 grams or less. CG of headform must lie within inverted
cone of 10 degrees centered on impact site.
Snell B90: No drop rig design specified. Helmet and headform to drop
in guided free fall. Weight of support assembly cannot
exceed 25 per cent of total combined weight of support
assembly and headform. Center of gravity of headform and
support assembly must lie within 10 mm horizontally of the
design center of gravity of the test headform. Sensitive
axis of accelerometer to lie within 5 degrees of vertical.
Mass of headform not to exceed 6.5 kg including support
arm but excluding helmet. Anvil mount must be a solid mass
of at least 135 kg.
Snell B95: Free fall guided by two or more wires, or one or more
rails, onto a steel anvil fixed on a rigid base. Base must
have mass at least 135 kg, with steel plate on top at
least 12 mm thick and a surface area of at least .1 sq. m.
Drop assembly exclusive of helmet must weigh between 5 kg
and 6.5 kg. Support assembly weight shall not exceed 25
per cent of the combined weights of headform, ball arm,
collar and accelerometer. Drop trajectory must be a
straight line within 3 degrees of vertical. Line parallel
to drop trajectory must pass within 5 mm of the center of
the test anvil, within 10 mm of the center of gravity of
the headform support assembly, and within 5 mm of the
sensitive element of the accelerometer. Requires uniaxial
accelerometer capable of measuring 1,000 g with sensitive
axis aligned within 5 degrees of vertical..
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: Specified in SP-MET 19852. Includes a drop test and
striker impacting test with helmet mounted on an 80 mm
ball and impacted by a 5 kg cylinder with 25 mm radius
striking surface dropped .60 meter (30 Nm energy level).
Hair Oil Test
ANSI: None.
ASTM: None.
Australia/NZ None.
BSI: None.
Canada: None.
CPSC: None.
Europe: None.
Europe-Child: None.
Japan: After 24 hours of conditioning in ambient temperature,
apply white vaseline specified in Japanese pharmacopoeia
on the surface of the liner and retention system. Examine
for brittleness, swelling, softening and other damage by
visual and tactile examination.
Snell B90: None.
Snell B95: None.
Snell N94: None.
Sweden: None.
Headforms
ANSI: ISO-DIS 6220-1983. Five sizes (A,E,J, M and O) specified.
Must be made of low-resonant-frequency material exhibiting
no resonant frequencies below 3000 hz. Mass of each
headform must be 5 kg 0.05 kg together with supporting
assembly. Must include surface markings for basic, coronal, midsagittal and
reference planes.
ASTM: ASTM F2220. Six sizes (A, C, E, J, M and O) specified, to be of magnesium K1A material. Helmets fitting two headform sizes are tested on both unless manufacturer also makes a smaller model fitting the smaller headform. The helmet fits two headforms if it is not physically difficult to mount on the larger headform and partially compresses the
fitting foam on the smaller headform.
Australia/NZ AS 2512.1 Permits headforms of "hardwood, metal or other
suitable material."
BSI: BS 6489. Has eight "series."
Canada: ISO-DIS Standard 6220-1983.
CPSC: ISO-DIS 6220-1983. Five sizes (A,E,J M and O) specified.
Must be made of K-1A magnesium alloy. Mass of each headform together with supporting
assembly must weigh 5 kg. regardless of size.
Europe: Calls out headforms conforming to EN 960, Headforms for
Testing Protective Helmets. There are five headforms (A,
E, J, M and O) in the body of the standard and three more
(C, G and K) in a table defining the test area which has 8
sizes. Size O is very large, for helmets with inside
circumferences of 620 mm. Must be made of metal and have
"a low resonance frequency but not below 3000 Hz."
Headform mass varies with size, ranging from 3.1 to 6.1
kg. Must have housing for triaxial accelerometer "near its
centre of gravity." Chin area shape is specified in
headform dimensions.
Europe-Child: Calls out headforms conforming to EN 960, Headforms for
Testing Protective Helmets. There are five headforms (A,
E, J, M and O) in the body of the standard and three more
(C, G and K) in a table defining the test area which has 8
sizes. Size O is very large, for helmets with inside
circumferences of 620 mm. Must be made of metal and have
"a low resonance frequency but not below 3000 Hz."
Headform mass varies with size, ranging from 3.1 to 6.1
kg. Must have housing for triaxial accelerometer "near its
centre of gravity." Chin area shape is specified in
headform dimensions.
Japan: Calls out unique headforms, one for adults and one for
child helmets, made of low-reverberating magnesium alloy.
In addition there is a penetration test headform with an
electrically conductive surface.
Snell B90: Small, medium and large headforms of magnesium alloy or
similar, conforming to the sizes of the DOT FMVSS 218
small, medium and large headforms. Reference headform for
determining test line is "derived from" the same DOT
headform.
Snell B95: ISO-DIS 6220-1983. Four sizes (A,E,J, and M) specified.
Must be made of a rigid, low-resonance material such as
magnesium alloy.
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.
Sweden: Wooden. Specified either in SP-MET 19852 or as SIS 882431.
For striker test, headform is a half-sphere with 80 mm
radius, equipped "so that within a circular region with
the area 1 cm on the top of this half-sphere one can
measure and record vertical forces up to 40,000 N and
frequencies up to 1,000 Hz."
Hearing
ANSI: Not mentioned.
ASTM: Not mentioned.
Australia/NZ Not mentioned.
BSI: When mounted on BS 6489 headform no part of helmet can
intrude into a cylindrical space of diameter 65 mm
simulating ear position. (Note: In practice BHSI
understands that no British manufacturer was able to meet
this requirement and BSI issued waivers for this
provision.)
Canada: Not mentioned.
CPSC: Not mentioned.
Europe: Should not significantly interfere with the ability of the
user to hear traffic noises.
Europe-Child: Should not significantly interfere with the ability of the
user to hear traffic noises.
Japan: Not mentioned.
Snell B90: Not mentioned.
Snell B95: Not mentioned.
Snell N94: Not mentioned.
Sweden: Not mentioned.
Impact Energy Management
ANSI: Peak acceleration not to exceed 300 g with drop of at least 1 meter
achieving impact velocity of 4.57 m per s plus 0 to -5
per cent on either flat or hemispherical anvil.
ASTM: Not to exceed 300 g. "Theoretical" drop heights of 2.0 meters (impact
velocity 6.2 meters per second) for flat anvil; 1.2 meters
(impact velocity of 4.8 meters per second) for
hemispherical and curbstone anvils. Velocity measured in
last 40 mm of free-fall must be within 3 per cent of
specification.
Australia/NZ Not to exceed 300 g, or 200 g for 3.0 ms, or 150 g for 6.0
ms. Drop heights of 1.45 to 1.80 m on flat anvil. None of
the protective components can become detached during
impact test. Helmet must not lose any pieces representing
more than 10 per cent of its mass during testing. Has
separate point loading test described under Point Loading.
