FINAL DRAFT UGANDA 
STANDARD  
  FDUS 774  
Second Edition  
2011 -mm-dd 
 
 
 Reference number  
FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011   
  
Protective h elmet s for motorcyclists — Specification  
 FDUS 774: 2011  
ii © UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  
 Compliance with this standard does not, of itself confer immunity from legal obligations  
A Uganda Standard does not purport to include all necessary provisions of a contract. Users are 
responsible for  its correct application  
© UNBS 20 11  
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any 
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without prior writ ten 
permission from UNBS.  
Requests for permission to reproduce this document should be addressed to  
The Executive Director  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
P.O. Box 6329  
Kampala  
Uganda  
Tel: 256 41 4 505 995  
Fax: 256 41 4 286 123  
E-mail: unbs@infocom.co.ug  
Web: www.unbs.go.ug  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  iii 
 Contents  Page 
Foreword  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............................  v 
1 Scope  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ......................  1 
2 Normative references  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  1 
3 Terms and definitions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  1 
4 General requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........................  3 
4.1 Materials  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  3 
4.2 Projections  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  4 
4.3 Retention system  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 4 
5 Test requirements  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ . 4 
5.1 General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  4 
5.2 Sampl es for testing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  4 
5.3 Extent of protection  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............................  4 
5.4 Peripheral vision  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 4 
5.5 Penetration resistance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........................  4 
5.6 Effectiveness of retention system  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 4 
5.7 Strength of retention system  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
5.8 Shock absorption  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 5 
5.9 Helmet labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 5 
6 Test method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  5 
6.1 Conditioning environments  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
6.1.1  General  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  5 
6.1.2  Ambient conditioning  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  5 
6.1.3  Low temperature conditioning  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  5 
6.1.4  Elevated temperature condition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  5 
6.1.5  Water immersion condition  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  5 
6.2 Test head forms  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 5 
6.3 Marking the test line  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  7 
6.4 Test schedule  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  8 
6.5 Peripheral vision test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............................  8 
6.6 Penetration resistance test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  10 
6.6.1  Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  10 
6.6.2  Method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
6.7 Retention system effectiveness test  ................................ ................................ ................................ . 10 
6.7.1  Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  10 
6.7.2  Method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  10 
6.8 Retention system strength test  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  11 
6.8.1  Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  11 
6.8.2  Method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  12 
6.9 Shock absorption test  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........................  12 
6.9.1  Apparatus  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  12 
6.9.2  System verification  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............................  14 
6.9.3  Helmet i mpact test locations  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  14 
6.9.4  Method  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  14 
7 Labelling, warnings and instructions  ................................ ................................ ................................  15 
7.1 Labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  15 
7.1.1  Helmet labelling  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 15 
7.1.2  Warnings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  15 
7.1.3  Packaging  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  16 
7.2 Instructions  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  16 FDUS 774: 2011  
iv © UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  
 8 Test report  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  16 
Bibliography  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................................ .....................  17 
 FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  v 
 Foreword  
Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) is a parastatal under the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and 
Industry established under Cap 327 , of the Laws of Uganda.  UNBS is mandated to co -ordinate  the 
elaboration of standards and is  
