Coroners Comments Riding Hats
The BHS reiterates importance of best head safety gear in
the light of coroner's remarks
The importance of wearing an approved standard riding helmet
has been stressed again by The British Horse Society - after
an inquest into the death of a rider.
Late in 2003 a rider, who is not being named, tragically
died after an unexplained fall from her horse.
After an inquest, the Coroner wrote to The British Horse
Society about the case because it had become apparent that
the helmet worn by the rider was manufactured in 1987, making
it 16 years old and an obsolete standard.
Sheila Hardy, Senior Executive in the BHS's Safety Department,
said it was important that riders regularly review their protective
riding hear wear as standards are continually under review.
She said: "Advances in materials and design methods
have allowed helmets to be developed to a higher performance
level. Standards are constantly being revised as materials
improve."
Mrs Hardy said: "Materials such as polystyrene disintegrate
in time, but most important of all, hats must be treated with
respect if they are to protect the head. If a hat is left
in the sun, or on a radiator to dry, the materials may become
brittle, resulting in a loss of efficiency.
"Once a hat has been involved in a fall, it is advisable
that it be replaced as it will have lost some of its cushioning
powers, which may be required to protect the head in a subsequent
fall."
A new British Standard has just been announced for high performance
head gear, BSEN 14572:2005, although as yet no manufacturer
is offering a hat to this standard.
This new high performance helmet standard will offer greater
protection
from side impacts and will be aimed at competition riders.
Helmets in
accordance with BSEN 14572:2005 are intended for use in high-risk
activities, and not to supersede the current EN1384:1996 and
BSEN1384:1997.
Although not a legal requirement for all riders, The British
Horse Society strongly recommends that every rider should
wear a helmet that complies with current approved standards.
These include; EN 1384:1996; BSEN 1384:1997; PAS 015 1998;
ASTM F1163; or a higher standard such as Snell E2001 or BSEN
14572:2005.
While wearing a helmet cannot always prevent head injury,
it can significantly reduce the risk.
|