AS/NZS 2063:2008

(Incorporating Amendment No. 1)

.,,
l>

z
".,,
"
:,
7)
,J

"
:,
:,
10

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Bicycle helmets

STANDARDS
EW ZEALAND

\
PAEREWA AOTEAROA
AS/NZS 2063:2008
This Joint Australian/New Zealand Standard was prepared by Joint Technical
Committee CS-014, Pedal Cycle Helmets. It was approved on behalf of the Council
of Standards Australia on 22 September 2008 and on behalf of the Council of
Standards New Zealand on 7 November 2008.
This Standard was published on 27 November 2008.

The following are represented on Committee CS-014:

Association of Accredited Certification Bodies

Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
Australian Cycling Federation
Australian Industries Group
Australian Retailers Association
Bicycle Federation of Australia
Bicycle Industries Australia
Department of Fair Trading NSW Consumer Protection Agency
Department of Fair Trading, Tourism and Vine Industries, Qld
New Zealand helmet testing interests
Retail Cycle Traders Australia
Road and Traffic Authority ofNSW
Royal Australian College of Surgeons
University of New South Wales

Keeping Standards up-to-date

Standards are living documents which reflect progress in science, technology and
systems. To maintain their currency, all Standards are periodically reviewed, and
new editions are published. Between editions, amendments may be issued.
Standards may also be withdrawn. It is important that readers assure themselves
they are using a current Standard, which should include any amendments which
may have been published since the Standard was purchased.
Detailed information about joint Australian/New Zealand Standards can be found by
visiting the Standards Web Shop at www.saiglobal.com.au or Standards New
Zealand web site at www.standards.co.nz and looking up the relevant Standard in
the on-line catalogue.
For more frequent listings or notification of revisions, amendments and
withdrawals, Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand offer a number of
update options. For information about these services, users should contact their
respective national Standards organization.
We also welcome suggestions for improvement in our Standards, and especially
encourage readers to notify us immediately of any apparent inaccuracies or
ambiguities. Please address your comments to the Chief Executive of either
Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand at the address shown on the back
cover.

This Standard was issued in draft form for comment as DR 08039.

 AS/NZS 2063:2008
(Incorporating Amendment No .1)

Australian/New Zealand Standard™

Bicycle helmets

Originated in Australia as part of AS 2063-1977.

Originated in New Zealand as NZS 5439:1986.
Previous edition AS/NZS 2063:1996.
Second edition 2008.
Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (December 2009).

COPYRIGHT
© Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
All rights are reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or copied in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying , without the written
permission of the publisher.
Jointly published by Standards Australia, GPO Box 476 , Sydney, NSW 2001 and Standards
New Zealand, Private Bag 2439, Wellington 6140

ISBN O 7337 8931 5

AS/NZS 2063:2008 2

PREFACE
This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand
Committee CS-014, Pedal Cycle Helmets to supersede AS/NZS 2063: 1996, Pedal cycle
helmets.
This Standard incorporates Amendment No. 1 (December 2009). The changes required by
the Amendment are indicated in the text by a marginal bar and amendment number against
the clause, note, table, figure or part thereof affected.
Changes in this edition of the Standard from the 1996 edition include:
(a) The adoption of the projection requirements from AS/NZS 3838: I 998, Helmets for
horse riding and horse-related activities (see Clause 5.3).
(b) The specification of the use of ISO headforms through reference to AS/NZS 2512.1
(see Clause 6.5).
(c) Reduction of the impact energy attenuation requirements from an allowed maximum
of 300g to 250g (see Clause 7.4).
(d) Replacing the retention system test with a dynamic strength test through reference to
AS/NZS 2512.5.2 (see Clause 7.6).
(e) Peak deflection test introduced.
NOTE: The committee is investigating the possibility of including the following specifications:
(a) Dynamic stability test to replace the static stability test in Clause 7.3.
(b) Lowering the loading measured by the force transducer to 350 N in 'load distribution'
specification (Clause 7.5).
The term 'informative' has been used in this Standard to define the application of the
appendix to which it applies. An 'informative' appendix is only for information and
guidance.
 3 AS/NZS 2063:2008

