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EN 14120: 2003 + A1: 2007
Wrist, Palm, Knee & Elbow Protectors for Users of Roller Sports Equipment

Protectors for users of roller sports come in the form of helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist protectors and palm protectors. EN 14120: 2003 assesses the protectors for a range of protective properties such as impact and abrasion qualities as well as taking into consideration comfort and fit elements.

Unlike most types of sports protectors, performance requirements of protectors for users of roller sports equipment are based on 3 ranges of body mass:

Impact Test

Assessment of the amount of force that is transmitted through the protector from the outside to the inner surface, and also impact strength which assess the strength of the protective shell to see if a fall would cause the shell to split or crack upon impact. A range of impact energies are used dependent on the mass of the intended wearer.

Abrasion Test

The test apparatus is based on that used for motorcycle clothing and involves the sample being placed in contact with a moving abrasive belt of grit size OP60.

Comfort & Fit

Protectors are also assessed for their comfort and fit which involves an ergonomics assessment to ensure that there is no restriction of movement when worn by the end user, a restraint assessment to ensure that protectors remain in place during use, and an assessment which checks that the product does not contain any rough, hard or sharp edges that may cause discomfort or injury to the wearer or others during normal use.

Labelling

The standard also includes requirements for the labelling or marking and the information which suppliers and manufacturers should provide to wearers of their products to ensure that products are correctly used and users are fully aware of the level of protection that is being offered.

CE Mark & Chemical Testing

In Europe, roller sports protectors need to be CE marked and as part of the EC type examination process, assessment of the chemical properties of the materials used in the end products is also required. These materials are tested in accordance with the additional innocuousness requirements specified in EN ISO 13688: 2013 and include pH value, colour fastness to perspiration, chromium VI, azo colorants, nickel content, and PCPs.