Our ISO 17025 lab in Helmond, The Netherlands, is authorized to test protective helmets against several standards worldwide. We test and homologate various type of helmets according to regulations like UNECE-22 and PPE-R 2016/425. We work directly with the applicable approval authorities for protective helmet legislation. Our results are accepted by most certifying bodies around the world. We conduct all tests in-house in our advanced facility that provides all the necessary systems and technologies to perform the full range of safety tests. They are equipped with climate and UV chambers, multiple drop towers, a penetration test bench and chin strap testing machines amongst others.
Helmet Testing & Homologation
Evaluating the level of protection a safety helmet can provide
Helmet Testing & Homologation
Our ISO 17025 lab in Helmond, The Netherlands, is authorized to test protective helmets against several standards worldwide. We test and homologate various type of helmets according to regulations like UNECE-22 and PPE-R 2016/425. We work directly with the applicable approval authorities for protective helmet legislation. Our results are accepted by most certifying bodies around the world. We conduct all tests in-house in our advanced facility that provides all the necessary systems and technologies to perform the full range of safety tests. They are equipped with climate and UV chambers, multiple drop towers, a penetration test bench and chin strap testing machines amongst others.
We test and homologate many helmet types for personal protection such as bicycling, motorcycle riding, skiing and pedelec riding.
Absorption of Rotational Energy
Research into traumatic brain injuries has shown that the human brain is more sensitive to rotational movements than pure translational. A state-of-art testing method is being developed by helmet experts all over the world to enable the assessment of rotational energy absorption. Our laboratory is equipped with the latest technology to perform testing in accordance with those methods. By performing high-speed video analysis, laser guiding head form positioning, and wireless data acquisition, we are aiming for highly accurate and repeatable testing. Providing this, we are finally able to evaluate the level of protection a safety helmet can provide against brain injuries generated by critical rotation accelerations. In cooperation with helmet manufacturers, we enter this new era of helmet testing, contributing to the best possible head protection.
Experimental and development tests
Besides benchmark tests and homologation tests, our lab is suitable for experimental and development testing. For example, ballistic helmets for combat and law enforcement, but also, fully customized test programs with increased impact velocities, high-speed video capturing and even 3D scanning belong to the possibilities. Our experts share their insights on the results, creating the perfect helmet together.
Homologation of Leisure Helmets
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) testing ensures that the product meets the Essential Health and Safety Requirements (EHSR). Our testing and homologation laboratory in Helmond, The Netherlands, can test helmets on several EN-standards: EN1077 (Snowboard and ski helmets), EN1078 (bicycle helmets), EN1080 (helmets for young children) and EN1385 (water sports helmets). Our lab tests such helmets on shock absorption, design requirements and retention systems (strength and effectiveness).
S-EPAC Helmet Testing
S-EPAC’s, or speed e-bikes or speed-pedelecs, require a different type of helmet than regular bikes as it is classified as a motorized vehicle. S-EPAC helmets need to comply with the national NTA 8776 standard, currently the state-of-art standard for speed-pedelec helmets. We are officially designated as an ISO 17025 accredited lab for testing S-EPAC helmets. We can not only test the helmets but also provide homologation for certification in cooperation with notified body KIWA Telefication.
UNECE Motorcycle Helmet Testing
Our ISO 17025 accredited lab in Helmond, The Netherlands, is capable of executing motorcycle helmet tests according to UNECE-22.05. The ECE standard tests involve a drop test from a fixed height with the helmet on a headform to measure the transmitted energy and determine impact absorption and rotational forces. Amongst others, we test the chin strap material for abrasion resistance and tension failure load and the buckle itself is tested for slippage under load. Besides batch sampling and testing, we -as an accredited lab- are able to help you with homologation for certification.