CONTENTS

Page

FOREWORD .............................................................................................................................. 4
I SCOPE ........................................................................................................................ 5
2 OBJECTIVE ............................................... ................................................................ 5
3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS .................................................................................. 5
4 DEFINITIONS ............................................................................................................ 5
5 CONSTRUCTION ...................................................................................................... 6
6 TEST PREPARATION ............................................................................................... 7
7 TEST REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................ 9
8 MARKING ............................................................................................................... I 0
9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND CARE ................................................................ 11

APPENDICES
A CHARACTERISTICS OF MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
PROTECTIVE HELMETS ................................................................. ....................... 13
B RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM MASS FOR HELMETS ........................................ 14
AS/NZS 2063:2008 4

FOREWORD
Helmets which comply with this Standard are considered suitable for cycling activities
where the wearer may be thrown or fall from a height, particularly while mobile. They are
not, however, to be used by motor cyclists on public roads or in other public places where
the various State and Territory Traffic Regulations require the use of helmets complying
with AS/NZS 1698:2006, Protective helmets for vehicle users, nor are they to be used for
high-speed sports such as motor cycle racing and car racing.
The protection given by a helmet depends on the circumstances of the impact and the
wearing of a helmet cannot always prevent death or injury. A proportion of the energy of an
impact is absorbed by the helmet, thereby reducing the force of the blow sustained by the
head. The structure of the helmet may be damaged in absorbing this energy and any helmet
that sustains a severe blow should be replaced even if damage is not apparent.
To achieve the performance of which it is capable and to ensure stability on the head, a
helmet should be as closely fitting as possible consistent with comfort, and it must be
securely fastened , with the retaining strap under tension at all times.
 5 AS/NZS 2063:2008

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA/STANDARDS NEW ZEALAND

Australian/New Zealand Standard

Bicycle helmets

1 SCOPE
This Standard specifies construction requirements and the basic performance requirements
for impact energy attenuation, helmet stability, load distribution, strength and effectiveness
of the retention system and its attachment points and peripheral vision clearance for
lightweight protective helmets intended to mitigate the adverse effects of a blow to the
head. Marking requirements are also specified.
Helmets that meet the specification of this Standard may not adequately control hazards and
injuries associated with all cycling activities, e.g. BMX and mountain bicycles.
NOTE: A helmet complying with this Standard may incorporate special features designed to suit
its use in specific activities.

2 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this Standard is to provide helmet wearers with lightweight helmets that
provide protection against, and reduce the severity of, head injury from hazards associated
with cycling.

3 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS
The following documents are referred to in this Standard:
AS
1609 Eye protectors for motor cyclists and racing car drivers
2342 Development, testing and implementation of information and safety symbols and
symbolic signs
AS/NZS
2512 Methods of testing protective he Imets
2512.1 Part I: Definitions and headforms
2512.2 Method 2: General requirements for the conditioning and preparation of test
specimens and laboratory conditions
2512.3.1 Method 3.1: Determination of impact energy attenuation-Helmet drop test
2512.5.2 Method 5.2: Determination of strength of retention system-Dynamic strength
2512.6 Method 6: Measurement of horizontal peripheral vision clearance
2512.7.1 Method 7.1: Determination of stability of protective helmets-Static stability
2512.8 Method 8: Measurement of peak deflection
2512.9 Method 9: Determination of load distribution

4 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Standard, the definitions given in AS/NZS 2512.1 and the following
apply:
4.1 Accessory
Items not permanently attached to the helmet.

