23rd July 2010
Tests carried out in Northern Ireland have indicated that 77 per cent of cycle helmets do not meet safety standards.
In 2008 Northern Group Systems Environmental Health Service co-ordinated a market surveillance exercise to ensure compliance and safety of cycle helmets with the Personal Protective Equipment Regulations 1992 with reference to BS EN 1078:1997 ‘Helmets for Pedal Cyclists and for Users of Skate Boards and Roller Skates’.
EHOs from 21 of the 26 Northern Ireland district councils took part in the exercise, which was funded entirely by the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills.
Thirty cycle helmets were tested. It was found the requirements for shock absorption capacity and effectiveness of the retention system were generally met, with one failure being notified for each parameter.
But researchers were alarmed that 23 helmets failed in relation to marking or information supplied by the manufacturer. The equipment’s safety could be rendered ineffective by the absence of adequate markings or other information.
Twelve helmets did not have a label carrying the required instructions: ‘This helmet should not be used by children while climbing or doing other activities where there is a risk of hanging if the child gets trapped with the helmet.’
Some products were withdrawn from sale as a result of the project. Manufacturers of the helmets that failed the shock absorption and retention system tests also conducted further investigations.
A report on the findings was formally presented to BIS in London in June 2009. At the request of BIS, principal EHO Pauline Herbison and senior EHO Helena Quinn then attended a meeting of the Administration Co-ordination Working Group for Personal Protective Equipment in Prague last year present their findings to European member states.
A series of eye-catching posters and leaflets to help cyclists chose the right helmet, with particular reference to the BS EN 1078 cycle helmet standard, were then launched in June 2010 to coincide with National Bike Week 2010.
Materials were circulated to the general public, suppliers retailers and safety organisations such as ROSPA. Road Safety Committees, leisure and activity facilities, cycling clubs and workplaces were also been targeted and a promotion website was also designed.
Dennis Nathanielsz, on behalf of BIS, said the exercise nurtured an excellent partner relationship with NGS and give a comprehensive incite into implementation of the PPE Directive.
Ms Herbison said: ‘All European colleagues in attendance at Prague expressed a keen interest in the market surveillance work and intend to use the report for similar exercises in their respective countries.’
For further information see www.keepyourheadintact.co.uk