(a) a member of International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and  
(b) a contact point for the WHO/FAO Codex Alimentarius Commission on Food Standards, and  
(c) the National Enquiry Point on TBT/SPS Agreements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).  
The work of preparing Uganda Standards is carried out through Technical Committees. A Technical 
Committee is established to deliberate on standards in a given field or area and consists of representatives of 
consumers, traders, ac ademicians, manufacturers, government and other stakeholders.  
Draft Uganda Standards adopted by the Technical Committee are widely circulated to stakeholders and the 
general public for comments. The committee reviews the comments before recommending the dr aft standards 
for approval and declaration as Uganda Standards by the National Standards Council.  
Committee membership  
The following organisations were represented on the Transport and communication standards Technical 
Committee during the development of t his standard:  
 Dynamic Research Inc.  
 Global Helmet Vaccine Ini tiative  
 Federation of International Automobile Foundation  
 Makerere University  
 Uganda National Bureau of Standards  
 Uganda Police Force  FDUS 774: 2011  
vi © UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  
 Introduction  
Road traffic crash injuries are a major public  health crisis and a leading cause of death and injury around the 
world. Nearly 1.3c million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes, and an additional 50 million 
are injured or disabled (WHO, 2004). Approximately 90% of these fatalities a nd injuries occur in low and 
middle -income countries, inflicting pain and suffering on individuals, families and communities. In addition, 
road traffic crashes represent a tremendous burden on the health care system and developing economies.  
Already consid ered a problem of significant  proportion, the situation is set to worsen, with estimates that by 
2030 road crashes will be the fifth leading cause of death, topping 2.4 million fatalities per year unless 
corrective action is taken (WHO 2009).  
In response t o the growing level of road trauma, the United Nations passed a resolution declaring a Decade 
of Action for Road Safety commencing in 2011. The decade of Action for Road Safety calls for the 
implementation of effective countermeasures to combat risk factor s associated with road traffic crashes, such 
as motorcycle helmet use.  
In many low -income and medium -income countries, where motorcycles and bicycles are an increasingly 
common means of transport, users of two -wheeled vehicles compromise a large proportio n of those injured or 
killed on the roads. Motorcycle and bicycle riders are highly vulnerable road users, as they often share traffic 
space with fast -moving cars, buses and trucks, and also because they are less visible. In addition, their lack of 
physica l protection puts them at high risk of injury if they are involved in a collision.  
In high -income countries, motorcycle fatalities typically comprise 5% to 18% of overall of traffic fatalities 
(Koornstra et al., 29002 AND Mohan, D., 2002). However, in low -income and middle -income countries, car 
ownership and use rates are generally much lower, as such use of motorcycles and other two -wheeled 
vehicles is typically high. For example, the 2010 Traffic accident report from the National Traffic safety 
Committee in Vietnam reports that two -wheeled vehicles comprises 94% of the country’s motorized vehicle 
fleet. The situation is similar in many other countries in the region.  
Reflecting this difference, the levels of motorcycle rider fatalities as a proportion of th ose injured on the roads 
are typically higher in low to middle -income countries than in high -income countries (Table A). For example, in 
China, motorcycle ownership grew rapidly between 1987 and 2001 from 23%v to 63%, with a corresponding 
increase in the p roportion of traffic fatalities sustained by motorcyclists rising from 7.5% to 19% over the same 
period (Zhang et al. 2004). Similarly, in Thailand approximately 70% to 90% of traffic fatalities involve 
motorcyclists (Suryawonmgpaisal and Kanchanusut, 2003 ). However, in many low to middle -income 
countries, a lack of high quality traffic data means that precise levels of motorcycle rider fatalities remain 
unknown. Nevertheless, helmets have been scientifically proven to reduce fatalities and the frequency an d 
security of head injuries from road traffic crashes.  
Head injuries are a leading cause of death and disability  
Injuries to the head and neck are the main cause of death,  severe injury and disability among users of 
motorcycles and bicycles. In European co untries, an investigation into effectiveness of motorcycle helmets 
found out that head injuries contribute to approximately 75% of the deaths among motorize two -wheeled 
vehicle users (European Commission COST 327 Report, 2001); in some low to medium income  countries 
head injuries are estimated to account for up to 88% fatalities (Umar,2002). The social costs of head injuries 
for survivors, their families and companies are high, in part because they frequently require specialized or long 
term care. Blincoe e t al. (2002) have reported that head injuries also result in much higher medical costs than 
any other type of injury, as these injuries exert a high toll on a country’s health care costs and its economy.  
Globally, the use of motorcycles and bicycles is ris ing, particularly in Asia. This rapid growth in the use of 
motorcycles in many low and middle -income countries is already being accompanied by a considerable 
increase in the number of head injuries and fatalities that will only continue to increase if pres ent trends 
continue unchecked.  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  vii 
 
