Campaign to keep your head intact

A recent study revealed that nearly 80 per cent of cycle helmets examined did not have the correct marking or information that should accompany a cycle helmet.

The market surveillance exercise was carried out by Craigavon Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department and other councils throughout Northern Ireland.

Tests indicated that while the requirements for shock absorption capacity and effectiveness of the retention system were mostly being met, 77% failed in relation to marking and/or information supplied by the manufacturer.

As a result of the findings, leaflets and posters have been designed to provide customers with safety information when choosing and wearing helmets.

Chair of the Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Jonny McGibbon, commented: “Over 200 adults and 73 children were injured while cycling on roads in 2009. It is therefore essential that you buy a helmet which meets all the required safety regulations and displays the correct information.”

He added: “Craigavon Borough Council is issuing leaflets and posters to retailers and the general public showing them what they should be looking for in a good cycle helmet. With cycle helmets being marketed as safety equipment, the lack of marking or information is very concerning. We hope this promotional material will help address the widespread deficiency in regard to marking and labelling issues.”

Audrey McClune, Head of Environmental Health at Craigavon Borough Council, said: “When choosing a helmet you should always look for the CE mark, the EU standard number (BS EN 1078:1997) on the box and helmet, the name and/or trademark of the manufacturer, information that is a helmet for cyclists (not skateboarders, etc), the size in centimetres, the weight and the year and quarter of manufacture.”

Action taken as a result of the findings included local withdrawal of products, liaison with other enforcement agencies and further testing. The results have also been presented to the Department of Business, innovation and Skills in London and to European colleagues in Prague. Other European countries plan to use the findings for their own market surveillance projects.

Further information in relation to the study and the promotional material can be found at www.keepyourheadintact.co.uk