Riot Helmets and Faceshield Protection

1.1 This Standard applies to helmets and faceshields intended to provide protection to the heads and faces of law correctional officers and enforcement personnel from blows with blunt objects (e.g., rocks, stones, glass bottles, pipes, baseball bats, and wooden planks; see Annex B for typical energies for some of these objects) during riots, inmate control situations, and in any other situations in which there is a threat of violent attack to the head and face. Protection from chemical burns resulting from caustic materials splashed on the face and head is also covered.

1.2 The scope of this Standard is limited to riot helmets and faceshields. It should be noted that such head protectors are not necessarily designed to offer protection against ballistic missiles. Manufacturers that wish to claim ballistic properties for their head protectors should reference NIJ 0106.01.

1.3 All protective equipment covered by this Standard consists of two parts: a) a helmet or shell with a nape (rear neck) guard for protection of the head and neck; and b) a visor with a visor-mounting for protection of the face. (See Annex A for advice on the selection, care, and use of this equipment.)

1.4 Communications systems and respirators, often associated with riot helmets, are not addressed in this Standard.

1.5 In CSA Standards, "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 figureand may be written as requirements. Legends to equations and figures are considered requirements.