 
Table A: Distribution of injuries across regions according to low income (LIC), middle  income country 
(MIC), and high income country (HIC)  
(Source: WHO Global Status Report on Road Safety, 2009)  
Helmet affordability  
Helmets  have been proven to reduce the likelihood of severe injury from road traffic crashes by 69% and to 
reduce the likelihood of fatality by 42% (Liu et al. 2008). Mandatory helmet laws have naturally increased 
helmet use rates, however, use rates remain low i n countries that do not have such laws.  
Lack of awareness and affordability contribute to low helmet use rates. A study of the affordability of helmets 
in 18 countries demonstrates that in low -income countries, helmets are unaffordable for the majority of the 
population. For example, in low -income countries with an hourly wage of 3USD or less, nearly 20 hours of 
factory work would be necessary to purchase a single motorcycle helmet (Hendrie et al. 2004). Given other 
more basic needs such as food, clothing a nd housing, it is not surprising that helmet use remain low in these 
countries. The availability of an affordable and effective motorcycle helmet in low and middle -income countries 
would certainly improve the current road safety situation in these countrie s.  
 
 FDUS 774: 2011  
viii © UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  
 How a helmet works  
A helmet aims to decrease the risk of serious head and brain injuries by reducing the impact of a force or 
collision to the head.  
A helmet works in 3 ways:  
 It prevents direct contact between the skull and the impacting object by ac ting as a mechanical barrier 
between the head and the object.  
 It spreads the forces of the impact t over a greater surface area so that they are not concentrated on 
particular areas of the skull.  
 It reduces the deceleration of the skull, and hence the brai n movement, by absorbing energy and 
managing the impact. The soft material incorporated in the helmet absorbs impact energy and 
therefore reduces the magnitude of the forces transmitted to the skull and brain. This reduced force 
brings the head to a halt m ore slowly is a  significantly reduced risk of damage to the neutral tissues.  
These three functions are achieved by combining the properties of four (4) basic components of the helmet as 
described below (see Figure A).  
 
Figure A: Helmet Components  
(Source : WHO Helmet Manual, 2006)  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  ix 
 The shell  
This is the strong outer surface of the helmet that distributes the impact over a large surface area, and 
therefore reduces the local forces applied to the skull and brain. Although the shell is tough, it is designed t o 
deform when it hits anything hard. It provides protection against direct penetration and it also protects the 
energy absorbing padding inside the helmet from abrasions and knocks during daily use.  
The impact -absorbing liner  
This is made of a soft, crusha ble padded material – usually expanded polystyrene. This layer cushions and 
absorbs the shock by deforming and crushing as helmeted head comes to a stop. Effective motorcycles 
helmets have at least 20 mm of energy absorbing material, anything less than thi s and the possibility of liner 
“bottoming” or complete liner crush is too great. When the liner is completely crushed, it is no longer capable 
of absorbing impact energy and consequently, all energy is transmitted directly to the skull and brain.  
The comfo rt padding  
This is the soft foam -and-cloth layer that sits next to the head. It is important to maintain the proper fit of the 
helmet, particularly during normal use on a motorcycle. The comfort padding limits helmet movement and 
ensures that the helmet wi ll remain on the head in the event of an impact.  
The retention system  
The retention system is the primary helmet component that will keep the helmet on the head in a crash. The 
retention system typically consists of some type of webbing that has either a d -ring or quick release 
attachment system for securing the helmet to the head. Retention systems are specifically designed to keep 
the helmet on during an impact, consequently, it must be used properly in order for the helmet to function as 
designed. One of  the most significant problems related to helmet wearing is proper use of the retention 
system. Research has found out that too many riders either o not fasten the retention system properly 
(Kasantikul,  2004).  
 
Helmet use is effective at reducing head inju ries 
Wearing a helmet is the most effective method of reducing head injuries and fatalities resulting from 
motorcycle crashes. A systematic review of 523 studies on the effectiveness of motorcycle helmets is 
summarized in the table below (Liu, et al. 2008) . 
 
