After quite a bit of research and interviews with SEI and several major helmet
manufacturers, here is the answer to your question.
For riding helmets, US Pony Club has four requirements a helmet must meet
before it is considered safe for a member to wear:
1) The condition of the helmet must be excellent.
2) The helmet must fit correctly. (see 2007 HM Rulebook, Appendix H for
further discussion)
3) It has an SEI/ASTM approval sticker somewhere in the helmet
4) It has a manufacturers label somewhere on the helmet.
The material condition of the helmet must not be compromised in any way. One
fall can compress the helmet's internal lining and materials used to absorb
the concussion of contact with a rigid object (ie: the ground) and once
compressed it does not spring back. When this happens the helmet looses the
ability to absorb any more impact and should be replaced immediately. Most
manufacturers replace helmets at a reduced cost so keep your receipt and box,
check individual manufacturers for their policies.
Helmets exposed to heated conditions, like the trunk of a car, can also
quickly alter the material condition of the helmet.
The American Society For Testing And Materials is an international standards
organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical
standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. They
set the standards. The Safety Equipment Institute does the actual testing of
helmets submitted by manufacturers and determines if they meet the standards.
In Pony Club terms, the Standards and Ratings Committee develops the riding
standards, and the National Examiners test candidates against them.
According to the Safety Equipment Institute, the age of the helmet is
immaterial as long as it's material condition is excellent. Their
certification does not expire. The current ASTM Standard is F1163-
04a (meaning the last time it was revised was 2004). The revision before that
was 2001, and the difference between 2001 and 2004 was a slight change to the
retention system requirements.
Helmet manufacturers are required to keep their liability insurance in place
as long as their products are on the market. Manufacturers may also set a
'Shelf Life' for their products, usually five years.
This is based on expected use, exposure to the elements, treatment of the
helmet and potential for unseen material deterioration.
Examples: If a helmet is date stamped '2008', carries the SEI/ASTM label, but
does not fit or has been damaged a member will not be allowed to ride in it.
If a helmet is date stamped '2002', carries
the SEI/ASTM label, and is in excellent condition and fits correctly they will
be allowed to ride in it.
So the answer to your question is no, there is no expiration date on ASTM/SEI
certified helmets.
Here is a link to the Troxel helmet website Frequently Asked Questions page
that is a good example of a manufacturer'
s
guidelines:
http://www.troxelhelmets.com/service/faq.php
USPC is very serious about helmet safety and educating our members and their
families. Membership on the Digests changes frequently and the Horse
Management Committee is happy to repeat, clarify, and discuss this issue
whenever there is a question. The answers will not change, and we are very
patient.
With regards,
Mary Waldman
Chair, USPC Horse Management Committee
