ISO 10256:1996

IS0 10256:1996(E)
Foreword
IS0 (the International Organization for Standardization) is a
worldwide federation of national standards bodies (IS0
member bodies). The work of preparing International
Standards is normally carried out through IS0 technical
committees. Each member body interested in a subject for
which a technical committee has been established has the
International
right to be represented on that committee.
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison
with IS0 , also take part in the work. IS0 collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all
matters of electrotechnical standardization.
Draft International Standards adopted by technical committees
are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as
an International Standard requires approval by at least 75 %
of the member bodies casting a vote.
International Standard IS0 10256 was prepared by Technical
Committee lSO/TC 83, Sports and recreational equipment,
Subcommittee SC 5, lee hockey equipment and facilities.
It is the first International Standard for ice hockey helmets,
and therefore, neither cancels nor supersedes any previous
documents. It was developed primarily from ice hockey
helmet standards previously published by the American Society
of Testing and Materials (ASTM), the Canadian Standards
Association (CSA) and the Swedish Ice Hockey Association
(SIF).
Annex A forms an integral part of this International Standard.
Annex B is for information only.
0 IS0 1996
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be
reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from the publisher.
International Organization for Standardization
Case Postale 56 l CH-1211 Geneve 20 l Switzerland
Printed in Switzerland
II

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
IS0 10256:1996(E)
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD @ IS0
Protective helmets for ice hockey players
the monorail drop assembly or the test
1 Scope
methodology using the free fall assembly.
This International Standard specifies the
Annex B is informative only and is included in
materials, assembly, area of coverage, sizing,
order to facilitate the procurement of the
impact and penetration requirements for
appropriate test equipment by certification
protective helmets for ice hockey players. In
laboratories throughout the world desiring to
addition, it specifies the test apparatus and
certify ice hockey helmets for international
test procedures for the helmets and the chin
competitions.
and/or neck straps.
This International Standard complements IS0
This International Standard is applicable to
10257.
performance requirements for helmets to
protect ice hockey players from the hazards
encountered while playing the game of ice
hockey and defines the areas of the head to 2 Normative references
be protected. It covers shock-attenuating
properties of the complete helmet, penetration The following standards contain provisions
of objects to the head, strength and which, through reference in this text,
elongation of the chin strap and/or neck strap constitute provisions of this International
and of its attachment, requirements for the Standard. At the time of publication, the
construction and finish of helmets and for the editions indicated were valid. All standards
materials to be used in the manufacture of the are subject to revision, and parties to
helmet. Labelling and marking requirements agreements based on this International
are also included. Standard are encouraged to investigate the
possibility of applying the most recent editions
The intent of this International Standard is to of the standards indicated below. Members of
reduce the risk of injury to the head without IEC and IS0 maintain registers of currently
compromising the form or appeal of the game. valid International Standards.
Note: Hockey is a collision sport in which there is
a risk of injury. This In terna tional Standard is
IS0 6487:1987, Road vehicles -
intended only for ice hockey helmets and not for
Measurement techniques in impact tests -
helmets for other activities. Ice hockey helmets
Instrumentation.
afford no protection from neck or spinal injury.
Severe head, brain or spinal injuries, including
IS0 10257: 1996, Face protectors and visors
paralysis or death, may occur in spite of using an
for ice hockey players.
ice hockey helmet in accordance with this
In terna tional Standard.
IS0 Guide 25: 1990, Generalrequirements for
the competence of calibration and testing
Annex A details test equipment and
laboratories.
procedures when using a monorail or a free-
fall drop assembly. The user of this
EN .960: 1994, Headforms for use in the
International Standard is provided with the
testing of protective helmets.
option of selecting the test methodology using
1