Effect of not wearing a helmet  Effect of wearing a helmet  
Increases the risk of sustaining a head injury  Decreases the risk and severity of injuries by about 
72% 
Increases the severity of head injuries  Decreases the likelihood of death by about 39%, with 
the probability depending on the speed of the 
motorcycle involved  
Increases the time spent in the hospital  decreases the costs of health care associated with 
crashes  
Increases the likelihood of dying from a head injury   
 
 FINAL DRAFT UGANDA STANDARD  FDUS 774: 2011  
 
© UNBS  2011 – All rights reserved  1 
 Protective h elmet  for mot orcyclists — Specification  
1 Scope  
This Final Draft Uganda Standard specifies requirements for helmets intended to provide protection for riders 
and passengers of motorcycles and motorcycles with side cars excluding participants in competitive events. 
The h elmet has no restrictions pertaining to any particular style of motorcycle helmet other than the 
requirement that all motorcycle styles ( for example,  full face, jet, open face, ventilated, etc.) claiming to meet 
this standard shall meet performance require ments specified in this standard. Th is standard defines the areas 
of the head that are to be protected for single impact injuries. It covers the basic performance requirements for 
shock absorption, strength and effectiveness of the retention system as well  as marking and labelling 
requirements. The requirements for visors, goggles, detachable peaks and detachable face covers are not 
included in this standard.  
2 Normative references  
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of  this document. For dated 
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced 
document (including any amendments) applies.  
DUS 7881, Headforms for use in the testing of protective helmets  
DUS 9731, Instrumentation for impact Tests – Part 1 – Electronic Instrumentation  
3 Terms and definitions  
For the purposes of this standard, the following terms and definitions shall apply . 
3.1  
acceleration  
acceleration measured in metres per second squared, in units of g, where g = 9.81 m/s2 
3.2  
acceleration of a body due gravity  
g (self explanatory. g=9.81m/s2), acceleration due to gravity  
3.3 
basic plane of a headform  
plane relative to the headform that corresponds to the basic plane of the human head  
3.4 
basic plane of the human head (Frankfort Horizontal Plane)  
plane that is located at the central point of the upper margin of the external auditory meatus (por tion) and the 
inferior margins of the orbits of the eyes (orbitale)  
                                                      
1  Under development  FDUS 774: 2011  
2 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 3.5 
central vertical axis  
line relative to  the headform that lie s in the median plane of symmetry, and that is norm al to the basic plane at 
a poin t equidistant from the front and back of the headform  
3.6 
crown  
point where the central vertical axis meets the top of the headform  
3.8 
cushioning mater ial 
soft material used to ensure a comfortable fit of the helmet on the head  
3.9 
drop height  
vertical distance between the lowest point (impact point) of the elevated helmet and the impact surface on a 
drop test apparatus  
3.10 
fastening system  
devices used  to connect all components of the helmet  
3.11 
frontal plane  
vertical plane that is perpendicular to the median and reference planes and passes through the crown ( See 
Figure 1) 
3.12 
helmet  
device to be worn on the head intended to reduce the risk of head in jury while riding on a motorcycle and 
including  
 a shock attenuating system , 
 the retention system , and  
 manufacturer’s attachments (if any)  
3.13 
helmet model  
category of helmets that do no differ in such essential respects as the materials, dimensions, const ruction of 
the helmet, retention system or the protective padding  
3.14 
helmet positioning index (HPI)  
the vertical distance measured at the median plane, from the front edge of the helmet to the basic plane, when 
the helmet is placed on the reference headf orm 
3.14 
horizontal plane  
plane that passes across the body at right angles to both the frontal and median plane (See Figure 1)  
3.15 
maximum value of acceleration, a max 
highest point on the acceleration -time curve, encountered during impact, in units of g  
3.16 
median plane  
vertical plane that passes through the headform from front to back and divides the headform into right and left 
halves (See Fig. 1)  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  3 
 3.17 
outer covering (shell)  
outer material that gives the helmet its form  
3.18 
permanent marking and warni ng 
information that remains legible and cannot be removed in its entirety under conditions of normal use  
3.19 
rear 
Point at the posterior intersection of the median and reference planes  
3.20 
reference plane  
a construction plane parallel to the basic plane of the headform at a distance from it which is of the size of the 
headform  
3.21 
retention system  
system which secures the helmet firmly to the head by passing under the mandible in whole or in part when 
adjusted according to manufacturer’s instructions  
 