BSI: Not to exceed 300 g with drop of at least one meter
achieving impact velocity of 4.57 to 4.72 m per s on
either flat or kerbstone anvil.
Canada: Flat anvil drop: Helmets for those over 5 in drop of 55 J
not to exceed 200 g peak and 80 J not to exceed 250 g.
For those under 5, A size headform in 50 J drop not to
exceed 200 g peak, E size in 67 J drop not to exceed 250
g. Cylindrical anvil drop: helmets for those over 5 in
drop of 55 J not to exceed 250 g peak. For those under 5,
in 34 J drop (A size headform) or 45 J (E size headform)
peak not to exceed 150 g. If Gadd Severity Index exceeds
1500 on any drop "it is recommended that additional
testing be undertaken as detailed in this standard."
CPSC: Not to exceed 300 g, On flat anvil, impact velocity of
6.2 m/s +/- 3 per cent typically requiring drop height of 2.0 m plus
any height adjustment for friction losses. On hemispherical and curbstone
anvils impact velocity of 4.8 m/s +/- 3 per cent typically requiring drop
height of 1.2 m plus friction adjustment. Velocity measured in
last 40 mm of free-fall.
Europe: No impact of the 20 required in the test series can exceed
250 g peak in 1.5 meter drop on flat or kerbstone anvil.
Europe-Child: No impact of the 20 required in the test series can exceed
250 g peak in 1.5 meter drop on flat or kerbstone anvil.
Japan: Not to exceed 400 g or 150g for more than 4 ms in flat
anvil drops from 1.6 m (adult helmets) or 1.4 m (child
helmets).
Snell B90: For four impacts, the peak acceleration for each of the
four impacts must not exceed 300 g, with drop energy of
100 J (2.0 plus meter height) on flat anvil and 65 J (1.3
plus meters) on hemispherical anvil (heights calculated
for 5 kg headform). If any part detaches during testing
"it must offer no laceration or puncture hazard nor reduce
the coverage of the head."
Snell B95: For four impacts, the peak acceleration for each of the
four impacts must not exceed 300 g, with drop energy of
110 J (2.2 plus meter height) for certification testing
and 100 J (2 plus meter height) for follow-up testing on
flat anvil and 72 J for certification testing and 65 J
(1.3 plus meters) on hemispherical or kerbstone anvils
(heights calculated for 5 kg headform). If any part
detaches during testing "it must offer no laceration or
puncture hazard nor reduce the coverage of the head."
Snell N94: For four "conditioning impacts" in the rear third of the
helmet of 40 J (.8 meter drop height) and four test
impacts, the peak acceleration for each impact must not
exceed 300 g, with drop energy of 100 J (2 plus meter
height) on flat anvil and 65 J (1.3 plus meters) on
hemispherical anvil (heights calculated for 5 kg
headform). Conditioning impacts may be up to 42 J, and
test impacts may be up to 103 J. If any part detaches
during testing "it must offer no laceration or puncture
hazard nor reduce the coverage of the head."
Sweden: Acceleration not to exceed 250 g (2,500 meters per
second) with drop of 1.5 meters onto flat anvil. Joules
not known, but probably specified in SP-MET 1985 2. Has a
second test for point loading described under Point
Loading below.
Impact Sites
ANSI: Single impacts on 4 sites. Unintentionally gives
impression that helmet should be impacted on each site on
the flat, then the hemispherical, anvil. Later states that
impacts should be equally divided between the flat and
hemispherical anvils. If there are mechanical fasteners in
the test area at least one is to be impacted. At least one
impact 12 mm above the test line at the front, rear or
side of the helmet.
ASTM: Four single impacts centered at least 25 mm (arc width) above any point on the
test line and at least one fifth of the maximum
circumference of the helmet from any prior impact center.
Flat and hemispherical anvils to be used on each set of helmets, but curbstone anvil used only
once on a fifth ambient sample. (Clarification of this and removal of 25 mm offset have
been approved but not yet published.) Impact testing after retention system tests.
Australia/NZ Four single impacts anywhere above test line, separated by
not less than one-fifth of the circumference of the helmet
measured at "the nominal AA' line," shown as 12.7 mm above
the Reference Plane.
BSI: Single impacts on at least two sites, alternating between
flat and kerbstone anvils.
Canada: Single impacts on four sites per helmet. Test line traced
by placing helmet on a reference headform, applying 11.25
lb (50 N) weight and seating helmet according to its
"helmet positioning index." (see Positioning on the headform below.)
Helmet is marked at reference
line on headform. Impacts can be anywhere above test line,
separated by at least 25 per cent of maximum circumference
of the helmet. Front, rear and one side must be impacted,
final site at discretion of testing facility. If there are
mechanical fasteners in the test area at least one is to
be impacted at least once. Two impacts required at 5.7 m/s
on flat anvil and one at 4.7 m/s on cylindrical anvil.
CPSC: Impacts centered anywhere on or above the test line, with sites selected
for most severe test in attempt to fail the helmet. Two sets of four samples required for
each size and model offered. First set of ambient, hot. cold and wet samples
each impacted at sites separated by 120 mm (measured on surface of helmet)
two times with flat anvil and two times with hemispherical anvil. Second
set of ambient, hot, cold and wet samples impacted once each on curbstone anvil.
Europe: Two impacts on each of ten samples according to a test
schedule which specifies the anvil and conditioning to be
used. Retention system tests are done after impact tests.
Europe-Child: Two impacts on each of ten samples according to a test
schedule which specifies the anvil and conditioning to be
used. Retention system tests are done after impact tests.
Japan: Not specified.
Snell B90: Single impacts on 4 sites 15 mm or higher above the
reference plane. Plane marked by placing helmet on DOT
FMVSS 218 headform, applying 50 N (11.25 lb.) weight and
marking helmet from reference line on headform. Impacts to
be against flat and hemispherical anvils in random order.
Vents and rivets are included as valid test sites. "The
helmet shall provide as nearly uniform impact protection
over the entire protected area as is possible using normal
manufacturing techniques."
Snell B95: Four test impacts 120 mm apart on any spot above the test
line, using any combination of flat, hemispherical or
kerbstone anvil, and including rivets, vents or other
helmet features. Impacts orchestrated by the tester to
investigate potential weaknesses and explore each likely
failure mode.
Snell N94: Has sites for conditioning impacts at lower velocity and
full test impacts at higher velocities. All impacts are to
be on or above the test line. All conditioning impact
sites to be on the rear third of the helmet. Conditioning
impact sites may overlap, but test impacts must be
separated by at least 120 mm. After four conditioning
impacts the sample is subjected to no more than four test
impacts. Rivets, vents and other helmet features within
the defined test region are valid test sites. Test impact
sites may overlay conditioning impact sites as long as the
test impacts themselves are at least 120 mm apart. Anvils
may be flat, hemispherical, edge or kerbstone.