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
IS0 10256:1996(E)
@ IS0
helmet as a whole, the following are
3 Definitions
considered part of, and included in the term
helmet, where it appears in this International
For the purposes of this International
Standard:
Standard , the followi g definitions apply.
a) the o uter covering and shock-attenu ating
3.1 chin strap; neck strap: A strap, which
system;
may include a pad that covers the chin, and
which secures the helmet firmly to the head
b) the chin and/or neck strap;
when adjusted according to manufacturer’s
instructions.
c) all associated hardware; and
3.2 central vertical axis: The line relative to
d) manufacturer’s attachments.
the headform that lies in the plane at a point
equidistant from the front (anterior) and back
3.10 helmet model: Category of helmets that
(posterior) of the headform.
do not differ in such essential respects as the
materials, dimensions, construction of the
3.3 drop height: The vertical distance
helmet, retention system or the protective
between the lowest point (impact point) of the
padding.
elevated helmet and the apex of the impact
surface.
3.11 Impact
sites (defined in relation to the
headform)
3.4 fastening system: Those devices
used to
connect all components of the helmet
3.11 .I crown:
The site where the central
vertical axis meets the top of the headform.
3.5 acceleration of a body due to gravity, Q:
= 9,8 m=s-2
Q
3.11.2 front: A point on the median (mid-
sagittal) plane which is 50 mm above the
36 . acceleration Acceleration
of a body, a:
anterior intersection with the reference plane.
mea sured in units
Of Q.
3.11.3 front boss: A point 25 mm above the
3.7 maximum value of acceleration, amax:
reference plane and 45O from the anterior
Maximum acceleration, in
units Of 9,
intersection of the median (mid-sagittal) plane
encountered during impact.
with the reference plane.
3.8 Gadd Severity Index (GSI): A weighted
3.11.4 side:
A point 25 mm above the
impulse criterion measure that estimates the
reference plane and 90° from the anterior
injury hazard to the human head exposed to
intersection of the median (mid-sagittal) plane
an impact and is determined from the
and the reference plane (intersection of the
acceleration-time
wave form. It is
reference and coronal planes).
mathematically defined by the equation:
3.11.5 rear boss: A point on the reference
a z5
GSI = dt
plane and 135O from the anterior intersection
I
of the median (mid-sagittal) plane and the
reference plane.
where 2,5 represents the weighting exponent;
a represents impact acceleration in units of g;
3.11.6 rear: A point at the posterior
t represents the time in seconds and is
intersection of the median (mid-sagittal) and
integrated over pulse duration, t,- t, .
reference planes.
3.9 helmet: A device intended to reduce the
3.12 liner: The material inside the outer
risk of head injury to ice hockey participants.
covering of the helmet. The principal
Except where they are discussed individually
objective of the liner is to absorb kinetic
in relation to their function as part of the
energy generated by an impact to the head.
2

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
unit of measure for wavelength generally used
It is also this material, or part of it, that
for ultraviolet is the angstrom, 1 A = 0,l nm.
ensures a snug comfortable fit of the helmet
However, when referring to ultraviolet
on the head.
radiation exposure, the units of watts (power)
per square metre (area) are used.
3.13 natural frequency: The frequency at
which a system will tend to oscillate when
displaced from its static equilibrium position.
4 Requirements
The outer
3.14 outer covering (shell):
material that gives the helmet its form.
4.1 Materials
The material tests referred to in this clause are
permanent marking and warning:
3.15
intended as a check of the characteristic of
Lettering that cannot be removed in its
the materials used in the helmet as offered for
entirety under normal conditions (see 6.1 and
sale.
6.3).
4.1 .l
3.16 Planes
All materials used in the fabrication of helmets
shall be known to be suitable for the intended
3.16.1 basic plane (Frankfurt Horizontal): A
For example, the helmet shall
application.
plane that is located at the level of the upper
remain strong, semi-rigid, and firm, and shall
border of the ear canal (external auditory
not be permanently distorted during an
meatus) and the inferior margins of the orbits
exposure of a minimum of 4 h, to any
of the eyes.
temperature in the range of -25OC to 70°C
with the latter temperature being at a relative
3.16.2 frontal plane (coronal plane): A
Nor shall the
humidity of (55 t 5)%.
vertical plane that is perpendicular to the
materials be significantly affected by exposure
median (mid-sagittal) and reference planes and
to ultra-violet radiation, water, dirt or
passes through the crown of the headform
vibration. All materials shall be rot resistant.
(see figure 1).
In addition, paints, glues and finishes used in
manufacturing shall be compatible with the
3.16.3 horizontal plane (transverse plane): A
materials used in the construction of the
plane that passes across the body at right
helmet.
angles to both the frontal and mid-sagittal
planes (see figure 1).
4.1.2
Materials used in the construction of the
3.16.4 median plane (mid-sagittal plane): A
helmet shall not be adversely affected by
vertical plane that passes through the
ordinary household soap or cleaners as
headform from front to back and divides the
recommended by the manufacturer.
headform into right and left halves (see
figure 1).
4.1.3
Materials coming in contact with the wearer’s
3.16.5 reference plane: A plane that is
head shall not be of the type known to cause
located above and parallel to the basic plane.
skin irritation or disease, and shall not undergo
significant loss of strength, flexibility, or other
3.17 securely attached labels and tags: A
physical changes as a result of contact with
label or tag affixed at the time of
perspiration, oil or grease from the wearer’s
manufacture, and which is normally removed
head.
at the time of helmet use (see 6.2).
4.2 Design
3.18 ultraviolet radiation: That part of the
No surfaces or protruding parts shall present
electromagnetic spectrum extending from the
a potential hazard to the user or other players.
violet end of the visible wavelength (400 nm)
The back edge of the helmet should be
to the beginning of X-rays, arbitrarily taken as
designed to minimize the possibility of
100 nm, a span of more than 5 octaves. The
3