3.22 
support assembly  
the drop assembly in the monorail or twin wire drop system minus the weight of the headform, ball clamp 
bolts, and accelerometer  
3.23 
test area  
the area on and above the test line where an impact site shall be located  
3.24 
test line  
the line that defines the boundaries of the test area  
3.25 
peak  
an attachment ton the helmet intended to reduce sun glare  
3.26 
visor  
a transparent protective screen extending over the eyes and covering part or all of the face  
4 General requirements  
4.1 Materi als 
All materials used shall be known not to be adversely affected by ordinary household soap and cleaners as 
recommended by the manufacturer. Paints, glues and finishes used in manufacturing shall be compatible with 
the materials used in the construction of the helmet.  
Material coming in contact with wearer’s head shall not be of any type known to cause skin irritation or 
disease or undergo significant loss of strength, flexibility, or other physical changes as a result of contact with 
perspiration, oil or  grease from the wearer’s head. Adhesive material used to attach padding or straps to the 
helmet shall be of a formulation that will not alter the chemical or physical properties of the materials to an 
extent as to reduce their protective qualities.  FDUS 774: 2011  
4 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 All ma terials used in the fabrication of helmets shall be known to be suitable for use in the design of protective 
helmets. The materials shall not undergo appreciable alteration due to aging or normal use, such as exposure 
to sun, extremes of temperature, and r ain. All materials used in the construction of the helmet shall be 
resistant to polymeric changes when exposed to temperatures from -10 °C to 50  °C.  
4.2 Projections  
A helmet shall not have any internal rigid projections more than 3 mm. Rigid projections o utside any helmet’s 
shell shall be limited to those required for operation of essential accessories and shall not protrude more than 
5 mm. All parts shall be well finished and free of sharp edges and other irregularities which would present a 
potential haz ard to the user or others.  
4.3 Retention system  
The minimum width of the retention system straps shall be 15 mm.  
5 Test requirements  
5.1 General  
Helmets shall be capable of meeting the requirements in this standard throughout their full range of available 
sizes. Each helmet shall be tested on the headform size of best fit in accordance with DUS 788 . All testing  
shall be done with the visor and all accessories removed (if applicable).   
5.2 Samples for testing  
To test conformance to this standard, five samp les of each helmet size of each helmet model offered for sale 
are required. One sample each shall be conditioned in each of the environments described in 6.1 for 4 h to 24 
h prior to testing.  
5.3 Extent of protection  
The entire area of the helmet above the  test line stipulated in 6.3 shall attenuate impact energy to the 
minimum requirements specified in 5.7.  
5.4 Peripheral vision  
All helmets shall allow unobstructed vision through a minimum angle of 105° to the left and right sides of the 
median plane when  measured in accordance with the  procedure described in 6.5.  
5.5 Penetration resistance  
When tested in accordance with 6.6 at ambient temperature no contact with the headform by the test dowel 
shall be made within any aperture on the helmet.  
5.6 Effectiven ess of retention system  
When tested in accordance with 6.7 at ambient temperature , the helmet shall remain on the test headform.  
5.7 Streng th of retention system  
When tested in accordance with 6.8, the  retention system shall not detach and the maximum elon gation of the 
retention system shall not exceed 25 mm when measured between preliminary and test load positions.  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  5 
 5.8 Shock absorption  
When tested in accordance with 6.9 , the peak headform acceleration (a max) shall not exceed 275 g.  
5.9 Helmet labelling  
All helmets shall have permanent labels and warnings that are in accordance with 7.1.1 and 7.1.2. All helmets 
shall be sold with packaging that is in accordance with 7.1.3 and instructions that are in accordance with  7.2. 
6 Test method  
6.1 Conditioning envir onments  
6.1.1  General  
Helmets shall be conditioned to one of the following environments prior to testing in accordance with the test 
schedule specified in 6.4. All test helmets shall be stabilized within the ambient condition for 4 h to 24 h prior 
to furth er conditioning and testing.  
6.1.2 Ambient conditioning  
The sample shall be exposed to a temperature of 22 °C ± 5 °C and a relative humidity not exceeding 75  % for 
4 h to 24 h.  
6.1.3 Low temperature conditioning  
The sample shall be exposed to a temperatu re of -10 °C ± 3 °C for 4 h to 24 h. Testing shall begin within 60 s 
of removal from the low temperature conditioning chamber and all helmet testing shall be completed within 5 
min after removal from the conditioning environment. Helmets may be returned to  the conditioning 
environment in order to meet this requirement. Helmets shall remain in the conditioning environment for 15 
min for each 5 min that they are out of the conditioning environment.  
6.1.4 Elevated temperature condition  
The sample shall be expo sed to a temperature of 50 °C ± 3 °C for 4 h to 24 h. Testing shall begin within 60 s 
of removal from the low temperature conditioning chamber and all helmet testing shall be completed within 5 
min after removal from the conditioning environment. Helmets m ay be returned to the conditioning 
environment in order to meet this requirement. Helmets shall remain in the conditioning  environment for 15 
minutes for each 5 min that they are out of the conditioning environment.  
6.1.5 Water immersion condition  
The samp le shall be fully immersed “crown” down in potable water at a temperature of 23  °C ± 5 °C to a 
crown depth of 305 mm ± 25 mm for 4  h to 24 h. Testing shall begin within 60 s of removal from the low 
temperature conditioning chamber  and all helmet testing sh all be completed within 5 min after removal from 
the conditioning environment. Helmets may be returned to the conditioning environment in order to meet this 
requirement. Helmets shall remain in the conditioning environment for 15 min for each 5 min that th ey are out 
of the conditioning environment.  
6.2 Test head forms  
A headform capable of accepting an accelerometer mounted at its centre of gravity and conforming to the 
requirements of a three quarter headform as defined in DUS 788  shall be used. Head forms  used for impact  
testing shall be rigid and be constructed of low resonance K -1A magnesium alloy. The headform and FDUS 774: 2011  
6 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 supporting assembly shall have a total combined mass as described in Table 1, with the supporting assembly 
contributing to not more than 25  % of the total mass.  
Table 1  — Test head forms  
Headform label  Size designation ,  
mm Mass , 
kg 
A 495 3.10 ± 0.10 
E 535 410 ± 0.12 
J 575 4.70 ± 0.14 
M 605 5.60 ± 0.16 
O 625 6.10 ± 0.18 
 
