Hip protectors

1.1 General

This Standard specifies testing and labelling requirements for hip protectors used to reduce the risk of hip fracture in the event of a fall.

Annex A provides a test method for measuring the effect of a hip protector in reducing the force to the proximal femur during a simulated fall. The test method is applicable both to hip protectors that are designed to withstand a single impact and be replaced, and to hip protectors that are designed to withstand multiple impacts. The test method does not identify specific pass/fail criteria for hip protectors; instead, it describes test methods for measuring the force attenuation number that this Standard recommends manufacturers specify in the labelling of hip protectors (see Clause 4.1).

1.2 Intended users

This Standard is intended to be used by manufacturers in the design of hip protectors, and consumers in the selection of hip protectors. Consumers include older adults and their families and care providers; individuals who could be at risk for hip fracture due to bone disease or conditions that cause frequent falls; managers of care and people who deliver care in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities; individuals involved in selecting or purchasing these devices; and researchers who are studying hip protectors.

1.3 Terminology

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (nonmandatory) to define their application.