BS EN 1621-2:2014

BSI Standards Publication

Motorcyclists' protective
clothing against mechanical
impact
Part 2: Motorcyclists' back protectors —
Requirements and test methods
BS EN 1621-2:2014 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 1621-2:2014. It
supersedes BS EN 1621-2:2003 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee PH/3/9, Motorcyclists Personal Protective Equipment.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 77774 5
ICS 13.340.10
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 28 February 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 1621-2:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1621-2

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM January 2014

ICS 13.340.10 Supersedes EN 1621-2:2003

English Version

Motorcyclists' protective clothing against mechanical impact -

Part 2: Motorcyclists' back protectors - Requirements and test
methods

Vêtements de protection contre les chocs mécaniques pour Motorradfahrer-Schutzkleidung gegen mechanische
motocyclistes - Partie 2 : Protecteurs dorsaux - Exigences Belastung - Teil 2: Rückenprotektoren - Anforderungen und
et méthodes d'essai Prüfverfahren

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 October 2013.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 1621-2:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
BS EN 1621-2:2014
EN 1621-2:2014 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................5
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................5
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................5
4 Requirements .........................................................................................................................................6
4.1 General ....................................................................................................................................................6
4.2 Innocuousness.......................................................................................................................................6
4.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection .....................................................................................6
4.4 Impact attenuation .................................................................................................................................7
4.5 Ergonomic requirements ......................................................................................................................8
4.6 Sizing and size marking ........................................................................................................................8
5 Test methods and equipment ...............................................................................................................8
5.1 Impact attenuation .................................................................................................................................8
5.1.1 Equipment ..............................................................................................................................................8
5.1.2 Templates ...............................................................................................................................................9
5.1.3 Number of samples............................................................................................................................. 10
5.1.4 Number of tests................................................................................................................................... 10
5.1.5 Procedure ............................................................................................................................................ 10
5.1.6 Tests ..................................................................................................................................................... 12
5.2 Ergonomic assessment ..................................................................................................................... 13
5.2.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 13
5.2.2 Tests ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
5.3 Expression of test results .................................................................................................................. 14
5.4 Test report ........................................................................................................................................... 14
6 Marking ................................................................................................................................................ 14
7 Information supplied by the manufacturer ...................................................................................... 15
Annex A (informative) Method of metrological confirmation....................................................................... 18
A.1 Method of metrological confirmation ............................................................................................... 18
A.2 Reference material .............................................................................................................................. 18
A.3 Preparation of the test sample .......................................................................................................... 18
A.4 Procedure ............................................................................................................................................ 18
A.5 Calculation ........................................................................................................................................... 18
A.6 Precision .............................................................................................................................................. 19
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC ....................................................................................... 20
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

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Foreword

This document (EN 1621-2:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 “Protective
clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by July 2014, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the
latest by July 2014.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 1621-2:2003.

This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).

For relationship with EU Directive 89/686/EEC, see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.

The main technical changes with respect to the 2003 edition are listed below:

— a new shape of protector has been added, the central back protector;

— requirements concerning innocuousness have been added;

— requirements concerning the wet impact test (mandatory) and the high and low temperature impact tests
(optional) have been added;

— the waist to shoulder length shall be specified as a range.

EN 1621 consists of the following parts, under the general title Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against
mechanical impact:

— Part 1: Motorcyclists' limb joint impact protectors — Requirements and test methods

— Part 2: Motorcyclists' back protectors — Requirements and test methods (the present document)
)
— Part 3: Requirements and test methods for chest protectors 1

— Part 4: Motorcyclists' inflatable protectors — Requirements and test methods

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

1) Under development.

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Introduction

Motorcyclist’s back protectors are devices worn within or on top of other protective clothing, covering at least a
portion of the back as corresponding to one of the three shapes of protectors described in the standard.

The performance requirements have been chosen as a best practical compromise between protection,
comfort, and ergonomic requirements. Protectors that are too stiff or heavy will not be worn. The test methods
are designed to provide information on protection against impacts against edges such as kerb stones. The
force levels in the tests do not compare directly with the forces to which riders are exposed in accidents, but
experiences have shown that products meeting the requirements of this European Standard reduce the
incidence and severity of injuries.

This standard accommodates three different typologies of back protector, which are offered to encourage the
adoption of certified protection within the different disciplines of motorcycling and the type of rider. These are
namely full back, central back and lower back (lumbar) protector, the definition of which are provided in
Clause 3.

