scope:

This specification specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of helmets used by U.S. public safety officers and intended to protect the head against handgun and rifle ammunition.

The test methods within this specification were developed and validated for broadly available helmet designs. Some helmet designs may require additional or different testing than that specified in this specification.

This specification addresses ballistic performance in terms of:

Helmet resistance to penetration (RTP) of shell, fasteners, and weak points;

Helmet shell ballistic limit (V50); and

Face shield RTP and deformation.

Helmets covered by this specification are classified into RTP ballistic protection levels (see Section 8).

This specification addresses non-ballistic performance in terms of:

Helmet impact attenuation;

Helmet shell compression resistance;

Face shield resistance to blunt impact, deflection, and projectile impact;

Face shield optics; and

Retention system strength.

Backface deformation (BFD) measurement is not addressed as a requirement for compliance with this specification. If the user of this specification is interested in BFD measurement, see Appendix X1.

This specification is applicable for compliance testing, verification testing, certification testing, or research and development testing.

This specification is divided into the following sections:

Units-The values stated in either SI units or inchpound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.