What is ECE 22.06?

ECE 22.06 is a critical helmet safety standard within Europe, governing the protective helmets worn by drivers and passengers of mopeds and motorcycles. It specifies crucial performance criteria for helmets, ensuring they can absorb impacts, resists penetration, and provide reliable rentention systems. Key updates from the previous ECE 22.05 standard include the introduction of a new rotational impact test and enhanced testing protocols for flip-front helmets, visors, internal sun visors, and OEM helmet accessories such as intercoms.

ECE 22.06 represents a significant step forward in helmet safety, addressing critical issues such as rotational impacts and providing a more rigorous and comprehensive testing framework. For consumers this mean better protection.

What real-world condition does it simulate?

ECE 22.06 simulates the real-world conditions that a helmet might encounter during and accident. The most significant addition is the simulation of rotational forces, which are crucial for understanding how much rotational force the helmet can absorb before it transfers to the brain. This helps minimizing the likelihood of the helmet coming off during an accident and ensuring comprehensive protection for the consumer.

Over the purpose of this test helps identify potential weaknesses and ensure that the helmet can protect a wide range of potential hazards, enhancing overall safety and reducing the risk of injury.

What does ECE 22.06 test?

Impact Absorption: Helmets are subjected to impacts at different speeds and angles to mimic the forces experienced during a collision.
This simulation tests the helmet’s ability to absorb and distribute impact forces, thereby reducing the risk of severe head injuries.

Rotational Impact Testing: Helmets undergo tests that involve rotational impacts, which simulate the twisting forces experienced during oblique impacts or when the rider’s head strikes the ground at an angle. This tests the helmet’s effectiveness in managing rotational forces, which are critical in preventing traumatic brain injuries such as concussions and diffuse axonal injuries.

Penetration Resistance: Sharp objects are used to test the helmet’s ability to resist penetration. This ensures the helmet can protect the wearer from sharp objects that could penetrate the helmet and cause direct injury to the head.

Retention System Strength: The helmet’s retention system, including the chin strap, is subjected to forces to test its durability and effectiveness. This ensures that the helmet remains securely fastened during an accident, preventing it from coming off and leaving the rider’s head unprotected.

Abrasion Testing: Helmets are tested for their frictional properties by simulating sliding across surfaces. This helps to evaluate how the helmet shell interacts with surfaces during a slide, ensuring it doesn’t cause additional injuries due to excessive friction or abrasion.

Additional Features Testing: Tests are conducted on specific helmet features like flip-front mechanisms, visors, internal sun visors, and OEM accessories such as intercoms. This ensures that all components of the helmet, including movable and integrated parts, perform safely and effectively under various conditions.

How does the standard enhance consumer safety?

Impacts to the head causing severe brain injuries often involve significant rotational forces. ECE 22.06 addresses this by incorporating a Rotational Impact Test, soon to be adopted by other standards such as EN and ASTM. This test evaluates how well helmets handle rotational impacts by mimicking real-world accident scenarios. The focus on surface friction properties helps in reducing rotational acceleration and minimizing energy transfer to the wearer. 

Helmet safety testing is crucial as it ensures that helmets provide effective protection against various hazards, including impacts and penetrations. Without accurate and proper testing, helmets might not offer the necessary protection, putting consumers at risk. 

Conclusion

ECE 22.06 represents a significant advancement in helmet safety standards, addressing the critical issue of rotational impacts and enhancing overall helmet performance. Understanding these standards helps consumers make informed choices, ensuring their helmets provide the highest level of protection in real-world scenarios. As safety standards evolve, staying informed about these updates is essential for anyone who prioritizes safety on the road. 

About ACT Lab

ACT Lab is an independent third-party ISO/IEC 17025 testing laboratory and ISO/IEC 17065 certification body specializing in consumer product safety and compliance. Specialties include mechanical and chemical testing of bicycles, bicycle components, e-bicycles and accessories, helmets and head protection, scooters, sporting goods, children’s products, toys, outdoor industry products and more. Founded in 2008 with operations in USA, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Czech Republic, ACT Lab allows customers to deliver safer, more reliable products more effectively and consistently to market. For more information, please visit act-lab.com.

About COTECNA

COTECNA is a leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services. We offer solutions to facilitate trade and make supply chains safer and more efficient for our clients. Our trusted network of professionals and certified laboratories provide expertise across five key sectors: government & trade solutions, agriculture, food safety, minerals & metals, and consumer goods & retail. Founded in Switzerland in 1974, COTECNA started off as a family business and has now grown to become a world-class international player with over 5,000 employees in more than 100 offices across approximately 50 countries.  For more information, please visit cotecna.com.