COPYRIGHT
 AS/NZS 2063:2008 6

5 CONSTRUCTION
5.1 General
5.1.1 Components
The helmets shall consist of-
(a) a means of absorbing impact energy;
(b) a means of distributing load; and
(c) a retention system.
All components of the helmet shall be permanently attached. Removable comfort pads are
not considered as part of the protective system.
5.1.2 Attachment of components
None of the components, or any accessories, shall be fitted to the helmet in such a way that
they are likely to cause injury to the wearer in the event of an impact.
5.2 Retention system
The retention system shall be designed in such a way that-
(a) the system includes a retaining strap to be worn under the lower jaw;
(b) the system is adjustable to produce tension on straps between all fixing points when
the retaining strap is properly fastened;
(c) any part of the retaining strap that, when properly fastened, contacts the throat on the
underside of the wearer's jaw shall not be less than 15 mm wide; and
NOTE: The width requirement reflects the ability of the retaining system to distribute load in
the case of an impact. Comfort pads on the retaining strap are not considered to be load
bearing components.
(d) the system meets the requirements of Clauses 7.3 and 7.6.
5.3 Projections
5.3.1 General
Refer to Figure I for i Ilustrations of types of projections and methods of measurement.
5.3.2 External projections
Rigid projections and irregularities on the continuous curve of the outer surface of the
helmet, except for ventilation holes and associated depressions, shall not be greater than
5 mm in height when measured normal to the general outer surface of the helmet as shown
in Figure I.
A fairing becomes a projection when the included angle is greater than 45 ° as shown in
Figure I. The angle of the projection only applies to flat surfaces that have been faired to
the surface of the shell.
NOTE: Irregularities in the shell should be smoothed to minimize resistance to tangential impact
forces brought about by the friction or snagging.
5.3.3 Internal projections
Al
The helmet should have no internal projections or irregularities likely to cause injury to the
wearer in case of an accident.

COPYRIGHT
 7 AS/ ZS 2063:2008

5 mmj
limit

Abrupt

No limit

5 mm
limit
Abrupt and
faired

E xte rn al

A fairing becomes a
projection when the
included angle x is
greater than 45°

No abrupt
projection
Faired

FIGURE 1 INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PROJECTIONS

5.4 Materials
Except as specifically provided for in this Standard, the characteristics of the materials used
in the manufacture of helmets shall be established by the manufacturer as being suitable for
the purpose.
NOTE: The manufacturer should have regard to the provisions of Appendix A.
5.5 Ventilation
The helmet shall incorporate features designed to transfer heat from the head.

6 TEST PREPARATION
6.1 General
All tests including determination of the test line shall be performed without comfort pads
attached.

COPYRIGHT
AS/NZS 2063:2008 8

When a helmet is tested with size adjustment device attached (e.g. nape strap, neck harness,
cradle etc.) the device shall be adjusted to obtain optimum fit (as recommended by the
manufacturer) for all tests using the full headforms.
NOTES:
Type tests provide an indication only of the capacity of a model of helmet to pass subsequent
production tests. Manufacturers are advised to conduct extensive exploratory tests on
prototype helmets prior to the submission of sample type tests.
2 This Standard makes no provision for statistical sampling quality control or contractual
arrangements.
6.2 Samples
The helmets shall be supplied to the test facility in the condition in which they are offered
for sale and shall be accompanied by all attachments and accessories, including protective
eye devices, normally sold with the helmet.
Ten helmets of the same model and size are required. These helmets shall be representative
of production lots.
In the absence of a specific Standard for such items, it is recommended that visor and eye
protectors recommended for use when cycling should conform to the requirements in
AS 1609.
6.3 Test order
Test order shall be as given in Table I.
TABLE 1
TEST ORDER FOR HELMETS

Sample No. Conditioning Test

7.2 Horizontal peripheral vision clearance test
1 Ambient temperature 7.7 Peak deflection test
7.3 Static stability test
7.4 Impact energy attenuation test
2 Ambient temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.5 Load distribution test
3 Ambient temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.4 Impact energy attenuation test
4 High temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.5 Load distribution test
5 High temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.4 Impact energy attenuation test
6 Low temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.5 Load distribution test
7 Low temperature
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.4 Impact energy attenuation test
8 Water immersion
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
7.5 Load distribution test
9 Water immersion
7.6 Dynamic strength of retention test
10 Spare sample

COPYRIGHT
 9 AS/NZS 2063:2008

NOTE: It is acknowledged that by requiring several tests to be performed on each individual

helmet, it is possible for earlier tests to have an adverse effect on later test results. Any such
effect would not invalidate the later test results.
6.4 Conditioning
The samples shall be subjected to the conditioning procedures (specified in AS/NZS 2512.2
for ambient temperature, low temperature, high temperature and water immersion) in the
test order specified in Table I.
6.5 Headforms
Tests shall be conducted on headform sizes A, E, J, M and O (as specified in AS/NZS
2512.1 ), as appropriate to the helmet's size range , except for the load distribution test (see
Clause 7.5).
6.6 Test sites
For both the load distribution test (Clause 7.5) and the impact energy attenuation test
(Clause 7.4) the helmets shall be tested at four sites marked prior to conditioning, above the
test line as defined in AS/NZS 2512.1. The distance between any two sites, measured over
the surface of the helmet, shall not be less than one fifth of the head form circumference, as
measured at the nominal AA line.

