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standards
The system for standard changes
Each country has a technical committee made
up of experts and users who send representatives to a European
Technical Committee that generates the written standard. A
standard is reviewed every five years, or following a complaint
about its efficiency, or when an overseeing standards committee
feels appropriate. A review does not necessarily lead to a
new standard - although on past history a new standard emerges
every ten years. PAS standards are managed by BSI staff and
are reviewed every two years. Unfortunately, too few riders
are actively involved in the development of standards, so
if you are interested, please contact us on how to become
involved.
BHS accident database
In order to learn more about how helmets perform
outside of the test laboratory, the BHS accident database
was formed. The information is used in order to set standards
for the future. To fill in the accident report form then please
click here.
BSEN1384: 1997
This standard replaced both the Riding Hat and
Jockey Skull British Standards. It is exactly the same as
EN1384: 1996 published by the Centre for European Normes in
Brussels. This European Standard is a major leap forward over
previous British Standards. Although the height from which
helmets are dropped has been reduced, injury to the brain
has been reduced by nearly 40%, and bottom edge protection
is now required. Chin cups are no longer allowed.
PAS015: 1998
With the official publication of EN1384, certain
differences occurred between PAS015 and EN:1384 which were
not forseen in 1994. This revision removes those differences
as well as addressing new areas of protection which existed
in most approved PAS015 models. Namely, crush resistance and
prevention of brain injury where landing on an edged surface.
Due to initial problems with more rigid, chin-cup-less helmets,
a stability test is included to limit excessive movement during
wearing, or a fall. Most British Organisations recommend this
level of protection.
ASTM: F1163
This U.S. standard is the one used by Americans
who feel the need for a safety helmet whilst riding (sadly
less than 1 in 8 riders). The main reasons for helmets being
manufactured to this standard are:
* Helmets are allowed larger ventilation slots.
* Helmets are tested with a greater impact, but the allowed
injury is also greater.
The Kitemark
The Kitemark is the registered trademark of
the BSI and can only be affixed to products certified by them
as meeting and being continually tested to the required standard.
SEI
SEI is an American organisation, similar to
BSI, which was set up to endorse that products meet the claimed
standard and that this is constently maintained.
CE Mark
Unfortunately, it can be all too easy for manufactures
to make goods which sometimes fall below the required standard.
The CE Mark is required for all protective equipment that
is sold in the European Union. The CE mark indicates quality and gives the reassurance that the product continually meets the required standard. The CE mark is your stamp of quality.
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