Helmets for sport and recreation – construction and standards’ requirements

Abstract

While practicing sports and participating in recreational activities, humans are exposed to a number of hazards, among which head injuries are one of the most dangerous. We are unable to completely eliminate them, e.g., when cycling, skateboarding, skiing or snowboarding. For this reason, all sorts of protective headgear selected according to the prevailing threats are applicable to protect the head. The design of such equipment is continuously changing and evolving. New materials and technical solutions that aim to increase the user’s safety and comfort are introduced. To achieve that goal, it becomes necessary to reduce the weight and increase the functionality of protective helmets. Such goals can be met only by creating more specialized structures designed not only for the intended physical activity but also for the specific conditions in which it is practiced. This paper contains material that presents the basic protective helmets and the materials used for their construction, as well as a review of the design of helmets for sports and recreational activities protecting the head against impact against stationary objects. General information concerning the regulatory requirements and the methods of testing of this type of equipment has also been presented.