Two performance levels are specified for motorcyclist's back protectors against impacts. These are level 1 for
protectors designed to give protection whilst having low ergonomic penalties associated with its use and
level 2 for protectors providing an increased protection with respect to level 1. There may be, however, weight
and restriction penalties associated with level 2 protection.

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1 Scope

This European Standard specifies the minimum coverage to be provided by motorcyclists’ back protectors
worn by riders in normal traffic situations. The standard contains the requirements for the performance of the
protectors under impact and details of the test methods. Requirements for sizing, ergonomic requirements,
and requirements for innocuousness, labelling and the provision of information are included.

2 Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.

EN 1621-1, Motorcyclists' protective clothing against mechanical impact - Part 1: Motorcyclists' limb joint
impact protectors - Requirements and test methods

ISO 6487, Road vehicles - Measurement techniques in impact tests - Instrumentation

3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

3.1
full back protector
FB
protective device worn on the back intended to reduce the severity of injuries caused by impacts to the central
back and scapula area

3.2
central back protector
CB
protective device worn on the back intended to reduce the severity of injuries caused by impacts to central
back area

3.3
lower back protector
lumbar protector
LB
protective device worn on the back intended to reduce the severity of injuries caused by impacts to the lumbar
region

3.4
zone of protection
specific area of the protective device that is intended to provide protection

3.5
waist to shoulder length
length measured on the back from the waist line to the junction of the shoulder to the neck at the highest point
(see Figure 1)

Note 1 to entry: The sizing system of back protectors is based on the user's waist to shoulder length, as no consistent
relationship to the body height exists. The dimension is intended to be measured on the body with a tape measure.

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Key
1 waist to shoulder length
2 waist line

Figure 1 — Body dimensions

3.6
waist line
on a subject standing upright, the line in the plane of the waist, 50 mm above the supra-crystal plane which is
at the level of the highest points of the iliac crests

Note 1 to entry: The dimension of 50 mm is an example which refers to a subject of height 1,78 m; it needs to be
scaled pro rata with the height of the actual subject (see following sample data):

Body height (m) 1,56 1,60 1,64 1,68 1,72 1,78 1,82 1,88 1,92 1,96
Distance above iliac crest (mm) 44 45 46 47 48 50 51 53 54 55

4 Requirements

4.1 General

Motorcyclists’ back protectors shall meet an overall requirement that they are safe to use, comfortable to wear
and fit for their purpose.

Back protectors shall be provided with means of restraint and/or adjustments capable to ensure that the
protector is maintained in position during use. This requirement is not applicable for protectors to be inserted
or incorporated into garments. Testing shall be carried out according to 5.2.

4.2 Innocuousness

The innocuousness shall comply with the requirements of EN 1621-1.

4.3 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection

Motorcyclists’ back protectors shall have a minimum zone of protection related to the waist to shoulder
measure of the largest user indicated by the marking. The minimum dimensions of the zone of protection shall
be determined from Table 1, for the upper value of the size range (see 4.6).

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a) Full back protector b) Central back protector c) Lower back protector

Figure 2 — Minimum dimensions of zones of protection

Table 1 — Dimensions of minimum zone of protection for back protector

Dimensions in Figure 2
A B C D E F
72 % 29 % 44 % 29 % 32 % 25 %
NOTE All dimensions refer to the waist to shoulder length (100 %) of the biggest user.

The dimensions and position of the zone of protection, relative to the coverage provided by the whole product,
shall be given in the information supplied by the manufacturer (see Clause 7).

NOTE The minimum dimensions of the zones of protection are usually marked on the specimens during the testing
procedures.

4.4 Impact attenuation

When impact protection is tested in accordance with 5.1.6.1 (ambient impact test), 5.1.6.2 (wet impact test)
and, if required, 5.1.6.3 (high temperature impact test) and/or 5.1.6.4 (low temperature impact test), the
transmitted force shall conform to the values in Table 2. Level 1 or 2 cannot be awarded unless such level is
achieved under all of the claimed test conditions.

Table 2 — Performance levels

Level 1 Level 2
mean value: ≤ 18 kN mean value: ≤ 9 kN
single strike: ≤ 24 kN single strike: ≤ 12 kN

After each test, there shall be no fragmentation of the sample and no sharp edges shall be formed. However,
formation of cracks and loss of soft debris is permissible.

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4.5 Ergonomic requirements

When examined and tested in accordance with 5.2, back protectors shall be found satisfactory for the use
intended for motorcycle as indicated in the information supplied by the manufacturer. The centre line of the
protective area shall be in line with the vertebra; the lower back protector shall cover the lumbar region of the
back. The requirements are fulfilled if all answers to 5.2.2 are “Yes”.

