Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/745428
protection and can exacerbate an injury if a fall or hit occurs. Employees who provide helmets to skaters must be educated on how to fit each and every helmet. Helmet inspection Helmets must be inspected after each use and documented on a log. Check for cracks, missing parts and damaged padding. Helmets involved in severe impacts need to be removed from use. Your log should note the date, name of inspector, cleaning of helmet and helmet features checked. These logs serve as your proof that the helmet has been inspected and that it is safe for use. Additionally, helmets have an expiration date. On the back of every hockey helmet is an HECC certification sticker with an expiration date. Hockey Equipment Certification Council (HECC) is the certifying agency for hockey helmets at the time of manufacture for up to five years. Helmets used beyond the expiration date can degrade to an unsafe level and should not be used. Helmet disinfecting Helmets must be cleaned after every use. Use a disinfectant that kills germs without degrading helmet materials. There are several disinfectants on the market designed for cleaning sports helmets. Head lice are another concern with helmets, although this is rare since they require human hair to survive. Decontamination is as simple as placing the helmet in a freezer or a sealed bag for 24 hours. What if I don't provide helmets? At the heart of providing helmets is a rink operator who is concerned for the well-being of the customer. No one wants to turn away a customer who does not have a helmet. What can a rink operator do? First, communicate clearly if helmets are required or recommended for you rink's activities. Your website, brochures and other notices can serve as a way to get the word out. Do you have a pro shop? Then you can direct patrons there to find the gear they need. Any of these actions can help set up your customers for a successful experience at the rink. A final word I see numerous injuries from coaches and rink employees on the ice who are seriously hurt by a flying puck or stick. They are not immune to injuries and the likelihood of impact to the head from inexperienced players is common. I strongly recommend that ice rinks have a policy whereby helmets are required by everyone on the ice whenever there is an active puck. Why should coaches risk being seriously injured, forfeit their passion to coach and disrupt their team's progress when head injuries can be avoided by wearing a helmet? J Dan Foster is the Risk Manager for Safehold Special Risk's Sports and Entertainment Insurance Program. , If you opt to provide helmets, make sure you have enough for every potential skater that goes on the ice. 40 / NOVEMBER.DECEMBER.2016 RINKMAGAZINE.COM