Sweden: Three different sites on flat anvil, three with striker.
Possible weak points and special accident conditions to be
taken into account (presumably by rigorous testing of
weaknesses, but not clear). Alternate spec says four
sites, with one each impact on front, back, side and top.
No testing within 20 mm of edge of shell.
Instructions for Use and Care
ANSI: Bicycle use only, good fit necessary, fasten straps, crash
damage, solvents warning.
ASTM: Not for motor vehicle use label (now eliminated by not yet
published), fitting and positioning
instructions including graphics, substances which can
damage, recommended cleaning agents or procedures, return
to manufacturer for inspection or destroy after impact,
impact damage may not be visible, no helmet can protect
against all impacts warning, proper fitting and retention
system attachment required for maximum protection.
Australia/NZ Warning about possible impacts, must buckle strap, fit,
how to adjust, correct adjustment as a paired
circle/circle-slash mark graphic at least 25 mm high, no
attachments except manufacturer's, crash damage, solvents,
helmet has limited life span. Other info on stickers inside
listed below under Labels.
BSI: Bicycle use only, clean with soft cloth and tap water
only, crash damage, solvents warning, good fit necessary,
check for wear, keep from heat and sunlight, replacement
after crashing, squashing, scratching, or using for a few
years. Replace if no longer fits. If need advice, ask
local dealer or write to manufacturer or importer. Must
have BSI WARNING in big print "do not paint or apply
solvents, glues or sticky labels."
Canada: Bicycle use only, good fit necessary, fasten straps, crash
damage, no paint or decals unless approved by
manufacturer, approved cleaning agents, if visor included
must state visor is not CSA certified, label or tag giving
instructions on how to fit helmet properly. Must specify
whether for riders and passengers under age 5 or over.
Text must be in English and French.
CPSC: Not for motor vehicle use, fit and fasten, replace after
impact, damaging substances. Fit instructions to
accompany.
Europe: Adjust to fit level on head, discard after violent impact,
dangerous to modify or remove original components, should
not adapt to mount attachments unless recommended by
manufacturer..
Europe-Child: Adjust to fit level on head, discard after violent impact,
dangerous to modify or remove original components, should
not adapt to mount attachments unless recommended by
manufacturer..
Japan: Handling instructions, fasten chinstrap, replace if
damaged, damaging substances.
Snell B90: Bicycle use only, good fit necessary, fasten straps,
crash damage, solvents and adhesives. Label required
warning of "factors degrading helmet materials and the
signs of such degradation."
Snell B95: Manufacturer must provide "suitable guidance" on
adjustment and fit to obtain positional stability. Bicycle
use only, no helmet can protect against all impacts
warning, good fit necessary, fasten straps, damage after
crash may not be visible, return to manufacturer for
inspection or destroy after an impact, substances which
can damage, substances which can be used for cleaning or
painting, Snell Foundation serialized label.
Snell N94: Must have guidance on adjustment and fit to obtain
positional stability. Non-motorized use only, no helmet
can protect against all impacts, good fit necessary,
fasten straps, damage after crash may not be visible,
return to manufacturer for inspection or destroy after an
impact, substances which can damage, substances which can
be used for cleaning or painting, Snell Foundation
serialized label.
Sweden: Good fit necessary including warning that helmet "should
be placed so as to protect the forehead and not be pushed
too far back over the back of the head," crash damage.
Text must be in Swedish.
Instrumentation
ANSI: Requires accelerometer and a data channel meeting SAE J211-
JUN80 for channel class 1000. Can use oscilloscope.
Periodically check against calibration traceable to NBS.
Instrumentation check using Modular Elastomer Programmer
(MEP) described, to be repeated after testing series and
must be within 5 per cent of readings at start. Velocity-
sensing equipment must be capable of producing a discrete
output resolvable within 200 ms. Strap test apparatus
drawing shows a displacement transducer and an optional
load cell. Thirty minute warmup specified.
ASTM: Uniaxial accelerometer capable of withstanding 1000 g
(9810 meters per second squared). SAE J211 data channel
and filtering, which can be satisfied by a low-pass analog
or digital filter with a 4-pole Butterworth transfer
function and a corner frequency of 1000 Hz.
System check before and after each series of tests by dropping onto MEP a 146 mm aluminum
spherical impactor weighing 4000 to 4010 g mounted on ball-arm connector of test assembly.
MEP must be 152 mm in diameter and 25 mm thick, with durometer of 58 to 62 Shore A, fixed on
flat 6.35 mm aluminum plate. Impactor dropped on MEP three times at intervals of 60 to 90
seconds, at impact velocity of 5.44 m/s +/- 2 per cent (drop height 1.5 m plus friction
allowance). Peak acceleration should be between 381 and 397 g. If results of pretest and posttest
impacts differ by more than 5 per cent equipment must be recalibrated and test results discarded.
Australia/NZ Calibration before and after test series must be within 3
per cent of theoretical drop velocity. (Not yet updated
here for 1996 version.)
BSI: Accelerometer must withstand 2000 g, measuring system
including drop assembly must have frequency response in
accordance with channel class 1000 of ISO 6487. Must
record deceleration against time. Instrument check at 300
g with results within 15 g.
Canada: Accelerometer can be linear or tri-axial. Must be aligned
within 5 degrees of vertical when helmet and headform are
in impact position, be capable of withstanding 1000 g
without damage and have 5 to 900 hz frequency response.
Data channel must meet specs for channel class 1000 of SAE
standard J211. Digital recording equipment must collect
impact data at a rate not less than 8000 hz per channel.
Instrumentation check using Open Blue MEP from U.S.
Testing, or other suitable medium, is required, with
repeatability within 10 g. Pre-test and post-test results
to be within 10g. Thirty minute warmup. System must be
able to "accurately measure" accelerations up to and
including 745 to 755 g.
CPSC: Requires uniaxial accelerometer capable of measuring 1000
g., with sensitive axis aligned within 5 degrees of vertical when test headform
in impact position. SAE J211-OCT88 data channel for Channel Class 1000.
System check before and after each series of tests (at least a beginning and end
of each test day) by dropping onto MEP a 146 mm aluminum spherical impactor mounted on ball-arm
connector of test assembly with combined weight of 5 kg +/- 0.1 kg. MEP must be 152 mm in
diameter and 25 mm thick, with durometer of 58 to 62 Shore A, fixed on flat 6.35 mm aluminum plate. Geometric
center of MEP aligned with center vertical axis of accelerometer. Impactor dropped on MEP at
impact velocity of 5.44 m/s +2 per cent (drop height 1.5 m plus friction allowance). Six
impacts at intervals of 60 to 90 seconds, three as warm-ups with results ignored, second three
recorded and must fall within 380 g to 425 g. and have difference between high and low values
of no more than 20 g.
Europe: Requires a tri-axial accelerometer accurate up to 2,000 g
and weighing no more than 50 grams. Data channel must meet
ISO specification 6487.