4.6 Sizing and size marking

Motorcyclists’ back protectors shall be marked with their sizing using a pictogram (see Figure 6) in accordance
with Figure 1.

The waist to shoulder length, expressed in centimetres, shall be specified as a range up to max. 5 cm.

Testing is done according to 5.2.

5 Test methods and equipment

5.1 Impact attenuation

5.1.1 Equipment

5.1.1.1 Dropping apparatus

The apparatus shall be such that a mass (“falling weight”) can be released in order to drop along a guided
vertical path onto the sample placed on a test anvil. The centre of the mass of the falling weight shall lie over
the centre of the anvil.

5.1.1.2 Bar impactor

A bar impactor which shall be rectangular with a length, h1, equal to (160 ± 2) mm, a width, h2, at the top,
equal to (50 ± 1) mm and with a cylindrical face with a radius, R, equal to (12,5 ± 0,1) mm shall be provided,
see Figure 3. The mass of the impactor and guided mass shall be (5 000 ± 50) g and its kinetic energy on
impact shall be (50 ± 1,5) J.

Dimensions in millimetres

Figure 3 — Bar impactor

5.1.1.3 Anvil

The anvil shall be made of polished steel with the following dimensions l1 equal to (190 ± 20) mm, l2 equal to
(100 ± 2) mm and r1 equal to (150 ± 5) mm, see Figure 4.

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The anvil shall be attached through a piezoelectric load cell or equivalent force transducer to a mass of at
least 500 kg. The load cell or force transducer shall be preloaded to the manufacturer’s instructions, if
applicable.

Key
1 load cell

Figure 4 — Anvil

5.1.1.4 Force measurement instrumentation

The anvil shall be mounted so that during impact testing the whole force between the anvil and the massive
base of the apparatus passes through a high speed force transducer (for instance piezoelectric quartz
instruments) in line with its sensitive axis. The force transducer shall have frequency response of at least
7 kHz, a calibrated range of not less than 70 kN and a lower threshold of less than 1 kN. The output of the
force transducer shall be processed by a charge amplifier and displayed and recorded on suitable
instruments. The measuring system including the drop assembly shall have a frequency response in
accordance with channel frequency class (CFC) 1 000 of ISO 6487.

5.1.1.5 Tolerance and uncertainty

Measuring instruments or their independent working components, unless otherwise specified, shall have an
error limit of ± 2 % of the pass/fail level of the characteristic being measured.

For each of the required sequences of measurements performed in accordance with this standard a
corresponding estimate of the uncertainty of the final result shall be determined. On request, this uncertainty
(Um) shall be given in the test report in the form Um = ± X. It shall be used in determining whether a “Pass”
performance has been achieved. If the final result plus Um is above the maximum Pass level, the sample shall
be deemed to have failed.

5.1.2 Templates

The dimensions of the minimum zone of protection of the back protector shall comply with Table 1. Templates
(see Figure 2) shall be prepared from a non-fraying (e.g. coated) fabric of a quality which basically maintains
its shape and dimensions during all use. The templates shall be accurately prepared (tolerances ± 2 mm). The
templates shall be used to mark the perimeter of the minimum zone of protection onto the outside of the back
protector with a suitable marker. Inside such marked area, the two weakest points out of the apparently weak
points, or points which appear to offer reduced protection, shall also be marked.

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5.1.3 Number of samples

The number of test samples shall be:

— for ambient impact test: one sample of each size (2 samples in case of a
single size product);

— for wet impact test: one sample of one size;

— for high temperature impact test (optional): one sample of one size;

— for low temperature impact test (optional): one sample of one size.

5.1.4 Number of tests

Five impacts shall be carried out on each test sample using the equipment described in 5.1.1. Three impacts
shall be distributed randomly on the test area. Two impacts shall be done on visually identified weak points (if
there are more than two critical points, choose the worst ones). The centres of the impacts shall be more than
50 mm apart.

5.1.5 Procedure

Back protectors, marked with the perimeter line of the minimum zone of protection and the examination marks
in accordance with 5.1.2, shall be used.

When carrying out impact test, the following two conditions shall be fulfilled:

a) at least 9 cm of the longitudinal axis of the bar impactor (see Figure 5) shall impact inside the template
area;

b) the centre point of the bar impactor shall be at least one centimetre away from the borderline of the
protective area.