7 TEST REQUIREMENTS
7.1 General
Not more than I 0% by mass of any helmet as tested shall become detached as a result of
testing.
7.2 Horizontal peripheral vision clearance
When measured at the basic plane in accordance with AS/NZS 2512.6, the peripheral vision
clearance of the helmet shall be not less than I 05 ° on each side of the mid-sagittal plane. In
addition, the brow opening of the helmet, and on peaked helmets the outer edge of the peak,
shall be at least 25 mm above all points in the basic plane that are within the specified angle
or peripheral vision clearance.
7.3 Static helmet stability
When tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2512.7.1 , using a force of 50 ±0.5 N for a period
of not less than 15 s and not greater than 30 s, the helmet shall neither completely expose,
nor completely obscure the test band. If the helmet has a detachable peak, the peak shall be
removed for the test.
Helmets for bicycles shall be tested on the Amod or Jmod headforms specified in
AS/NZS 2512.7.1 as appropriate to the helmet' s size range.
Where the helmet size range covers more than one headform size, the helmets shall be
tested on both Amod and Jmod head forms . If the helmet size falls between two head form sizes,
it shall be tested on the smaller of those two head forms .
7.4 Impact energy attenuation
When the helmet is tested in accordance with AS/NZS 251 2.3.1, usin g a flat anvil only and
a free-fall height of 1500 +30, - 5 mm, the headform acceleration shall not exceed 250g
peak. In addition, the cumulative duration of acceleration shall not exceed-
(a) 3.0 ms for acceleration greater than 200g ; and
(b) 6.0 ms for acceleration greater than 150g.

COPYRIGHT
AS/NZS 2063:2008 10

7.5 Load distribution

When the helmet is tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2512.9 using a fall height of
I OOO+ 15, -5 mm, the following conditions shall be met:
(a) Loading measured by the force transducer shall not exceed 500 N measured over a
circular area of I 00 mm 2 .
(b) The anvil shall not contact the surface of the headform .
7.6 Dynamic strength of the retention system
When tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2512.5.2, using a drop height of 250 -0, +5 mm,
the dynamic displacement shall not exceed 30 mm.
Where the retention system consists of components which can be independently fastened
without securing the complete assembly, each such component shall independently comply
with the requirements of this Clause.
NOTE: Additional helmets may be required.
7.7 Peak deflection
When tested in accordance with AS/NZS 2512.8, using a suspended mass of 2 kg for 30 s,
the peak shall not break and the deflection of the peak shall not be less than 6.0 mm.
Detachable peak may be fixed to the helmet for this test if they are likely to become
detached from the helmet during the test.
NOTE: Suitable fixing methods include gluing, riveting and the like.

8 MARKING
8.1 On the helmet
Each helmet shall be permanently and legibly marked in letters no less than 1.5 mm high
with the following information:
(a) Registered name and address of the manufacturer and/or Australian agent.
(b) Shell and liner construction material(s).
(c) Model and Brand designation.
( d) An indication of the front or rear of the helmet.
(e) Size.
(f) Month and year of manufacture (may be spelled out, e.g. November 2008, or in
numerals, e.g. '1 l/2008'or '2008/1 I').
Each helmet shall also be marked in such a manner that it can be easily read without
removal of the comfort padding or any permanent part with the following, verbatim,
instructions to the user:
(i) Bicycle helmet-NOT intended for use in motor sports or by motor cyclists.
(ii) Helmet can be seriously damaged by substances such as petrol, paint, adhesives, or
cleaning agents.
(iii) Make no modifications.
(iv) Fasten helmet securely under the jaw.
(v) If helmet shows signs of damage, destroy and replace it.
(vi) If helmet receives a severe blow, even if apparently undamaged, destroy and replace
it.

