Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/745428
on the ice, especially when there is the risk of contact. Helmets have been found to prevent head injuries during activities such as hockey, stick time, Learn to Skate classes and public skate sessions. As a rink operator, you recognize this and feel the need to do something. Many rinks make the choice to provide helmets (for free or rent) to skaters attending classes or open skate sessions. While helmets are essential for protecting skaters, rink operators should weigh the pros and cons of providing helmets. To provide or not? The choice to provide helmets should not be taken lightly. If you elect to provide helmets, you are responsible for ensuring this piece of equipment is safe, appropri- ate for the activity, and in good working condition. Of the hundreds of ice rinks I have visited, many facilities will provide "lost and found" helmets to skaters. These bins usually contain left behind hockey, ice skating and bicycle helmets. While this is an admirable gesture, you have clear responsi- bilities when providing a piece of protective equipment to a patron. Here's what you need to consider when providing helmets: • Is the helmet appropriate for the activity? • Do you have an adequate supply for skaters who request or need them? • Does the helmet properly fit the skater? • Are the helmets cleaned and inspected before each use? • Have you communicated the assumption of risk to skaters who use your helmets? As you can see, by providing helmets you are essentially taking on an equipment supply and maintenance program. This puts the burden on you for managing the helmets you provide. What activities call for the use of helmets? The likelihood of a head injury on ice is highest while playing hockey. Appropriate equipment and proper fitting are critical. Rinks that loan or rent helmets for hockey must ensure that the helmets meet USA Hockey requirements, fit properly and are in good working condition. USA Hockey has strict helmet require- ments for any player participating in a USA Hockey sanctioned event. The helmet must be HECC certified and within the expira- tion date or it cannot be used. If you pro- vide helmets to hockey players you could be held responsible for the condition of the helmet if there is an injury. This is not recommended for rink operators due to the liability. The selection, fit and maintenance of helmets used for hockey should be left to the teams and their players. Many rinks provide helmets for Learn to Skate, broomball and other rink-sponsored activities. Hockey helmets are ideal for ice skating since they are designed to endure multiple impacts. If you chose to provide these helmets, you need to ensure they are in good condition and are currently certified according to the above referenced standard. You are also responsible for checking your helmets for recalls. The CPSC will issue recalls for helmets. Unfortunately, many rinks provide their patrons with lost-and-found helmets where the condition and history of the helmet is unknown. Many are missing the certification tag and may no longer be safe to use. If you choose to provide helmets to skaters, we recommend you purchase the appropriate helmets that meet the highest and most current standards to ensure they are safe to use and in proper working condition. Helmet selection and fit If you chose to provide helmets to skaters, you need to ensure you have an adequate supply of helmets in all sizes so that no skater goes without one. The scenario where you have 10 skaters in a class but only eight helmets that fit poses a problem. Which skaters are "not worthy" of a helmet? Can you see the dilemma? Helmets must be properly fitted for every skater. A poor-fitting helmet provides no "IF YOU ELECT TO PROVIDE HELMETS, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ENSURING THIS PIECE OF EQUIPMENT IS SAFE, APPROPRIATE FOR THE ACTIVITY, AND IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION." *A helmet that complies with this standard is designed to withstand more than one moderate impact, but protection is provided for only a limited number of impacts. Replace if visibly damaged (e.g., a cracked shell or crushed liner) and/or when directed by the manufacturer. THE CONSUMER PRODUCTS SAFETY COMMISSION (CPSC) PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING HELMETS FOR SKATING: BICYCLE: HOCKEY: SKATEBOARD: SKI: CPSC, ASTM F1447, Snell B-90/95 or N-94 NOCSAE ND030; ASTM F1045 ASTM F1492*, Snell N-94* ASTM F2040, Snell RS-98 or S-98 STARRINKS.COM NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2016 / 39