Where possible, whole back protectors shall be tested. The sample shall be placed onto the anvil outside
surface upward. If it is necessary to reduce their size to fit within the test equipment, the sample may be cut
and partially removed for testing. In this case, the cross section of the part to be tested shall maintain the
original structure of the whole protector. Any other care should be taken to ensure that the cutting and removal
of parts of the back protector do not affect its performance during the impact tests.

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Dimensions in millimetres

a) Example of allowed impacts

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Dimensions in millimetres

b) Example of not allowed impacts

Figure 5 — Examples of allowed and not allowed impacts

5.1.6 Tests

5.1.6.1 Ambient impact test

The samples shall be conditioned for at least 48 h in an atmosphere with a temperature of (23 ± 2) °C and a
relative humidity of (50 ± 5) %. If the tests are carried out in an atmosphere different to these specified values,
the tests shall be carried out within 5 min after removal from the conditioning atmosphere. If necessary,
recondition the sample immediately for further 45 min to 60 min.

The number of the samples required is given in 5.1.3.

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5.1.6.2 Wet impact test after hydrolytic ageing

Resistance to wet conditions after hydrolytic ageing: store the samples for (72 ± 0,5) h in a closed box above
water maintained at a temperature of (70 ± 2) °C; then remove the sample, close it tightly into a water vapour
proof bag and leave it in ambient temperature of (23 ± 2) °C for another (24 ± 0,5) h. After that, remove the
sample from the bag and start the wet impact tests within 5 min on the previously prepared impact test
machine.

The number of the samples required is given in 5.1.3.

5.1.6.3 High temperature impact test (optional)

Where the manufacturer claims protection at higher ambient temperature:

— The samples shall be conditioned for at least 24 h at (40 ± 2) °C.

— Carry out the impact testing within 2 min after removing the sample from the conditioning environment.
No hit shall be performed after that period.

— If necessary, recondition the sample immediately for further 45 min to 60 min.

The number of the samples required is given in 5.1.3.

5.1.6.4 Low temperature impact test (optional)

Where the manufacturer claims protection at lower ambient temperature:

— The samples shall be conditioned for at least 24 h at (−10 ± 2) °C.

— Carry out the impact testing within 2 min after removing the sample from the freezing chamber. No hit
shall be performed after that period.

— If necessary, within two more minutes start to recondition the sample for a further period of 45 min to
60 min.

The number of the samples required is given in 5.1.3.

5.2 Ergonomic assessment

5.2.1 General

One back protector per size is examined visually for the absence of any sharp edges and/or other design
features that may cause problems. The protector is then put on by an assessor of suitable size with
experience of riding a motorcycle, using, if applicable, the restraint elements supplied with the protector.
Otherwise, suitable fastening means, such as a suitable host garment provided by the manufacturer of the
protector or elastic bands or elastic socks are to be used. The correspondence between the protective area
marked on the back protector and the extent of the body part to be protected shall be checked.

The assessor shall then carry out the following tests.

5.2.2 Tests

To obtain a positive result, all of the following questions need to be answered with “Yes”. Check if the
requirements of 4.5 are fulfilled.

a) Can you get on and off a motorcycle?

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b) Can you comfortably reach the controls of the motorcycle?

c) Can you turn your head and torso when on a motorcycle?

d) While performing the movements of a), b) and c):

1) Can you confirm that the adjustment system, if present, does not cause discomfort?

2) Does the adjustment system, if present, securely hold the protector in place?

5.3 Expression of test results

a) Ambient impact test: detected average and peak values and compliance with 5.1.6.1;

b) wet impact test: detected average and peak values and compliance with 5.1.6.2;

c) high temperature impact test (if claimed): detected average and peak values and compliance with 5.1.6.3;

d) low temperature impact test (if claimed): detected average and peak values and compliance with 5.1.6.4;

e) ergonomic requirements: pass or fail vote.

5.4 Test report

The test report shall include the following information:

a) identification of the back protector(s), including source and date of receipt;

b) the methods used by reference to this European Standard;

c) results of the tests (see 5.3);

d) sex and waist to shoulder length of the ergonomic assessor;

e) if relevant, specific reasons for failure of any of the ergonomic test;

f) any unusual features observed during the tests;

g) date of the test report;

h) period of the execution of the tests;

i) identification of the laboratory carrying out the tests.

