DIN EN 17950 2024-09 PDF

Full title and description

DIN EN 17950:2024-09 — Protective helmets — Test methods — Shock absorption including measuring rotational kinematics. Deutsche Fassung (German national adoption) of EN 17950:2024, specifying a laboratory test method for measuring translational and rotational response of helmeted headforms under impact.

National adoption reference: DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) publication, September 2024 (German version of the EN text).

Abstract

This standard defines a test method for protective helmets that records both linear (translational) and rotational kinematics of a helmeted headform during impact against an anvil. It provides requirements for test set‑up (headforms, impact anvils, drop device), instrumentation (accelerometers/gyroscopes), impact locations and velocities, data acquisition and reporting of shock‑absorption results so manufacturers, test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies can quantify helmet performance against rotational and translational loading.

General information

• Status: Current / Published national adoption (Deutsche Fassung of EN 17950:2024).
• Publication date: 2024-09 (DIN national publication September 2024; other national adoptions list dates in Q3–Q4 2024).
• Publisher: Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) — national adoption of EN 17950:2024.
• ICS / categories: 13.340.20 (Head protective equipment / helmets).
• Edition / version: EN 17950:2024 adopted as DIN EN 17950:2024-09 (German version / Deutsche Fassung).
• Number of pages: Typically listed as 19 pages for the DIN/EN text (some national publications list small variations in pagination).

Scope

This document specifies a laboratory test method to determine shock absorption performance of protective helmets by measuring both translational and rotational kinematics of a helmeted headform during impact(s) against specified anvils. It covers required headforms, impact locations and angles, anvils, drop or impact energies/velocities, instrumentation (linear accelerometers and angular rate sensors), data processing and reporting formats. The method is intended to supplement existing helmet performance requirements by adding rotational‑kinematics measurement to better characterise brain‑injury‑relevant loadings.

Key topics and requirements

• Test apparatus and geometry: defined headforms, mounting, impact anvils and guided drop/impact rig configuration.
• Measurement of translational kinematics (linear acceleration) and rotational kinematics (angular velocity/acceleration) during impact.
• Instrumentation and data acquisition: sensor types, sampling rates, signal conditioning and synchronisation requirements.
• Impact locations, orientations and velocities/energies to represent relevant real‑world impact scenarios.
• Data processing, filters and reported metrics (peak values, time‑histories and derived injury‑related parameters).
• Test reporting and documentation to support conformity assessment and comparative evaluation of helmet designs.
• Relationship to PPE regulatory requirements (used as a test method supporting conformity assessment of head protection within the PPE regulatory framework).

Typical use and users

Primary users are helmet manufacturers (research & development and quality teams), accredited test laboratories performing conformity and R&D testing, certification and notified bodies assessing PPE compliance, regulatory authorities and academic researchers studying head impact biomechanics. The standard is used to quantify helmet performance where rotational loading is of interest and to inform design improvements and certification evidence.

Related standards

EN 17950 is a test‑method standard that complements performance standards for different helmet types. Commonly referenced helmet standards and related documents include EN 1078 (cycle, skateboard and roller skate helmets), EN 397 (industrial safety helmets), EN 14052 (high‑performance industrial helmets), EN 1077 (ski helmets) and other EN standards for specific sports or occupational helmets. Users typically apply EN 17950 alongside the applicable performance standard for the helmet type.

Keywords

protective helmet; shock absorption; rotational kinematics; translational kinematics; headform; anvil; impact testing; PPE; helmet test method; DIN EN 17950:2024.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: DIN EN 17950:2024-09 is the German national adoption (Deutsche Fassung) of EN 17950:2024, a test‑method standard that specifies laboratory procedures for measuring shock absorption of helmets including both linear and rotational kinematics.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the test apparatus, headforms, anvils, impact conditions, required sensors and data acquisition, processing and reporting for impacts of a helmeted headform against an anvil — explicitly including measurement of rotational kinematics in addition to translational kinematics.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Helmet manufacturers (R&D and QA), independent test laboratories, notified/certification bodies, regulators and research groups studying helmet performance and head biomechanics.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published/endorsed in 2024 and adopted nationally by DIN in September 2024, EN 17950:2024 / DIN EN 17950:2024-09 is current (national adoptions and publication dates appear in Q3–Q4 2024). Users should check their national body for the definitive national status and any national forewords or amendments.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: EN 17950 is an EN test‑method standard for helmet kinematics and is intended to be used alongside helmet performance standards relevant to specific helmet types (for example EN 1078, EN 397, EN 14052, EN 1077). It is not necessarily a numbered series but sits within the body of CEN standards for head protection.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Protective helmet; shock absorption; rotational kinematics; translational kinematics; impact testing; headform; anvil; PPE; conformity assessment.