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We all know the importance of wearing helmets during equestrian activities but equally as important is choosing the right helmet and replacing our helmets on a regular basis.  NARHA Standard P12 requires that participants and personnel wear protective headgear that is American Society for Testing and Materials-Safety Equipment Institute approved for equestrian use while mounted or driving.  What does this mean?  Who are these organizations? 

The American Society for Testing and Materials was organized in 1898 and is one of the largest 
voluntary standards development organizations in the world. While ASTM does not certify products, they do set standards that many organizations including SEI utilize in testing their products. ASTM’s standards are revised when the committee that developed the standard sees the need for a revision. Every five years, standards must be reviewed and either revised, re-approved or withdrawn.  What does that mean for your program?  In short it means that older helmets may not meet the current ASTM standards for safety.

The Safety Equipment Institute is a non-profit organization that provides certification for a variety of protective equipment products.  SEI selects the standard they deem most appropriate from ASTM’s standards to guide laboratory testing of equipment,  which in the case of equestrian safety helmets, is ASTM F1163-01.  In order for a manufacturer to receive certification from SEI, the product must pass the testing, the manufacturer must pass an initial quality audit, must present proof of product liability insurance, and pay their fees to SEI.  After this initial certification, surveillance audits to verify continued quality assurance are conducted twice per year, products are submitted annually for re-testing, and payment of fees is required.  This process ensures the continued compliance of the product with industry standards.  However, if the manufacturer fails in one of the above areas after the initial certification, SEI may withdraw its certification.  In order to help consumers stay up to date on products that are SEI certified, SEI lists their currently certified products on their website at www.seinet.org. 

While looking for the tag inside a helmet noting ASTM-SEI certification is certainly a beginning point, it is important that we as consumers take the extra step to ensure that our equipment is in compliance with current standards and in good condition.  SEI recommends that all helmets be replaced when they have been involved in an accident or the helmet has been damaged by solvents.  Check with the helmet manufacturer to find out their suggested timeline for replacement of helmet due to routine wear and tear. 

Remember, safety first.  Happy riding!