 
 
Figure 1  — Orientation planes  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  7 
 6.3 Marking the test line  
A referen ce headform that is firmly seated with the basic horizontal plane as shown in Figure 1 shall be used 
for reference marking. The complete helmet to be tested shall be placed on the applicable reference headform 
whose circumference is not greater than the in ternal circumference of the headform is not greater the internal 
circumference of the headband when adjusted to its largest setting, or, if no headband is provided, to the 
corresponding interior surface of the helmet.  
The helmet shall be positioned on the reference headform and a static force of 50 N shall be applied normal to 
the apex of the helmet. The helmet shall be centred laterally and seated firmly on the applicable reference 
headform according to its helmet positioning index. If the HPI and correspo nding headform size are not from 
the manufacturer, the test technician shall choose the headform and HPI value.  
Maintaining the force and position described above, a test line shall be drawn on the outer surface of the 
helmet coinciding with that on the he adform as shown in Figure 2 and measurements in Table 2.  
 
 
Figure 2  — Extent of protection and test lines  FDUS 774: 2011  
8 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 Table  2 — Extent of protection and test lines  
Headform 
Label  Dimensions ,  
mm 
a b c d e f g 
A(9495 mm)  23 65 88 59 34.5 26.5 113.5  
E(535 mm)  29.5 65 94.5 64 39 33 122 
J(575 mm)  36 65 101 66 41 36 130 
M(605 mm)  41 65 106 67 41.5 37 136 
O(625 MM)  43.5 65 108.5  68 42 38 140 
 
