DYNAMIC TESTING OF THE STRENGTH OF HELMET CHIN STRAPS

A dynamic test of chin strap strength was introduced into the British Standard BS 2495 in 1980. This test has subsequently been adapted for bicycle and horse riding helmets without the same correlation between accident and test failures being established. The causes of force peak s and oscillations in the test traces have been identified, and a mean s was found of obtaining reliable chin strap force measurements. Recom mendations are made for improving the test so that chin straps and buc kles are adequately strong but not over-designed.