What’s New in OH&S Week of May 9 - 13, 2011

Safety – Spring Edition - It’s that time of year again when everybody dusts off their bikes, skateboards, inline skates and scooters, and hits the pavement.

All helmets sold today must meet basic safety standards. The difference between inexpensive and expensive helmets will more likely reflect ventilation, comfort and convenience issues rather than safety. Ease-of-use (including easily-adjustable straps and padding) may not seem like a deal- breaker, but a that's less convenient may not be worn as often. A helmet that's easy to put on and adjust will ensure you're less likely to leave it behind.

Currently, Canadian helmet standards exist for bicycle and hockey helmets only. You may see CSA (Canadian Standards Association), CPSC (Consumer Protection Safety Commission), Snell, ASTM (American) and CEN (European) insignias which identify that the helmet meets certification standards.

Activity Recommended Helmet Certification Type of Protection Bicycling CSA, CPSA, Snell, B-95, N-94 Single impact certified In-Line Skating Bicycle helmet or In-line CSA, ASTM, F-1446, F-1447, Single/Multiple impact skating CPSC or Snell N-94 Skateboarding Bicycle helmet ASTM, F-1492, CPSC, Snell Single/Multiple impact N-94 or CEN Scootering Bicycle helmet CSA, Snell B-95, N-94 Single impact Alpine Snell RS-98, S-98 or ASTM F- Single impact (recreational) 2040 Alpine ski racing helmet or Snell Rs-98, F-2040, S-98 Single impact (recreational) snowboarding helmet Tobogganing (no Alpine , hockey CEN, CPSA, CSA, Snell RS- Single and multiple impact specific tobogganing or bicycle helmets are 98, S-98, N-94 or ASTM helmets available helmet available) recommended, but any certified helmet is better than none Ice Skating CSA Certified Multiple impact Hockey Hockey helmet CSA Certified Multiple impact

A number of other countries have bicycle helmet standards, but they usually get less attention than the U.S. standards because the number of helmets certified to them is small compared to the millions annually certified and sold in the U.S.

Among the most interesting is the Australian standard, which is superior in some respects to any of the U.S. standards.

The Canadian standard has also been rigorous, and has been updated for child helmets in some of the testing. The complete Helmet Standards Comparison includes as many of the standards as available to date, at last count fifteen.

Certification Process (an excerpt from the Helmet Standards Comparison)

Canada: CSA lab. Inspection of manufacturer's facility to verify existence of calibrated lab equipment as well as quality control and other procedures necessary to ensure compliance with the standard.

CPSC: Manufacturer must issue certificate based on a "reasonable testing program." Can use tests prescribed in the standard or other test procedures assuring compliance. At least one helmet from each production lot must be tested. New lot if change any component. If non-complying helmets found, must ensure that "sufficient actions are taken that it is reasonably likely that no noncomplying helmets remain in the production lot." Identified noncomplying helmets to be destroyed or modified to conform.

Snell B90: For initial certification, Snell lab testing and staff visit to factory. Follow up testing of random samples purchased from consumer outlets.

Snell B95: For initial certification, Snell lab testing and staff visit to factory. Follow up testing of random samples purchased from consumer outlets.

Snell N94: Same as Snell B95.

As well as checking that each safety helmet is a properly certified helmet, it is equally important that the helmets be checked for proper fit. According to research, up to 96% of helmets have been found to be incorrectly fitted, which puts you at up to three times more risk. First, the correct size must be purchased and the nylon straps adjusted to fit the individual. A common mistake is to fit the helmet so that it sits high on the forehead. The helmet should sit level on the cyclist’s with only a couple of finger-widths between eyebrow and the helmet brim. It should not be possible to insert more than one finger between the strap and the throat, or to move the helmet more than a centimetre or so in any direction. The strap should be well back under the chin, close to the throat.

Remember, wearing a helmet while bicycling is the law in Alberta for children and youth under the age of 18 years. Helmet use is also recommended for many other recreational activities. Helmets do not prevent an injury event from happening. However, they do help protect the child's head and decrease the chance of a brain injury in the event of a fall or collision.

Source: Lloydsadd

Jodie McClennon OHS Coordinator BTPS & ECACS [email protected] (780)806-2049 (780)842-8582 cell