6.4 Test schedule  
Helmet samples shall be tested according to the test schedule shown in Table 3. The sequence of testing 
shall be as follows:  
a) helmet labelling  
b) peripheral vision test (if applicable)  
c) penetration resistance test (if applicable)  
d) effectiveness of retention system test (if applicable)  
e) strength of retention system test  
f) shock absorption test 
6.5 Peripheral vision te st 
Position the helmet on a reference headform in accordance with the HPI and place a 50 N preload ballast on 
top of the helmet to set the comfort or fit padding.  
NOTE Peripheral vision clearance may be determined when the helmet is positioned for marking  the test lines.  
Peripheral vision is measured horizontally from each side of the median plane around the point K (see Figure 
3). Point K is located on the front surface of the reference headform at the intersection of the basic and 
median planes. The visi on shall not be obstructed within 1050 from the point K on each side of the median 
plane. Measurement may be performed with a physical measuring device ( that is,  peripheral vision template 
or a test headform with point K clearly marked) or with laser measu rement equipment.  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  9 
 Table 3  — Test schedule  
Sample  Helmet 
labelling  Peripheral 
Vision Test  Penetration 
Resistance 
Test Effectiveness of 
Retention 
System test  Strength of 
Retention 
System Test  Shock 
Absorption 
Test 
Helmet 1 - 
Ambient 
Temperature  X X X  X X 
Helmet 2 - Low 
Temperature      X X 
Helmet 3 - 
Elevated 
Temperature      X X 
Helmet 4 – 
water Immersion      X X 
Helmet 5 - 
Ambient 
Temperature     X   
 
   
Figure 3 — Principal planes and reference points of a headform  
FDUS 774: 2011  
10 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 6.6 Penetration resistance test  
6.6.1 Apparatus  
The apparatus for the penetration test shall include a full size reference headform that meets the requirements 
of DUS 788.  
6.6.2 Method  
Position the helmet on a reference headform in accordance with the HPI and place a 50 N preload ballast on 
top of the helmet to set the comfort or fit padding. Using a metal test dowel with a diameter of 20 mm (see 
Figure 4) attempt to make contact with the headform by trying to enter any part of the metal dowel end 
through all of the openings of the helmet. Reco rd the location of any metal dowel to headform contact. Refer 
to the requirement in 5.5.  
 
Figure 4 — Metal dowel for Penetration resistance test  
6.7 Retention system effectiveness test  
6.7.1 Apparatus  
The apparatus for the retention system effectiveness test shall include a full size reference headform that 
meets the requirements of DUS 788 . 
6.7.2 Method  
Secure the reference headform to a fixture that will prevent headform movement when a tangential force is 
applied to the helmet. Position the helmet on a  reference headform in accordance with the manufacturer’s 
instruction. A flexible strap and hook mechanism shall be attached to the front lower edge of the helmet such 
that it is in line with the mid -sagital plane (see Figure 1). The total mass of the fall ing weight guide apparatus FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  11 
 shall be 3  kg ± 0.1 kg drop weight and shall be able to accommodate drop heights up to 1000 mm. A 10  kg ± 
0.1 kg drop weight shall then be raised to a height of 500 mm ± 5 mm. and released (see Figure 5).  
This procedure shall be repeated with the headform rotated 1800 and the hook mechanism attached to the 
rear edge of the helmet.  
 
 
Figure 5  — Typical retention system effectiveness test apparatus  
6.8 Retention system strength test  
6.8.1 Apparatus  
The retention system strength tes t device consists of both an adjustable loading mechanism by which a static 
tensile load is applied to the helmet retention assembly and a means for holding the test headform and helmet 
stationary. The retention system test device shall allow the retention  assembly to be fastened around two 
freely moving rollers, both of which have a 12.5 mm diameter on a 75 mm centre -to-centre separation, and 
which are mounted on the adjustable portion of the tensile loading device (see Figure 6).  FDUS 774: 2011  
12 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 
 