Europe-Child: Requires a tri-axial accelerometer accurate up to 2,000 g
and weighing no more than 50 grams. Data channel must meet
ISO specification 6487.
Japan: Accelerometer capable of measuring 2000 g (19.6 km per
s2), with a "natural frequency" of 20000 Hz or above.
Accelerometer and data channel capable of 10 to 10000 Hz
plus or minus 1 dB and capable of recording wave forms. If
a cathode ray oscilloscope is used, it must have a
recording apparatus or be capable of taking photographs.
Its vertical axis shall be capable of recording 400 g
(3924 m per s2) within the full scale. Its horizontal axis
must be capable of reading at least 10 m per s within the
full scale and measuring the duration of any shocks over
150 g (1472 m per s2) to the nearest .1 m per s.
Snell B90: Data channel must meet SAE J211 for channel class 1000,
"with the exception that the frequency response need not
include the range from dc to 10hz."
Snell B95: Uniaxial accelerometer. Data channel must meet SAE J211
for channel class 1000, "with the exception that the
frequency response need not include the range from dc to
10hz." Velocity measuring device accurate within 1 per
cent must measure velocity of the headform-support
assembly within the last 40 mm of travel before impact.
Snell N94: Uniaxial accelerometer. Data channel must meet SAE J211
for channel class 1000, "with the exception that the
frequency response need not include the range from dc to
10hz." Velocity measuring device accurate within 1 per
cent must measure velocity of the headform-support
assembly within the last 40 mm of travel before impact.
Sweden: Triaxial accelerometer and amplifier required. Equipment
must be able to measure and record accelerations up to 750
g "within the frequency interval 0-2000 Hz with an accuracy
of 5 per cent." Carbon paper between headform and helmet
used in striker test to "check whether the prescribed
force has been transmitted to the measurement transducer."
Lab Environment
ANSI: Must be maintained with relative humidity between 20 and
80 per cent, and temperature between 18 degrees and 27
degrees centigrade (F 64 to 81 degrees).
ASTM: Temperature 17 to 23 degrees C (F 63 to 73 degrees), and
relative humidity between 25 and 75 per cent. Barometric
pressure 75-110 kPa.
Australia/NZ Ambient temperature of 18 to 30 degrees C (F 64 to 86
degrees) (Not yet updated here for 1996 version.)
BSI: Not specified.
Canada: Temperature 15 degrees to 25 degrees C (F 59 to 77
degrees). Relative humidity between 50 and 60 per cent.
CPSC: Must be maintained with relative humidity between 20 and
80 per cent, and temperature between 18 and 27 degrees C
(F 64 to 81 degrees). Barometric pressure 75 to 110 kPa
(22.2 to 32.6 inches of Hg.) for all conditioning
environments.
Europe: Not specified.
Europe-Child: Not specified.
Japan: Not specified.
Snell B90: Not specified.
Snell B95: Not specified
Snell N94: Not specified
Sweden: SP-MET 1985 2.
Labels on Helmet
ANSI: Permanent and legible marking providing traceability,
identification of manufacturer, date of manufacture and
size.
ASTM: Easily legible labels "likely to remain legible
throughout the life of the helmet." Include
model, manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, no helmet can
protect against all impacts warning, impact damage may not
be apparent, destroy or return to manufacturer for
inspection after impact, fit instructions must be followed for maximum
protection, substances which may damage,
recommended cleaning agents, not for motor vehicle use.
Australia/NZ Permanent and legible letters no less than 1.5 mm high and
visible without removing padding. Name and address of
manufacturer, model, size, month and year of manufacture,
activity helmet is designed for, not for use on
motorcycles, mass in grams, shell and liner material,
damaging solvents, make no modifications, fasten strap,
replace after severe blow, indication of front and rear.
BSI: Mark so it is "likely to remain legible throughout the
life of the helmet" the number and date of BS68631987,
manufacturer, size or size range of the helmet in
circumference in mm of head it will fit, model, serial
number or identification of production batch.
Canada: Permanent markings of manufacturer, model, size or size
range, year and month of manufacture. If a visor is
included, "information shall be included stating that the
visor has not undergone testing to this standard.
CPSC: Durable, legible, easily visible labels. Certification label
stating compliance with CPSC standard, with name, address and telephone number of
the U.S. manufacturer, private labeler or importer issuing the label, uncoded
month and year of manufacture, name and address of foreign manufacturer if not
made in U.S. (can be coded if private labeler's name is on certificate), production
lot number or serial number. Other labels preceded by "WARNING" stating that no helmet can
protect against all impacts, serious death and injury may occur, must be
fitted and attached properly to wearer's head, impact damage may not
be apparent, destroy or return to manufacturer for
inspection after impact, substances which may damage,
recommended cleaning agents, refer to manual for details.
Europe: Easily legible markings throughout life of helmet Standard
number, name or trademark of manufacturer, model, pedal
cyclists' helmet, size in cm, weight, year and quarter of
manufacturer, and "an appropriate warning" if shell
adversely affected by solvents and such. Must be in
language of the country of sale.
Europe-Child: Easily legible markings throughout life of helmet Standard
number, name or trademark of manufacturer, model, pedal
cyclists' helmet, size in cm, weight, year and quarter of
manufacturer, and "an appropriate warning" if shell
adversely affected by solvents and such. Must be in
language of the country of sale.
Japan: Type of helmet, nominal size in cm, manufacturer, date of
manufacture, handling instructions. Manufacturer and date
can be "abbreviated" (coded?).
Snell B90: Durable, visible and legible label identifying
manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, and size to
be uncoded and in English. Snell certification mark
permitted if licensed by Snell, whereupon the serialized
Snell sticker must be placed inside the helmet so that it
cannot be removed easily. If the helmet meets the B-90
Supplementary Standard a separate Supplemental
Certification label is placed near the blue B-90 label.
Snell B95: Durable, visible and legible label identifying
manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, and size to
be uncoded and in English or a language common to the area
where the helmet will be distributed. Bicycle use only, no
helmet can protect against all impacts warning, good fit
necessary, fasten straps, damage after crash may not be
visible, return to manufacturer for inspection or destroy
after an impact, substances which can damage, substances
which can be used for cleaning or painting, Snell
Foundation serialized label.
Snell N94: Durable, visible and legible label identifying
manufacturer, month and year of manufacture, and size to
be uncoded and in English or a language common to the area
where the helmet will be distributed. Bicycle use only, no
helmet can protect against all impacts warning, good fit
necessary, fasten straps, damage after crash may not be
visible, return to manufacturer for inspection or destroy
after an impact, substances which can damage, substances
which can be used for cleaning or painting, Snell
Foundation serialized label.
Sweden: Size (or range if adjustable), weight, year of
manufacture, manufacturer-importer, model, "Designed to
the rules for safety and function issued by the National
Board for Consumer Policies." Text must be in Swedish.