6 Marking

Motorcyclists' back protectors shall be permanently and clearly marked with at least the following information:

a) name and/or registered trade mark of the manufacturer or his authorized representative;

b) identification of the product type, commercial name or code;

c) a graphical representation showing:

1) the type of protector:

i) “FB” for full back protector;

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ii) “CB” for central back protector; or

iii) “LB” for lower back protector;

2) the performance level concerning the impact attenuation in accordance with 4.4:

i) “T+” if the high temperature impact test is passed (if the test is not claimed, the space is vacant);

ii) “T-” if the low temperature impact test is passed (if the test is not claimed, the space is vacant).

A suitable graphical representation is shown in Figure 6;

d) a graphical representation showing the size range of the protector (waist to shoulder length as described
in 4.6). A suitable graphical representation is shown in Figure 6;

e) number and year of this European Standard (EN 1621-2:2014);

f) at the discretion of the manufacturer, the graphical symbol according to ISO 7000-1641 (“i” in a book)
may be placed on the protector.

Key
1 protective equipment for motorcycle riders (ISO 7000-2618)
2 category and type of the protector
3 low temperature impact test passed (if the space is vacant, the test is not claimed)
4 high temperature impact test passed (if the space is vacant, the test is not claimed)
5 performance level (see 4.4)

Figure 6 — Example of marking of a protector according to Clause 6, list entries c), d) and e)

7 Information supplied by the manufacturer

Motorcyclists back protectors shall be supplied with information and instructions for fitting, use and
maintenance. These are an essential part of protective equipment. They shall contain at least the following
information in the official language(s) of the state or region in which they are placed on the market.

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The following information shall be given:

a) name and full address of the manufacturer and/or his authorized representative;

b) type of use for which the protector is intended including any relevant restrictions;

c) hazards specific to motorcycling against which some protection is given;

d) hazards specific to motorcycling against which protection is NOT given;

e) care instructions and/or international care symbols;

f) product identification in accordance with above b) and c);

g) number of the European Standard and year of publication (EN 1621-2:2014);

h) explanation of the pictogram and other symbols used;

i) instruction for use:

1) fitting, how to put on and off, if relevant;

2) performance of impact attenuation not better than as recorded during technical tests;

3) limitations on use (e.g. temperature range, exchange after being exposed to an impact, ageing);

4) instructions for storage and maintenance;

5) instruction for cleaning;

6) appropriate warning against problems which could arise from particular properties or misuse, or
alteration or ageing of the protector (e.g. cutting off parts, chemical contaminations);

7) if helpful illustrations, part numbers, etc. shall be added;

j) the type of packaging suitable for transport if relevant;

k) all the information required in Clause 6, including explanation of the elements and performance levels
detailed on the marking;

l) instruction on how to adjust the back protector and the restraint system, if applicable;

m) a warning about any changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature, that would significantly
reduce the performance of the back protector;

n) dimensions of the zone of protection, relative to the coverage provided by the whole product;

Warning: no scapula protection in case of central back protector;

Warning: no upper back protection in case of lumbar protector;

o) information on the selection of the correct size of the device; including the information that one single size
cannot fit all body dimensions (height and shape) and a warning to avoid choosing too big of a protector
because interference with helmet may occur, resulting in a dangerous riding condition:

The information of the note of Definition 3.5 may be given to the users;

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p) a warning that no back protector can offer full protection against injury;

q) a specific warning that spinal injuries will not be prevented by the back protector;

r) a warning about any contamination, alteration to the back protector, or misuse that would dangerously
reduce the performance of the back protector;

s) instructions for caring and cleaning the back protector;

t) instructions concerning inspection and repair of the back protector, when to replace it and how to decide
if it no longer provides adequate protection.

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Annex A
(informative)

Method of metrological confirmation

A.1 Method of metrological confirmation

This method aims at checking if the impact machines are properly set up and if the impacts values are
reproducible using a common reference material. This method is not to be considered as a “calibration
method”.

A.2 Reference material

The reference sample is made up of 5 layers of rubber, each having 5 mm ± 0,5 mm thickness and a square
shape of about 25 cm x 25 cm. The layers are kept together at their borders with suitable means (e.g. clips), in
a way which does not cause tensions or deformations to the functional part of the sample.

NOTE The rubber 2) is a NR-BR rubber (Natural Rubber–Butadiene Rubber) with the following basic characteristics:
3
Hardness [Shore A] 65 ± 5 - Specific gravity [g/cm ] 1.13 ± 0.03 - Colour Black - Tensile strength [MPa] 20 minimum -
Elongation at break [%] 350 minimum - Tear strength [N/mm] 70 minimum.

The reference rubber material shall be kept in a cool, dry and dark environment in a completely closed
protective cover (e.g. polyethylene bag). It shall be replaced in case of visible damage.

