EN 966:2012+A1:2012

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-december-2012
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Helmets for airborne sports
Luftsporthelme
Casques de sports aériens
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 966:2012+A1:2012
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
97.220.40 Oprema za športe na Outdoor and water sports
prostem in vodne športe equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 966:2012+A1
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
October 2012
ICS 13.340.20 Supersedes EN 966:2012
English Version
Helmets for airborne sports
Casques de sports aériens Luftsporthelme
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 December 2011 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 19 July 2012.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2012 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 966:2012+A1:2012: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
Foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope. 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Materials . 8
5 Construction . 8
5.1 General . 8
5.2 Retention system . 9
5.2.1 General . 9
5.2.2 Chin straps . 9
5.2.3 Fastening devices . 9
5.3 Finish . 9
5.4 Field of vision . 9
5.5 Head mobility . 9
5.6 Eye protection . 10
6 Performance requirements . 10
6.1 General . 10
6.2 Impact absorbing capacity within the test area . 10
6.2.1 Shock absorbing capacity. 10
6.2.2 Resistance to penetration . 10
6.3 Retention system performance . 10
6.3.1 Retention system strength . 10
6.3.2 Retention system effectiveness . 10
6.3.3 Release of the retention system . 11
6.3.4 Assemblies . 11
7 Tests . 11
7.1 Sequence and number of samples to be tested . 11
7.2 Determination of impact absorbing capacity . 11
7.2.1 Test area . 11
7.2.2 Conditioning . 12
7.2.3 Shock absorption test . 12
7.2.4 Penetration resistance test . 13
7.3 Retention system testing . 15
7.3.1 Determination of retention system strength . 15
7.3.2 Determination of retention system effectiveness . 16
7.4 Determination of field of vision . 16
7.5 Test report . 16
8 Marking . 17
9 Information for users . 17
Annex A (normative) Positioning of the helmet on the headform . 22
Annex B (normative) Test area. 23
Annex C (normative) Field of vision . 25
Annex D (informative) Alternative procedure for artificial ageing . 28
Annex E (informative) Significant technical changes between this European Standard and
EN 966:1996 . 29
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC Personal Protective Equipment . 30
Bibliography . 31

Foreword
This document (EN 966:2012+A1:2012) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 158
“Head protection”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2013, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by April 2013.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
This document includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 19 July 2012.
This document supersedes !EN 966:2012".
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags !".
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and
the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
Annex E provides details of significant technical changes between this European Standard and the
previous edition.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of
Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
The protection given by a helmet depends on the circumstances of the accident and wearing a helmet
cannot always prevent death or long term disability.
A proportion of the energy of an impact is absorbed by the helmet, thereby reducing the force of the
blow sustained by the head. The structure of the helmet may be damaged in absorbing this energy
and any helmet that sustains a severe blow needs to be replaced even if damage is not apparent.
To achieve the performance of which it is capable, and to ensure stability on the head, a helmet
should be as closely fitting as possible consistent with comfort. In use, it is essential that the helmet is
securely fastened, with any chin strap under tension at all times.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies requirements and test methods for protective helmets used in
paragliding, hang gliding and flying with ultra-light aeroplanes.
Helmets for airborne sports are indicated in this European Standard as follows:
 category HPG: Helmets for paragliding and hang gliding;
 category UL: Helmets for flying with ultra-light aeroplanes.
Requirements and the corresponding methods of test, where appropriate, are given for the following:
 construction including chin strap, fastening devices, field of vision, head mobility and eye
protection;
 penetration resistance;
 shock-absorbing properties;
 retention system properties;
 marking and information for users.
NOTE The requirements cover both categories. Special requirements are contained in the relevant clauses.
This European Standard does not apply to other kinds of head protection used in airborne sports.
2 Normative references
!The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies."
EN 960:2006, Headforms for use in the testing of protective helmets
ISO 6487, Road vehicles — Measurement techniques in impact tests — Instrumentation
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
protective helmet
helmet primarily intended to protect the wearer’s head against impact; some helmets can provide
additional protection
3.2
shell
material that provides the general outer form of the helmet
3.3
helmet type
category of helmets which does not differ in such essential respects as:
 the trade name or mark;
 the materials or dimensions of the shell, of the retention system or of the protective padding.