Labels on Packaging
ANSI: No requirement.
ASTM: Fitting and positioning instructions, including graphic
representations of proper positioning.
Australia/NZ Manufacturer's registered brand name, model, size, either
nominal mass in grams or list of sizes in model range with
nominal mass of each , activity or activities for which
helmet is designed.
BSI: Some instructions listed above in item 14 may be placed in
packaging rather than in the helmet.
Canada: Tag or label in English and French stating helmet is for
cyclists, may not protect, must be fitted properly and
adjusted securely for best protection. Fitting
instructions required. CPSC compliance statement on main display panel of
the packaging or on promotional material for catalog sales.
CPSC: Fitting and positioning instructions including graphic
representation, damaging substances.
Europe: Only requirement above under Item 14, Instructions.
Europe-Child: Only requirement above under Item 14, Instructions.
Japan: Suggests fits is important, fasten chinstrap, replace
after impact, damaging substances.
Snell B90: No requirement.
Snell B95: No requirement.
Snell N94: No requirement.
Sweden: No requirement, although use and care instructions may "be
delivered with every helmet."
Light Aging
ANSI: None.
ASTM: None.
Australia/NZ Materials should "remain appreciably stable" after
exposure to sunlight. UV inhibitors should be used when
necessary.
BSI: None.
CPSC: None.
Canada: None
Europe: Outer surface of helmet exposed to ultraviolet irradiation
by a 125 watt zenon-filled quartz lamp for 48 hours at a
range of 250 mm before wet conditioning. Alternative
method: helmet is rotated at 1 to 5 rpm under a xenon arc
lamp until total energy received is 1 Gj per m.
Alternating 18 minute spray with distilled water whose
conductivity is below 5 per cent S per cm followed by 102
minute dry period. Humidity of test chamber 45 to 55 per
cent, temperature 68 to 72 degrees C measured by a black
thermometer placed at same distance from the lamp as the
helmet sample. Other conditions as specified in ISO4892
and "the revisions currently being prepared as ISO 4892
Part 1 and Part 2, Method A."
Europe-Child: Outer surface of helmet exposed to ultraviolet irradiation
by a 125 watt zenon-filled quartz lamp for 48 hours at a
range of 250 mm before wet conditioning. Alternative
method: helmet is rotated at 1 to 5 rpm under a xenon arc
lamp until total energy received is 1 Gj per m.
Alternating 18 minute spray with distilled water whose
conductivity is below 5 per cent S per cm followed by 102
minute dry period. Humidity of test chamber 45 to 55 per
cent, temperature 68 to 72 degrees C measured by a black
thermometer placed at same distance from the lamp as the
helmet sample. Other conditions as specified in ISO4892
and "the revisions currently being prepared as ISO 4892
Part 1 and Part 2, Method A."
Japan: None
Snell B90: If materials degrade and affect performance, helmet must
show obvious changes in the external appearance of the
helmet.
Snell B95: "Ideally" materials should not degrade when exposed to
sun.
Snell N94: "Ideally" materials should not degrade when exposed to
sun.
Sweden: Helmet conditioned for 7 days at 68 to 72 degrees C (158
degrees F), then at ambient temperature it is subjected to
48 hours of a 125 watt ultraviolet lamp at a distance of
25 cm.
Mass
ANSI: Acknowledges the desirability of light weight.
ASTM: Acknowledges the desirability of light weight.
Australia/NZ Maximum mass recommended for headform sizes: O-700 g; M-
600g; J-500 g; E-400 g; A-300 g; AA-300 g. Notes that
further research is required before specific mass ranges
can be specified. Recommends that mass of AA size helmets
for small children be "as small as possible." Mass of test
samples must not differ by more than 10 per cent from
nominal mass specified by manufacturer on helmet
packaging, and if range of nominal masses is used it
cannot vary more than 50 g.
BSI: Not mentioned.
Canada: Not mentioned.
CPSC: Not mentioned.
Europe: Should have low weight. Weight must be labeled on helmet.
Europe-Child: Should have low weight. Weight must be labeled on helmet.
Japan: Limit of 800 grams for adult or 650 grams for children.
Snell B90: Not mentioned.
Snell B95: Not mentioned.
Snell N94: Not mentioned.
Sweden: Should have low weight.
Materials
ANSI: Shall not alter due to age or use, or from exposure to
sun, temperature extremes or rain. Must provide warning if
solvents, transfers or other additions will affect
adversely. Must not cause skin disorders, nor be affected
by sweat or toiletries.
ASTM: Materials known to cause skin irritation or disease
shall not be used. Lining materials may be detachable for
washing.
Australia/NZ Known to remain "appreciably stable" under influence of
aging or normal use under sunlight, temperature extremes
and rain. "Ultraviolet inhibitors should be used where
necessary." If in contact with skin and hair, must be
"appreciably stable" on contact with perspiration or
toiletries. No materials known to cause skin irritations
or disorders. All metal parts to be corrosion resistant or
have a corrosion resistant finish.
BSI: If contacting skin, shall be known not to undergo
appreciable alteration from sweat or toiletries, and shall
not use materials known to cause skin disorders.
Canada: "Known to be suitable for use in the design of protective
cycling helmets." Not appreciably altered by aging or
normal use from exposure to sun, temperature extremes or
rain. If contacting skin must not cause irritation or
disease. "For materials not in general use, medical advice
as to its suitability should be sought before adoption."
Chin strap minimum width 12 mm.
CPSC: No provision.
Europe: If contacting skin, shall be known not to undergo
appreciable alteration from sweat or toiletries, and shall
not use materials known to cause skin disorders.
Europe-Child: If contacting skin, shall be known not to undergo
appreciable alteration from sweat or toiletries, and shall
not use materials known to cause skin disorders.
Japan: Shell plastic or similar, free of defects such as flaws,
cracks, crazings, burrs and peelings. Liner must be
polyethylene foam free of defects such as flaws, spots and
stains, and not developing brittleness, swelling or
softening during hair oil test, perspiration test or
impact testing.
Snell B90: "Ideally should be of" durable quality, not harmed by
exposure to sun, rain, dust, vibration, sweat or products
applied to skin and hair. Should not degrade due to
temperature extremes likely to be encountered in routing
storage or transportation. If in contact with skin must
not cause skin irritation or disease. Materials which
support the growth of fungi or algae shall not be used.
Lining materials may detach for washing.
Snell B95: "Ideally should be of" durable quality, not harmed by
exposure to sun, rain, dust, vibration, sweat or products
applied to skin and hair. Should not degrade due to
temperature extremes likely to be encountered in routing
storage or transportation. Must not support the growth of
fungi or algae. If in contact with skin must not cause
skin irritation or disease. Liner may detach for washing.