A.3 Preparation of the test sample

Test sample shall be conditioned at ambient temperature in accordance with 5.1.6.1.

A.4 Procedure

Apply the impact test in accordance with Clause 5.1. Adjust the falling height of the dropping mass to make
sure the hit will occur at the required speed. Theoretical speed is = 2 gh . Check the right position of the
speed sensor: if the sensor measures the speed 2,5 cm above the impact, the theoretical speed is
2 × 9,81 × (1,02 − 0,025) = 4,42 m/s. The rubber sample shall be hit in the central part; 8 impacts shall be
performed.

A.5 Calculation

The average value of 8 impacts is expressed in kilo Newton and shall be 10,5 kN ± 1,0 kN.

2) Natural Rubber-Butadiene Rubber is the trade name of a product supplied by Tovo Gomma SpA Bedizzole – Brescia-
Italy with the commercial name “Super antiabrasion type 1002”. This information is given for the convenience of users of
this European Standard and does not constitute an endorsement by CEN of the product named. Equivalent products may
be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

18
 BS EN 1621-2:2014
EN 1621-2:2014 (E)

A.6 Precision

A.6.1 Interlaboratory test

Method and requirements result from a round robin test involving 8 laboratories having calibrated impact
machines. Precision details of an interlaboratory test involving 8 laboratories having calibrated impact
machines are summarized in Table A.1.

Table A.1 — Results of interlaboratory test to compare the different impact machines

Reference to EN Average Standard Deviation Laboratory

[kN] [kN]
EN 1621–2 10,31 0,06 Laboratory 1
EN 1621–2 10,43 0,14 Laboratory 2
EN 1621–2 9,31 0,20 Laboratory 4
EN 1621–2 10,33 0,13 Laboratory 5
EN 1621–2 11,85 0,13 Laboratory 6
EN 1621–2 10,56 0,25 Laboratory 8
EN 1621–2 11,34 0,12 Laboratory 9
EN 1621–2 10,13 0,15 Laboratory 10
Total Average: Total Standard Deviation
10,53 kN 0,77 kN

A.6.2 Repeatability

The absolute difference between two independent single test results, obtained using the same method on
identical test material in the same laboratory, by the same operator, using the same equipment within a short
interval of time, in more than 95 % of cases, is not greater than …% of the arithmetic mean of the two results.

A.6.3 Reproducibility

The absolute difference between two single test results, obtained using the same method on identical test
material in different laboratories with different operators using different equipment, is not in more than 5 % of
cases greater than ...% of the arithmetic mean of the two results.

19
BS EN 1621-2:2014
EN 1621-2:2014 (E)

Annex ZA
(informative)

Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential

Requirements of EU Directive 89/686/EEC

This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of the
New Approach Directive 89/686/EEC.

Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union under that Directive and has been
implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the clauses of this
standard given in Table ZA.1 confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of
conformity with the corresponding Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA regulations.

Table ZA.1 — Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive 89/686/EEC

Clause(s)/subclause(s) Essential Requirements (ERs) of

Qualifying remarks/Notes
of this EN Directive 89/686/EEC, Annex II
4.5 1.1.1 Ergonomics
4.4 1.1.2.2. Classes of protection
appropriate to different levels of
risk
4.5 1.1.2.1. Highest level of protection
possible
4.3 1.2.1 Absence of risks and other
“inherent” nuisance factors
4.2 1.2.1.1 Suitable constituent materials
4.5 1.2.1.2 Satisfactory surface condition
of all PPE parts in contact with the
user
4.5 1.2.1.3 Maximum permissible user
impediment
Clause 7 1.4 Information supplied by the
manufacturer
Clause 6 2.12 PPE bearing one or more
identification or recognition marks
directly or indirectly relating to health
and safety
4.4 3.1.1 Impact caused by falling or
projecting objects and collision of
parts of the body with obstacles

WARNING —Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling
within the scope of this standard.

20
 BS EN 1621-2:2014
EN 1621-2:2014 (E)

Bibliography

[1] EN ISO 1183-1, Plastics - Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics - Part 1:
Immersion method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1)

[2] ISO 34 (all parts), Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Determination of tear strength

[3] ISO 37, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Determination of tensile stress-strain properties

[4] ISO 1658, Natural rubber (NR) - Evaluation procedure

[5] ISO 7000, Graphical symbols for use on equipment - Registered symbols

[6] ISO 7619 (all parts), Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic - Determination of indentation hardness

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