Overview
EN ISO 10256-1:2024 - "Protective equipment for use in ice hockey - Part 1: General requirements" (CEN/ISO) sets out the general requirements and test methods for head, face, eye, neck and body protectors used specifically in ice hockey. Endorsed by CEN in December 2024 and replacing the 2016 edition, this standard defines ergonomic, safety and information requirements, and provides test and reporting procedures to verify compliance. It is intended solely for protectors used in ice hockey.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions: Clarifies which protectors are covered (head, face, eye, neck, body) and standard terminology (Clauses 1–3).
- Ergonomics (Clause 4.1 & 5.1): Requirements and verifiable test methods to ensure fit, comfort and freedom of movement appropriate for ice hockey use.
- Innocuousness - materials and design (Clauses 4.2, 5.2): Criteria for safe constituent materials and design features to avoid harm or nuisance to users; includes test methods for material and component safety.
- Markings and user information (Clauses 4.3, 9, 10): Mandatory labeling and documentation requirements - e.g., manufacturer/importer details, year/month of manufacture, intended use, and language considerations - plus durability checks for markings (Clause 5.3).
- Testing, conditioning and tolerances (Clauses 6–8): Requirements for laboratory environmental conditions, sample conditioning (ambient, low and elevated temperatures), tolerances and detailed test reporting (including observations of damage, missing components and test equipment identification).
- Regulatory alignment: Annex ZA maps the standard to essential requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment, providing a voluntary means to demonstrate conformity within the standard’s scope.
Applications and who uses it
- Manufacturers and designers: Use the standard for product development, material selection, ergonomic design and pre-certification testing.
- Test laboratories and conformity assessors: Apply specified test methods, conditioning procedures and reporting formats to verify compliance.
- Certification bodies and regulators: Reference EN ISO 10256-1:2024 for conformity assessment and regulatory alignment (including EU PPE Regulation).
- Procurement officers, teams and clubs: Rely on the standard to select protectors that meet recognized safety, labeling and information criteria.
Related standards
- Part of the ISO 10256 series (other parts cover specific protector types or performance tests). Where applicable, consult additional ISO/CEN parts for detailed performance and impact tests.
Keywords: EN ISO 10256-1:2024, protective equipment, ice hockey, head protection, helmets, face protection, test methods, ergonomics, PPE compliance, CEN, ISO.
