THE TESTING - WHAT'S DIFFERENT?

The SHARP testing brings together some of the best aspects from the standards currently in use around the world and has defined more rigorous tests and assessments than are currently in use for Regulation. SHARP tests protection across a much wider range of speeds.

In developing the tests as well as looking at impact energy management the areas of the helmet most likely to be struck and the risk of brain injury from that impact were also considered. Analysing in-depth real world accident studies allowed the linking of specific laboratory impacts with real world injury, therefore the tests address specific risk of head injury. Helmets are impacted against anvils to represent both flat surfaces and kerbstones, testing protection over the whole helmet not just specific points.

A suite of enhanced test procedures and assessment criteria for helmets have been developed, so that a helmet performing well when assessed against them will offer real and significant increases in head protection. The tests are:

Linear impact tests - Energy absorption tests. The helmet is placed onto a test head form and dropped from a certain height onto different types of anvils. Acceleration is measured at the centre of gravity of the head form as is the energy absorbed by the helmet at various locations and speeds.

Oblique impact tests - Rotational acceleration by friction. The helmet is placed onto a test head form and dropped from a certain height against an inclined anvil with a very rough surface. Rotational acceleration is measured in the test head form. Limit values allow the risk of brain and neck injury to be assessed.

The results from 22 different impacts are combined into a single easy to understand star rating and published to provide consumers with comparative information to assist them in making informed purchase decisions.