Snell N94: "Ideally should be of" durable quality, not harmed by
exposure to sun, rain, dust, ozone, vibration, sweat or
products applied to skin and hair. Should not degrade due
to temperature extremes likely to be encountered in
routing storage or transportation. Must not support the
growth of fungi or algae. If in contact with skin must
not cause skin irritation or disease. Lining may detach
for washing.
Sweden: Material in direct contact with the head should not
irritate the skin or head in normal use.
Penetration Resistance
ANSI: No requirement.
ASTM: No requirement.
Australia/NZ No requirement.
BSI: No requirement.
Canada: No requirement.
CPSC: No requirement.
Europe: No requirement.
Europe-Child: No requirement.
Japan: Drop 3 kg pointed striker in guidance tube for .6 meters,
must not penetrate to headform and make electrical
contact. Can be dropped on impact tested helmet, but not
on area affected by the impact tests. Test points must be
at least 75 mm apart. Point on striker to be 59.5 to 60.5
degrees in vertical angle, with the tip a hemisphere of .5
mm or less in radius and with a hardness of HRC 45 or
over.
Snell B90: No requirement.
Snell B95: No requirement.
Snell N94: No requirement.
Sweden: No requirement.
Perspiration Test
ANSI: No requirement.
ASTM: No requirement.
Australia/NZ No requirement.
BSI: No requirement.
Canada: No requirement.
CPSC: No requirement.
Europe: No requirement.
Europe-Child: No requirement.
Japan: Entire helmet is immersed for 24 hours in "artificial
perspiration liquid" at ambient temperature, then examined
for changes in brittleness, swelling, softening and others
by visual inspection and tactile impression.
Snell B90: No requirement.
Snell B95: No requirement.
Snell N94: No requirement.
Sweden: No requirement.
Point Loading
ANSI: No requirement.
ASTM: No requirement.
Australia/NZ Helmet is mounted on a hemispherical headform of only 69.5
to 70.5 mm radius which has a circular 100 mm2 load
transfer pin flush with its surface (protruding 0 to 0.05
mm) , then impacted with a 3 kg striker dropped .995 to
1.015 m. Striker anvil is curbstone-style, with curve of
striking area radiused 9.5 to 10.5 mm. Loading must not
exceed 500 N measured over the 100 mm2 area. The striker
must not contact the surface of the headform.
BSI: No requirement.
Canada: No requirement.
CPSC: No requirement.
Europe: No requirement.
Europe-Child: No requirement.
Japan: No requirement.
Snell B90: No requirement.
Snell B95: No requirement.
Snell N94: No requirement. Although section E4. Is headed "Impact
Management and Penetration Tests," there is no
specification in that section for a penetration test.
Sweden: Test for imparted force from the blow of a 25 mm radius
striker falling .6 m to achieve 30 Nm force. Transmitted
force in one cm must not exceed 1kN.
Positional Stability Test
ANSI: None.
ASTM: Defined in base standard but not yet required by
bicycle helmet specification. (A requirement similar to CPSC below has been
approved but not yet published.)
Australia/NZ Remove visor if present, place helmet on modified ISO
headform, tighten strap with spacer under chin, remove
spacer, put hook under edge with strap running over top of
shell, pull strap in direction parallel with helmet edge
with force of 50 N. After 15 to 30 seconds, helmet should
not deflect enough to obscure or entirely expose a test
band drawn around head between basic plane (eye level) and
74 mm above basic plane for headform J or 85 mm above for
headform A. "Retention systems shall be adjustable to
produce tension on straps between all shell fixing points
when the retaining strap is properly fastened."
BSI: Place helmet on headform inclined 45 degrees from
horizontal with chinpiece faced with polyethylene foam,
with acrylic wig cut to 70 mm length on top. Fasten
straps. Place hook under rear edge linked with seatbelt
webbing to 4 kg weight sliding on twin vertical wires near
helmet shell. Drop weight .5 m to taut. Repeat twice more,
readjusting retention system before each drop. Passes if
helmet does not roll off forward.
Canada: With chin-neck piece attached to headform, hook is
attached to front lower edge of helmet and pulled upward
for at least 5 s with 250 N force. If the helmet moves
more than 10 mm on the headform the force is applied for
an additional 5 s. Repeated with hook attached to rear of
helmet. Angle of helmet edge to basic plane must not
exceed 45 degrees.
CPSC: With thickest pads in place, select headform
size that partially compresses all sizing pads. Place helmet on
ISO full chinpiece headform according to
manufacturer's instructions. Tilt headform forward 45
degrees, attach hook to rear rim and strap run over helmet
and down to a test apparatus permitting a 4 kg weight to
drop .6 meters and hit a stop, jerking the strap. Test is
repeated with headform face pointing upward, jerking
helmet from front to rear. Strap elongation cannot exceed
5 mm per 300 mm when loaded with a 22 kg weight. The
helmet must not come off of the test headform.
Europe: Helmet placed on headform, which is shown on drawing as
having a chin piece, in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions. Headform to be "smallest and largest claimed
for that helmet type." A hook is attached under rear edge
and wired over a pulley to a stop under a 10 kg weight
which is dropped 250 mm onto the stop to produce the jerk.
Helmet must not come off the headform or tilt forward more
than 30 degrees.
Europe-Child: Helmet placed on headform, which is shown on drawing as
having a chin piece, in accordance with manufacturer's
instructions. Headform to be "smallest and largest claimed
for that helmet type." A hook is attached under rear edge
and wired over a pulley to a stop under a 10 kg weight
which is dropped 250 mm onto the stop to produce the jerk.
Helmet must not come off the headform or tilt forward more
than 30 degrees.
Japan: None.
Snell B90: None. Requires that "quick release buckles, if used, shall
not release inadvertently." Introduction says Standard
does not address this point and wearer "must satisfy
himself of the quality of fit and the positional stability
of a particular helmet before using it." In the 1994
Supplementary Standard, Snell added a new test: place
helmet on appropriate ISO full chinpiece headform
positioned according to manufacturer's instructions. Tilt
headform forward 45 degrees, attach hook to rear rim and
wire rope run over helmet and down to a test apparatus
permitting a 3.95 to 4.05 kg weight to drop .3 meters and
hit a stop, jerking the strap. Test is repeated with
headform face pointing upward, jerking helmet from front
to rear. The helmet may shift but must remain on the test
headform.
Snell B95: Place helmet on smallest appropriate ISO full chinpiece
headform positioned according to manufacturer's
instructions and adjust to obtain the best configuration
of the retention system. Tilt headform forward 45 degrees,
attach hook to rear rim and wire rope run over helmet and
down to a test apparatus permitting a 3.95 to 4.05 g
weight to drop .6 meters and hit a stop, jerking the
strap. Test is repeated with headform face pointing upward
at 45 degrees, jerking helmet from front to rear. The
helmet may shift but must remain on the test headform. The
inertial hammer apparatus delivering the shock weigh no
more than 5 kg. Including the 4 kg weight. Requires that
"quick release buckles, if used, shall not release
inadvertently."