However, a helmet type may include a range of helmet sizes, provided that the thickness of the
protective padding in each size in the range is at least equal to that in the helmet which when
subjected to the tests satisfies the requirements of this European Standard.
3.4
padding
3.4.1
protective padding
material used to absorb impact energy
3.4.2
comfort padding
liner material provided for the wearer’s comfort
3.4.3
sizing padding
liner material used for adjustment of the fit of the helmet to the wearer’s head
3.5
retention system
complete assembly by means of which the helmet is maintained in position on the head, including any
devices for adjustment of the system or to enhance the wearer’s comfort
3.6
chin strap
part of the retention system consisting of a strap that passes under the wearer’s jaw to keep the
helmet in position
3.7
headform
for definition, see EN 960:2006
3.8
basic plane of the human head
plane at the level of the external ear opening (external auditory meatus) and the lower edge of the eye
sockets (orbits)
3.9
basic plane of a headform
plane relative to the headform that represents the basic plane of the human head
3.10
reference plane
construction plane parallel to the basic plane of the headform at a distance from it which is a function
of the size of the headform
3.11
test area
area of the headform in which impact tests may be conducted which represents the minimum
protected area of the human head
3.12
chin cup
accessory or part of the chin strap designed to fit on the point of the wearer’s chin (menton) to locate
the strap
3.13
visor
transparent protective screen extending over both eyes and covering part of the face
3.14
goggles
transparent protectors that enclose the eyes
4 Materials
For those parts of the helmet coming into contact with the skin no material shall be used which is
known to undergo appreciable alteration from contact with sweat or substances likely to be found in
toiletries. Materials shall not be used which are known to cause skin disorders, including injuries from
contact with cold surfaces which are related to the thermal conductivity of the material.
5 Construction
5.1 General
The helmet normally consists of a shell, either containing or providing the necessary means of
absorbing impact energy, and either fitted with or providing means for retaining the helmet on the
head in an accident.
The helmet shall be so designed and constructed as to be capable of withstanding normal handling
and use within the limits of the instruction accompanying it.
The helmet shall be so designed that none of its parts nor any accessories fitted to or incorporated in
it are likely to injure the user during normal use.
If the helmet is designed to form an integral assembly together with a headset, a visor or other
devices to be attached, so that any use without these attachments is not intended, all requirements
specified in Clause 5 shall apply for the complete assembly. A clear marking shall be placed on the
product indicating that the helmet shall only be used in combination with the attachment(s). The
information for users shall provide detailed instructions regarding the attachment of devices to be
used in combination with the helmet.
The construction of helmets of category HPG shall be so designed as to minimize the risk that the
lines, risers or other straps of the paraglider might become entangled by the helmet including any of
its parts or accessories.
NOTE Helmets should:
− have low weight;
− be easy to put on and take off;
− be usable together with spectacles;
− not significantly interfere with the ability of the user to receive acoustic ambient information (not relevant for
helmets category UL, which should be protected against noise and should enable radio communication).
5.2 Retention system
5.2.1 General
Means shall be provided for retaining the helmet on the wearer’s head. All parts of the retention
system shall be securely attached to the system or to the helmet.
5.2.2 Chin straps
Any chin strap shall be not less than 15 mm wide.
Chin straps may be fitted with means of enhancing comfort for the wearer.
If the chin strap includes a chin cup all the tests shall be performed with the chin cup.
5.2.3 Fastening devices
Any chin strap shall be fitted with a device to adjust and maintain tension in the strap. The device
should be capable of adjustment so it does not come on the jaw bone.
5.3 Finish
All edges shall be smooth and rounded. There shall be no rigid projections on the inside of the helmet.
Any external projection shall not exceed 5 mm and shall be smoothly faired to the adjacent surface.