COPYRIGHT
 II AS/NZS 2063:2008

8.2 Durability of marking

The wording on labels fixed to the product shall be easily legible when rubbed by hand for
15 s with a piece of cloth soaked in water, allowed to dry and rubbed for 15 s with a piece
of cloth soaked with liquid domestic dishwashing detergent.
8.3 On the package
If a helmet is packaged, the following information shall be clearly and legibly visible
without removal of the helmet:
(a) Manufacturer's registered brand name.
(b) Model designation.
(c) Size.
(d) A list of the sizes available in the model range together with the nominal mass for
each size.
(e) The activity/activities for which the helmet is designed.
NOTES:
The information in Item (e) above may be presented pictorially.
2 Manufacturers making a statement of compliance with this Australian/New Zealand Standard
on a product, packaging or promotional material related to that product are advised to ensure
that such compliance is capable of being verified.
3 It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that a helmet meets the design
requirements of the sport(s) for which it is marked as suitable.

9 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE AND CARE

In addition to the marking requirements of Clauses 8. 1 and 8.2, each helmet shall be
accompanied by a brochure or label that shall include the following, verbatim, in letters no
less than 2.0 mm high:
(a) No helmet can protect the wearer against all possible impacts.
(b) The helmet is designed to be retained by a strap under the lower jaw.
(c) To be effective, a helmet must fit and be worn correctly. To check for correct fit,
place helmet on head and make any adjustments indicated. Securely fasten retention
system. Grasp the helmet and try to rotate it to the front and rear. A correctly fitted
helmet should be comfortable and should not move forward to obscure vision or
rearward to expose the forehead.
(d) No attachments should be made to the helmet except those recommended by the
helmet manufacturer.
(e) The helmet is designed to absorb shock by partial destruction of the shell and liner.
This damage may not be visible. Therefore, if subjected to a severe blow, the helmet
should be destroyed and replaced even if it appears undamaged .
(f) The helmet may be damaged and rendered ineffective by petroleum and petroleum
products, cleaning agents, paints, adhesives and the like, without the damage being
visible to the user.
(g) A helmet has a limited lifespan in use and should be replaced when it shows obvious
signs of wear.
(h) This helmet should not be used by children while climbing or doing other activities
where there is a risk of hanging or strangulation if the child gets trapped whilst
wearing the helmet.

COPYRIGHT
AS/NZS 2063:2008 12

Information shall also be provided, in words (with letters no less than 2.0 mm high) and
pictures on the following:
(i) Instructions on the correct method of positioning, adjustment and fastening of the
helmet.
(ii) Both the correct and incorrect fitment and wearing position of that approximate type
of helmet shall be shown by a graphical representation of minimum height 25 mm.
The correct wearing position, as recommended by the manufacturer, shall be shown in
a circle, and the incorrect (showing the helmet tilted back at a grossly incorrect
attitude) shall be shown in a circle with a slash through it. The two depictions shall be
the same height.
NOTE: Information on graphic representation and the circle with slash are given in AS 2342.
(iii) Cleaning method and agent(s).
(iv) Details regarding suitability of helmet in relation to specific activities.
(v) Australian distributors '/agents ' name and address if not manufactured locally.

COPYRIGHT
 13 AS/NZS 2063:2008

APPENDIX A
CHARACTERISTICS OF MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF
PROTECTIVE HELMETS
(Informative)
The characteristics of the materials used in the manufacture of protective helmets should be
known to remain appreciably stable under the influence of ageing, or the circumstances of
use to which the helmet is normally subjected, such as exposure to sunlight, extremes of
temperature and rain. Ultraviolet inhibitors should be used where necessary.
Materials used for those parts of the helmet coming into contact with the skin or hair should
be known to remain appreciably stable on contact with perspiration, or skin or hair
toiletries. Materials known to cause skin irritations or skin disorders should not be used.
All metal parts used in the construction of the helmet should be corrosion-resistant or
should have a corrosion-resistant finish .

COPYRIGHT
AS/NZS 2063:2008 14

APPENDIX B

RECOMMENDED MAXIMUM MASS FOR HELMETS

(Informative)
As helmets complying with this Standard are intended for use in recreation and sport and
for pedal cyclists, the bulk and mass of the helmet can be important safety factors as they
affect the comfort and movement of the wearer.
The A headform size is suitable for children and the mass of helmets in this size should be
as small as possible.
Further research is required before specific mass ranges can be specified . However the
following recommendations are made as a guide to manufacturers who are encouraged to
keep the mass within these limits:

Headform size Recommended maximum helmet

mass, g

A 300
E 400
500
M 600
0 700

COPYRIGHT