File S702-23
June 1, 2010
To: Hockey Canada
From: CSA Technical Committee on Equipment and Facilities for Ice
Hockey
Re: Hockey Helmet Certification and Life-span
Virtually all hockey helmets sold in Canada bear 3 stickers indicating third-party
testing and certification of the helmet because of the need for manufacturers to
meet the mandated standards within 3 jurisdictions. The certification marks
include the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification label which must
appear on all helmets sold in Canada that are intended for use in ice hockey; the
Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) certification sticker which is
mandatory for hockey helmets in the United States; and the European Union’s
required CE marker for hockey helmets intended for sale and use in Europe.
The sale of hockey helmets is regulated in Canada by Health Canada under the
Hazardous Products Act. Hockey Canada, however, only permits the use of
hockey helmets certified to CSA Standard Z262.1 for all players under its
jurisdiction.
Some confusion has arisen over the HECC certification stickers on hockey
helmets sold in Canada because they bear a time limit. This time limit is related
only to the length of certification (originally 5 years but changed recently to 6.5
years) granted by HECC for a given helmet, and is not an indication of the life-
span of a hockey helmet. HECC certified hockey helmets are mandated for
players playing under the jurisdiction of USA Hockey. The HECC certification
sticker does not apply in Canada. The only certification sticker that should be
verified for play under the jurisdiction of Hockey Canada is the presence of the
CSA certification label on the helmet.
….2
5060 Spectrum Way, Suite 100, Mississauga ON Canada L4W 5N6 Tel 416.747.4000 Fax 416.747.2473
The life-span of a hockey helmet is not easy to determine. Many factors,
including the amount and type of use, care and maintenance, storage, etc.,
determine a hockey helmet’s life-span. Consumers should exercise good
judgment as to the suitability of a hockey helmet for play. Helmets that are
cracked, have loose fitting or missing liner pieces, or that have been subjected to
a severe blow should be replaced.
The CSA certification label provides assurances that a hockey helmet performs
in accordance with CSA Standard Z262.1. For a hockey helmet to function
effectively, it must be in very good working order and worn properly in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sincerely,
Ian Brodie, MSc.
Project Manager
Canadian Standards Association
Tel: 416-747-2670
Email: ian.brodie@csa.ca
