Top Helmet Safety Certifications You Must Be Aware Of!

When it comes to rider safety, wearing a high-quality and properly certified motorcycle helmet is extremely important. Helmet certifications ensure that helmets meet stringent safety standards and provide necessary protection for accidents or impacts. This article explores various helmet certifications, providing riders with quality and safety assurance.

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4 Important Helmet Certifications

Here are the four important helmet certifications you should know to ensure your helmet meets the quality standards:

1. ISI

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) regulates motorcycle helmet safety through the ISI certification (IS:4151), which was first released in 1993. Helmets bearing the ISI mark undergo comprehensive testing to ensure compliance with Indian safety standards. The mark indicates that the helmet has passed tests for impact resistance, penetration resistance, retention system strength, and peripheral vision.

The ISI certification is mandatory for helmets sold in India and confirms that the helmet meets the minimum safety requirements set by the Indian government.

• Retention system test: The helmet is placed on a head form, and a falling mass applies force below it. A 15 ± 0.5 kg weight creates a preloading force on the helmet’s retention system. Then, a 10 ± 0.1 kg mass drops from a height of 750 ± 5 mm in a controlled free fall. This test assesses the performance and effectiveness of the helmet’s retention system.
• Impact test: A head form inside the helmet is dropped from a fixed height onto both spherical and flat anvils. This test measures the acceleration experienced by the head form. The standard allows a maximum acceleration of 300G.

2. DOT

The DOT (Department of Transportation) certification is a mandatory safety standard for motorcycle helmets in the United States. Established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it sets minimum safety requirements that helmets must meet to be legally sold and used on public roads.

DOT-certified helmets undergo a series of tests to ensure their effectiveness in protecting riders’ heads. These tests include:

• Impact test: The standard allows a maximum peak acceleration of 400G.
• Penetration test: A pierced test striker is dropped on the helmet from a height. The striker must not penetrate deeply enough to make contact with the head form, ensuring the helmet provides effective protection against sharp objects.
• Retention system test: The helmet’s retention straps are subjected to tension loads. The load gradually increases, starting at 22.7 kg for 30 seconds and then increasing to 136 kg for 120 seconds. Any protrusions from the helmet’s surface, such as snaps or rivets, must not exceed 5 mm. This test evaluates the helmet’s ability to securely hold onto the rider’s head during an impact.

The helmet standard also ensures that peripheral vision is not compromised, requiring a minimum of 105° visibility from the center of the helmet.

The DOT certification process requires helmet manufacturers to self-certify. They must demonstrate that their helmets meet the required safety standards through testing conducted by accredited laboratories. Once a helmet model is certified, it can be marked with the DOT symbol, usually displayed on a label or sticker affixed to the back of the helmet.

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3. ECE

The ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) helmet certification was established by the United Nations in 1958. This standard is now accepted in 47 countries.

Like the DOT standard, the ECE certification also mandates that helmets provide peripheral vision spanning an arc of 105° from the helmet’s midline. This requirement ensures that riders have an adequate field of vision, allowing them to maintain awareness of their surroundings and enhancing overall safety on the road. Other tests include:

• Impact absorption test: The peak acceleration must not exceed 275G.
• Retention system test: A free-fall drop test is conducted using a 10 kg weight attached to the fastened chin strap. To pass the test, the helmet must withstand the impact without allowing more than 35mm of displacement at the attachment point.

In addition, the ECE certification includes tests for the chin strap buckle system. This system undergoes testing for slippage resistance under load, ensuring the helmet remains securely fastened during impacts or sudden movements. The strap material is tested for abrasion resistance and tension failure load, with a minimum requirement of 3kN to ensure strength and durability.

4. SNELL

SNELL, an acronym for the Snell Memorial Foundation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting helmet safety through research, testing, and certification. Established in 1957, SNELL focuses on setting rigorous standards for helmet performance to enhance rider protection.

SNELL certification is recognized globally as a stringent and voluntary standard that exceeds many mandatory helmet safety regulations. Helmets that meet SNELL standards have undergone extensive testing and evaluation to ensure superior performance and protection.

SNELL certification includes rigorous impact tests, covering multiple impact locations and higher velocities compared to other standards. Helmets must also meet strict criteria for penetration resistance, retention system strength, and field of vision.

SNELL-certified helmets assure riders of exceptional safety and performance. By voluntarily meeting these higher standards, they offer an added layer of protection for riders seeking the utmost in helmet safety.

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Wrap-Up

To sum up, these tests and standards play a crucial role in ensuring helmets meet rigorous safety requirements, providing riders with reliable protection and peace of mind while on the road.

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