Overview
ISO 10256-1:2024 - Protective equipment for use in ice hockey - Part 1: General requirements - defines general safety, ergonomic and testing requirements for ice-hockey protectors including head, face, eye, neck and body protectors. Published by ISO in 2024 (second edition), this standard specifies test methods, conditioning, markings and documentation required to verify that protectors are safe, fit for purpose and durable for ice hockey use.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope & applicability: Applies only to protectors intended for ice hockey (head, face, eye, neck and body).
- Ergonomics: Devices must be quickly adjustable, fit securely and remain in place during typical hockey movements. The standard prescribes an observer-led test (see Clause 5.1) with specific movement checks; any negative response constitutes failure.
- Innocuousness (materials & design):
- Materials must be compatible, non-harmful on contact, resist polymeric change up to 70 °C and resist degradation from sweat and recommended cleaners (Clause 4.2.1).
- Design inspection (Clause 4.2.2) requires visual/manual checks for sharp edges, seams or features that could injure players.
- Markings & user information: Markings must remain legible after durability testing (rubbed 10 times with a water-soaked cotton cloth under ~10 N force). Clause updates require clearer labelling (e.g., year/month of manufacture and manufacturer/importer postal address).
- Test methods & conditioning:
- Defined test environment: ambient (20 ± 2 °C, RH ≤ 60 %).
- Conditioning cycles: ambient, low temperature (−25 ± 2 °C) and elevated temperature (30 ± 2 °C) for at least 4 h; testing to start within 40 s after removal for extreme temps.
- Measurement tolerances generally ±2 %.
- Documentation & test report: Reports must reference ISO 10256-1:2024 and include manufacturer identification and protector identification details.
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers and designers of ice-hockey helmets, faceguards, neck and body protectors use ISO 10256-1:2024 to design compliant products and prepare technical files.
- Testing laboratories and conformity assessors apply the prescribed test methods, conditioning and reporting requirements to verify compliance.
- Importers, retailers and teams/organizations rely on this standard to assess safety labeling and user information.
- Standards committees and safety officers reference it to align regulations, procurement specifications and educational guidance on fit and use.
Related standards
- ISO 7000:2019 is referenced for graphical symbols used on equipment.
- ISO 10256 series (other parts) - consult the ISO website for the full series and cross-references.
Keywords: ISO 10256-1:2024, ice hockey protective equipment, helmet standards, ergonomics, test methods, PPE, markings durability, material safety.