Projections of category UL helmets needed for microphone boom assemblies, multiple visor systems
and ear cup tensioning devices may be higher than 5 mm if their contour is smooth and rounded with
no edges curved with a radius which is less than half of the height of the projection.
5.4 Field of vision
When tested in accordance with 7.4 there shall be no occultation in the field of vision bounded by (see
Annex C, Figure C.1, Figure C.2 and Figure C.3):
 horizontally: two segments of dihedral angles symmetrical in relation to the median longitudinal
vertical plane of the headform and situated between the reference and the basic planes. Each of
these dihedral angles is defined by the longitudinal vertical median plane of the headform and the
vertical plane forming an angle of not less than 105° with the median longitudinal vertical plane
and whose edge is the straight line L-K;
 upwards: a dihedral angle defined by the reference plane of the headform and a plane forming an
angle of not less than 25° in the case of helmets category HPG, and 7° in the case of helmets
category UL, with the reference plane, and whose edge is straight line L1-L2, the points L1
and L2 representing the eyes;
 downwards: a dihedral angle defined by the basic plane of the headform and a plane forming an
angle of not less than 45° with the basic plane and whose edge is the straight line K1-K2.
5.5 Head mobility
When the helmet is mounted on the appropriate headform as described in Annex A, then the rigid
parts of the rear and, in particular, the shell shall not be within a horizontal cylinder as illustrated in
Annex B, Figure B.1, and defined as follows:
 diameter 100 mm;
 axis, situated at the intersection of the median plane of symmetry of the headform and of a plane
parallel to and 110 mm below the reference plane.
5.6 Eye protection
The helmet shall be so designed and constructed that:
 helmets category HPG can be used together with goggles;
 helmets category UL can be used together with goggles, except when the helmet is equipped
with a visor.
6 Performance requirements
6.1 General
After the performance of one of the prescribed tests, the helmet shall not exhibit any breakage or
deformation dangerous to the wearer.
6.2 Impact absorbing capacity within the test area
The helmet shall give protection to the user’s forehead, back of the head, temples and crown of the
head, when tested in accordance with 7.2.
6.2.1 Shock absorbing capacity
When tested in accordance with 7.2.3 the peak acceleration shall not, for each impact, exceed 250 g
for the equivalent velocity to a drop height of 1 500 mm after conditioning in accordance with any of
the procedures described in 7.2.2.
6.2.2 Resistance to penetration
When tested in accordance with 7.2.4, the head of the punch shall not come closer than 5 mm,
measured vertically, to the headform, after conditioning in accordance with any of the procedures
described in 7.2.2.
6.3 Retention system performance
6.3.1 Retention system strength
When tested by the method described in 7.3.1, the dynamic extension shall not exceed 35 mm and
the residual extension shall not exceed 25 mm. For this purpose, extension includes slippage of the
fastening device. Following the test the retention system shall still permit the helmet to be released
from the headform by normal operation of the release system.
Damage to the retention system shall be accepted provided that the above requirements are met.
NOTE In this test, slippage of the fastening device may be measured and recorded separately from other
contributions to the extension, but this is for information only and is not a requirement.
6.3.2 Retention system effectiveness
When tested by the procedure described in 7.3.2 the helmet, selected to be of appropriate size, shall
not come off the headform.
After the test, the angle between the reference line situated on the crown of the helmet and the
reference plane of the headform shall not exceed 30°.
6.3.3 Release of the retention system
The retention system shall open with one hand when it is loaded with a load of 50 kg. The force for
opening shall not exceed 30 N.
NOTE It is recommended that the opening mechanism be marked with red or orange colour.
6.3.4 Assemblies
If helmets are designed to form an integral assembly with a headset, all requirements of Clause 6
shall be performed by the completed assembly. In this case, the information for users (see Clause 9)
shall explain in detail, that the helmet shall only be used if the assembly is properly completed.
NOTE It is recommended that the opening mechanism be marked with red or orange colour.
7 Tests
7.1 Sequence and number of samples to be tested
Total number submitted per helmet type: 11
Number of samples required per performance requirement are given in Table 1.
Table 1 — Sequence and number of samples
Performance t
...