Snell N94: Same as Snell B95
Sweden: None.
Positioning on Headform
ANSI: In accordance with the helmet's positioning index,
measured from middle of helmet side to basic plane. Origin
of the index for each helmet is not specified.
ASTM: Centered laterally and seated
firmly on the headform with a 5.0 kg preload ballast, a bean-bag filled with lead shot.
Then positioned according to the positioning index supplied by the manufacturer, with
the brow parallel to the basic plane, and secured so that it does not shift position
prior to impact but does not interfere with free-fall or impact.
Australia/NZ Positioned in accordance with a positioning index supplied
by the manufacturer.
BSI: To be positioned in a position which satisfies the field
of vision requirements listed in Vision section below.
Canada: For impact tests the helmet "shall be placed on the
appropriate headform with the retention system securely
fastened and properly oriented. The flat anvil shall be
aligned such that the contact between the helmet and the
anvil is at the centre of the anvil." For stability test
the helmet is positioned and secured on the headform "in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions."
CPSC: Positioned prior to each test according to the positioning
index supplied by the manufacturer, indicating the vertical distance
from the brow of the helmet to the basic plane when placed
on the reference headform. Secured so that it does not
shift prior to impact and the retention system does not
interfere with freefall.
Europe: Positioned with vertical median plane of helmet and
headform coinciding, 50 N load on top. Check of vision
clearances next, and listed within section on positioning,
perhaps implying helmet would be shifted as in BSI
standard if vision clearances were not met when vertical
median planes coincided. Then "the front edge of the
helmet is placed against a 7 degree angle gauge" and test
lines drawn on the shell.
Europe-Child: Positioned with vertical median plane of helmet and
headform coinciding, 50 N load on top. Check of vision
clearances next, and listed within section on positioning,
perhaps implying helmet would be shifted as in BSI
standard if vision clearances were not met when vertical
median planes coincided. Then "the front edge of the
helmet is placed against a 7 degree angle gauge" and test
lines drawn on the shell.
Japan: Mount on headform with edge of shell in front center at
the line 50.3 mm above basic plane, making allowances for
permanent visors.
Snell B90: No specification.
Snell B95: Positioned in accordance with a positioning index supplied
by the manufacturer, or in the absence of same positioned
according to the technician's best judgment. Positioning
index is distance from basic plane to lower edge of helmet
in center front and rear.
Snell N94: Positioned in accordance with a positioning index supplied
by the manufacturer, or in the absence of same positioned
according to the technician's best judgment. Positioning
index is distance from basic plane to lower edge of helmet
in center front and rear.
Sweden: SP-MET 1985:2
Record of Tests
ANSI: Permanent record of each impact must show calibration of
time and g scales. Photo of oscilloscope trace sufficient.
ASTM: Complete test record must be kept for all certification
testing performed by manufacturer or independent lab on paper, electronic format or
photographs. Original paper copy of test summary must include manufacturer's
name and location, model and
size of helmets tested, identifying code for each
helmet in each conditioning environment, observed
temperatures in each conditioning environment, relative
humidity and temperature of the laboratory, impact test
results in sequence with location of impact, anvil, velocity and
maximum acceleration. Also requires record of the
parameters and results of retention tests, name and
location of the test lab, signature of the technician
performing the test, test date and calibration test
results.
Australia/NZ Various records for different parts of test protocols.
Most require identity of helmet under test, details of
headform, number of standard, and performance data such as
degree of penetration, deflection of visor in mm, whether
or not positioning test band was obscured or exposed
during test, elongation of strap, headform acceleration at
intervals specified in standard, details of damage to
helmet and its components.
BSI: Must record deceleration against time.
Canada: No specification.
CPSC: Must keep records on paper or electronic media showing that helmet was
certified under a "reasonable testing program." Must keep
records for three years and make available to CPSC if
requested within 48 hours if not on factory site. Record to
identify helmets tested, production
lot, results including precise nature of any failures and
specific actions taken to address any failures. Original
test record to be kept on paper by the test lab. Must
show: (1) Identification of helmets tested and production lot;
(2) Test results, including failures and actions taken; (3)test description
including Helmet Positioning Index used, (4)Manufacturer's name and address;
(5) Model and size of each helmet tested; (6) Identifying information
including production lot; (7) Environmental condition for
each helmet, including temperature, duration of conditioning
and the laboratory temperature and relative humidity; (8) Results of
peripheral vision clearance test; (9) Any failures
to conform to labeling or instruction requirements; 10) Results of the
positional stability test; (11) Results of the retention system strength
test; (12) Impact test results in sequence stating location of
impact, type of anvil, velocity prior to impact, maximum
acceleration in g's; (13) Name and location of the test lab; (14) Technician's
signature; (15) Test date; (16) Calibration test results verifying the operation of
the test rig, Records to be provided to CPSC upon demand on paper or by email.
Europe: Must record identification details of helmets tested,
including sizes, as well as results of impact and
retention system tests, date of testing and name of
testing authority.
Europe-Child: Must record identification details of helmets tested,
including sizes, as well as results of impact and
retention system tests, date of testing and name of
testing authority.
Japan: No specification.
Snell B90: No specification.
Snell B95: No specification.
Snell N94: No specification.
Sweden: "The recorded time history of the measuring equipment is
reported with a peak value of the acceleration vector.
Test report summarizes results and states if helmet meets
Consumer Protection Board guidelines for bicycle helmets.
Replacement Interval
ANSI: After impact, unless returned to manufacturer for
"competent inspection" (and presumably found still sound
or repaired).
ASTM: After impact, unless returned to manufacturer for
"competent inspection."
Australia/NZ After severe blow, but labeling to note that helmet also
has a limited life in normal use.
BSI: After a few years careful use, after crash, after bad
knock or squashing, after badly scratched, if it does not
fit any more.
Canada: After severe blow.
CPSC: After severe blow.
Europe: After a severe blow.
Europe-Child: After a severe blow.
Japan: After severe blow.
Snell B90: Recommends replacement after 5 years, or after severe
blow.
Snell B95: Recommends replacement after severe blow, or after five
years (or less if shorter time recommended by
manufacturer).
Snell N94: Recommends replacement after severe blow, or after five
years (or less if shorter time recommended by
manufacturer).
Sweden: After violent impact.
Retention System Strength
ANSI: Dynamic yank. Helmet is placed on a headform and strap is
tested with a 19.6 J impact to retention system achieved
by dropping a 2 kg weight 1 m. Strap must not fail nor
elongate more than 25 mm.
ASTM: Dynamic yank. Helmet is supported on a headform and
preloaded with bean bag filled with 5 kg of lead shot.