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
0 IS0
IS0 10256:1996(E)
lacerations and/or contusions to the back of manufacturer, the helmet shall meet the area
the neck. Assembly by the user shall require of coverage requirements of 4.6 (also see
no machining. operation, e.g. drilling holes. figure 2).
4.3 Attachments 4.8 Impact requirements
Any optional devices fitted to the helmet shall
Helmets shall be subjected to impact in
be so designed that they are unlikely to cause
accordance with the test method of 5.3. Each
any injury to the wearer or other players
of 6 impact locations shall be impact-tested 3
during contact or otherwise.
times. No single impact shall exceed a Gadd
Severity Index (GSI) of 1 500 or an amcrx of
The components of the fasteners for securing 300 Q. When so tested, the helmet shall
attachments to the helmet shall be so remain intact with no cracks through the
designed that the degree of protection thickness of the outer covering (shell).
afforded the wearer by the helmet is not
thereby reduced.
4.9 Penetration requirements
When tested in accordance with 5.4, it shall
4.4 Devices for adjustment
not be possible to touch the headform when
Devices for adjusting the size of helmet to the an attempt is made to pass the penetrator (see
wearer’s head shall be designed for simplicity figure 3) through any helmet aperture that lies
of adjustment, thus providing for a snug fit. within the area of coverage except for the ear
aperture.
4.5 Finish
All external projections shall be failed to the 4.10 Chin and/or neck straps
outer surface. Split or bifurcated rivets shall
The chin and/or neck strap(s) shall be attached
not be used.
to the helmet in such a manner that the
helmet will remain in its normal position on the
4.6 Area of coverage
user’s head during play and impact conditions
provided the chin and/or neck strap(s) is
adjusted to provide a firm fit.
4.6.1
When positioned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, the area When tested in accordance with 5.5, the force
required to release the chin/neck strap shall
protected by the helmet shall be at least all
the area above line ACDEF (figure 2a), except not be less than 110 N nor more than 300 N
for the ear aperture. The area selected shall and the maximum displacement shall not
exceed 25 mm at a load of 110 N.
correspond with the appropriate size of
standard headform with which the helmet is to
The minimum width of the chin and/or neck
be tested (see table 1).
strap shall be 13 mm. The edges of the strap
4.6.2 shall be of a type that is nonabrasive so as not
to irritate the skin.
No ear aperture shall have a linear dimension
exceeding 38 mm (see "Q" in figure 2). The
ear aperture shall be entirely surrounded by
the helmet shell. The distance from any edge
5 Test methods
of the ear aperture to any edge of the helmet
shall not be less than 20 mm (see “b” in
5.1 Sampling
figure 2).
For complete testing and assessment, 8
helmets of a given model are required: 4 in the
4.7 Size of helmets
smallest size (marked 1 S - 4s) and 4 in the
Helmet manufacturers shall clearly identify the
largest size (marked 1 L - 4L).
size range of each helmet model, and for
those size ranges specified by the
Complete helmets as offered for sale shall be
tested. For tests conducted on a headform,
the headband or other head fitting device shall
4

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
@ IS0
IS0 10256:1996(E)
accordance with the manufacturer’s
be adjusted to a fit similar to that obtained
when worn on a head and the helmet shall instructions to ensure that it covers the area
then be mounted on the appropriate size of to be protected. The helmet is to be secured
standard headform as described in table 1 and to the headform such that it does not shift
figure 2, and in accordance with the position prior to or during impact and so that
manufacturers’ instructions. Helmets shall be the retention system does not interfere with
tested without accessories. the fall or impact of the helmeted headform.
5.3.2.2 Impact locations and velocity Impact
5.2 Conditioning
test each helmet at the 6 locations of Front,
Helmets shall be conditioned and tested at the
Front Boss, Side, Rear, Rear Boss, and Crown
applicable test temperatures as stated below
(see figure 4) at an impact velocity of (3,96 t
and, in cases of dispute, at a relative humidity
0,08) m=s-’ (this is roughly equivalent to free
of (55 t 5)%, for a minimum period of 4 h,
fall from a height of 0,8 m).
prior to testing.
For helmets tested under ambient conditions,
5.2.1 Ambient temperature
each impact location offered for testing shall
Helmets shall be conditioned in air for at least
be subjected to three successive impacts (see
4 h at a temperature of (20 t 2)OC.
4.8). After ambient temperature impact
testing, a second and a third helmet, following
5.2.2 Low temperature
low temperature and ageing conditioning
Helmets shall be maintained in a refrigeration
respectively (see 5.2.2 and 5.2.3), shall be
chamber at a temperature of (-25 t 2)OC for
impacted three times at the site which yielded
at least 4 h
...