Chin strap is fastened under two metal bars 12 to 13 mm in diameter
and separated by center distance of 75 to 77 mm,
representing the jaw, from which hangs the test apparatus,
weighing 7 kg +/- 5 per cent. A sliding weight of 4 kg is dropped down a bar
for .6 m impacting against a stop at the bottom to dynamically load the retaining system. Strap
must remain intact and not elongate during or after test more than 30 mm.
Australia/NZ Static pull of 225 5 N for 30 seconds, "and then an
additional force of 500 5 N applied for 120 seconds."
Strap shall not separate or elongate more than 25 mm.
BSI: Dynamic yank. Helmet placed on headform with lower edge
supported. (Same diagrams as ANSI) Drop 10 kg weight 300
mm. Dynamic extension shall not exceed 32 mm, and residual
extension shall not exceed 16 mm. Buckle must release
normally after test.
Canada: Dynamic yank. Impact is from 2 kg mass dropped sufficient
distance (about 1 meter) to produce a 20 J impact. Strap
must not detach. Must not elongate more than 25 mm during
impact. Immediately following impact elongation shall not
exceed 12 mm. Test repeated on four samples conditioned in
ambient, cold, hot and wet environments. Cold sample
buckle is cycled five times.
CPSC: Dynamic yank. Helmet is supported on a headform and
preloaded with bean bag filled with 5 kg of lead shot.
Chin strap is fastened under two metal rods 12 to 13 mm in
diameter and separated by 75 to 77 mm, representing the
jaw, from which hangs the test apparatus, weighing 10.5 to 11.5 kg,
including the 4 kg drop weight. The 4 kg weight is dropped for .6 m to
dynamically load the retaining system while the pre-load
falls away. Strap must remain intact and not elongate more
than 30 mm (1.2").
Europe: Introduction says helmet "is intended to remain on the
head in a bicycle accident and may cause strangulation by
entrapment." Test is a dynamic yank. Four samples already
impact tested (two large, two small, one of each the UV-
wet conditioned sample) are suspended from a 12 mm
diameter hook through a hole (drilled?) in the helmet with
a curved plate 100 mm in diameter underneath the liner.
The plate must be 3 to 4 mm thick and conform somewhat to
the curvature of the headform, with a radius of 100 mm. A
headform and drop apparatus weighing 15 kg (total preload)
is positioned in the helmet and buckled in, then yanked by
a 10 kg weight dropped 300 mm. Impact speed must be at
least 95 per cent of theoretical, implying requirement for
velocity sensor. Dynamic extension must not exceed 35 mm,
and residual extension two minutes later must not exceed
25 mm. Extension includes any buckle slippage. Buckle must
release after test "by normal operation of the release
system." Separate test requires that the retention system
open with one hand when it is loaded with 50 kg, and "the
force for opening shall not exceed 30 N." Recommends that
opening mechanism be marked with red or orange. No green
permitted because green is mandated by child standard.
Europe-Child: Introduction says helmet "is intended to remain on the
head in a bicycle accident and may cause strangulation by
entrapment." Test is a dynamic yank. Four samples already
impact tested (two large, two small, one of each the UV-
wet conditioned sample) are suspended from a 12 mm
diameter hook through a hole (drilled?) in the helmet with
a curved plate 100 mm in diameter underneath the liner.
The plate must be 3 to 4 mm thick and conform somewhat to
the curvature of the headform, with a radius of 100 mm. A
headform and drop apparatus weighing 15 kg (total preload)
is positioned in the helmet and buckled in, then yanked by
a 10 kg weight dropped 300 mm. Impact speed must be at
least 95 per cent of theoretical, implying requirement for
velocity sensor. Dynamic extension must not exceed 35 mm,
and residual extension two minutes later must not exceed
25 mm. Extension includes any buckle slippage. Buckle must
release after test "by normal operation of the release
system." Separate test requires that the retention system
open with one hand when it is loaded with 50 kg, and "the
force for opening shall not exceed 30 N." Recommends that
opening mechanism be marked with red o-Childr orange. No
green permitted because green is mandated by child
standard.
Japan: Static pull. Helmet mounted on impact test headform,
initial preload of 5 kg applied and elongation marked,
then test load of 50 kg applied for two minutes and
measurement of elongation taken, excluding movement of
helmet on headform. Strap must remain intact and not
elongate more than 25 mm.
Snell B90: Dynamic yank. Helmet is supported on rigid fixture by base
of shell, with chin strap fastened over two metal rods or
rollers 12.7 mm in diameter and separated by 76.2 mm,
representing the jaw. Pre-load of 23 kg. For 120 seconds,
then a weight of 38 kg dropped for 30 mm to dynamically
load the retaining system while the pre-load falls away.
Impact of the 38 kg mass may be cushioned with 00-93
durometer rubber pad 150 mm in diameter by 6.5 mm thick,
or equivalent. Strap must not part or deflect more than 30
mm.
Snell B95: Dynamic yank. Helmet is placed on a headform with chin
strap fastened over two metal rods or rollers 12.2 to 13.2
mm in diameter and separated by 75.5 to 76.5 mm on
centers, representing the jaw. Pre-load of 23 kg. for 60
seconds, then a weight of 38 kg dropped for 30 mm to
dynamically load the retaining system while the pre-load
falls away. Strap must not part or deflect more than 30
mm. Impact of the 38 kg mass may be cushioned with 00-93
durometer rubber pad 150 mm in diameter by 6.5 mm thick,
or equivalent.
Snell N94: Dynamic yank. Helmet is placed on a headform with chin
strap fastened over two metal rods or rollers 12.2 to 13.2
mm in diameter and separated by 75.5 to 76.5 mm on
centers, representing the jaw. Pre-load of 23 kg. for 60
seconds, then a weight of 38 kg dropped for 30 mm to
dynamically load the retaining system while the pre-load
falls away. Strap must not part or deflect more than 30
mm. Impact of the 38 kg mass may be cushioned with 00-93
durometer rubber pad 150 mm in diameter by 6.5 mm thick,
or equivalent.
Sweden: Static pull. Load strap with 45 N weight for one minute,
note stretch, then increase load over 30 second period to
500 N. Hold for 2 minutes. Strap shall not elongate more
than 25 mm.
Scope of Standard
ANSI: Helmets for bicyclists.
ASTM: Helmets for adult or junior bicyclists.
Australia/NZ Helmets for pedal cyclists except BMX bicycle racers.
BSI: Helmets for bicyclists, particularly young riders, on
public roads and similar places. Forward states that "it
is not intended for high-speed or long-distance cycling,
or for riders taking part in competitive events...it is
intended to give protection in the kind of accident where
the rider falls onto the road without other vehicles being
involved."
Canada: Helmets for cyclists 5 years of age and older, or for
cyclists and passengers under age 5.
CPSC: Helmets for bicyclists: "Headgear that is either marketed as, or implied
through marketing and/or promotional information to be, a device intended to provide
protection from head injuries while riding a bicycle." Helmets for cyclists age 1 to 5 must
have greater 