Figure 6  — Typical rete ntion system strength test apparatus  
6.8.2 Method  
Place the subject helmet on the test headform such that the basic plane is normal to the force of gravity and 
adjust it in accordance with the manufacturer’s HPI. Securely fasten the retention system around  the two 
freely moving rollers in a manner that avoids contact between the rollers and helmet’s buckle. Apply a 
preliminary load of 45  N ± 3 N in the direction normal to the basic plane to the retention system and hold for a 
minimum of 30 s. Record the dis placement measurement on the movable test device.  
Increase the load to 500  N ± 5 N and maintain this for 120 s, +0 s, -10 s by adjusting the load applied to the 
retention system as necessary. After 120 s +0 s, -10 s) at full test load, measure and record t he displacement 
of the retention system. The maximum elongation shall be the difference between the initial measurement and 
the measurement taken after 120 s.  
6.9 Shock absorption test  
6.9.1 Apparatus  
The test apparatus for the shock absorption test shall  consist of the following:  
a) the headform employed in this test shall conform to all requirements in 6.2. 
b) the test headform shall be mounted on a guided freefall system as shown in Figure 7 with an adjustable 
mounting for the helmeted headform to permit impa cts to be delivered to any location on the helmet at or 
above the test line.  A monorail guided freefall system shall also be acceptable. The total mass of this 
support assembly shall not exceed 25  % of the combined mass of the drop assembly ( that is,  supp orting 
assembly plus headform). The centre of gravity of the drop -assembly unit shall lie within a cone with the 
vertex and forming at most 10° included angle with the vertex as the point of impact.  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  13 
 
 
Figure 7  — Typical drop assembly apparatus  
c) a linear acc elerometer shall be placed at a centre of gravity of the test headform and its sensitive axis 
shall be aligned within 5° of the vertical when the helmet and headform are in the impact position. The 
accelerometer shall be capable of withstanding a maximum a cceleration of 1  000 g without damage and 
shall have a frequency response of at least 5 Hz to 900 Hz. A triaxial accelerometer with identical 
performance specifications is also acceptable.  
d) the flat anvil shall be made of steel or another similar rigid meta l and shall be firmly attached to the base 
of the drop assembly. The impact face shall have a minimum diameter of 150 mm.  FDUS 774: 2011  
14 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 e) the hemispherical anvil shall be made of steel or another similar rigid metal and shall be firmly attached to 
the base of the drop ass embly. The hemispherical anvil shall have a hemispherical impact surface with a 
radius of 48 ± 1[R1] mm. 
f) the rigid mount for the anvil shall consist of a solid mass of at least 135 kg, the upper surface of which 
shall consist of a steel plate with a minimum t hickness of 12 mm and minimum surface area of 0.1 m2. 
g) the data acquisition system shall be capable of collecting impact data at a rate of not less than 10 kHz per 
channel. The acceleration data channel and filtering shall comply with DUS 973 . All equipment  shall 
conform to all requirements of DUS 973 . 
6.9.2 System verification  
The shock absorption test instrumentation shall be verified before and after each series of tests (at least at 
the beginning and end of each test day) by dropping a spherical impactor  onto a Modular Elastomer 
Programmer (MEP) test surface.   
The spherical impactor shall be a device made of low resonance material, for example, magnesium, 
aluminium alloy, or stainless steel that couples mechanically with the ball arm connector of the dro p assembly 
in place of the impact test headform. When mounted, the device presents a spherically machined impact face 
with a radius of 73 mm on its bottom surface. All radii from the centre of the curvature of the impact face to its 
outer edge shall form a ngles of no less than 400 with the downward vertical axis. The centre of curvature shall 
be within 5 mm of the vertical axis drawn through the centre of the ball arm. The total mass of the spherical 
impactor drop assembly shall be 5.0  kg ± 0.1 kg.  
The MEP shall be 152 mm in diameter and 25 mm thick, and shall have a durometer of 60 ± 2 shore A. The 
MEP shall be affixed to the top surface of a flat 6.35 mm thick aluminium plate. The geometric centre of the 
MEP pad shall be aligned with the centre vertical ax is of the accelerometer.  
The impactor shall be dropped onto the MEP at an impact velocity of 5.44 m/s ± 2 % as measured within the 
last 40 mm of free fall of the impactor. Typically, this requires a minimum drop height of 1.50 metres plus a 
height adjustme nt to account for friction losses. Six (6) impacts, at intervals of 75  s ± 15 s, shall be performed 
at the beginning and end of the test series. The first 3 of 6 impacts shall be considered warm -up drops, and 
their impact values shall be discarded from the  series. The second 3 impacts shall be recorded. All recorded 
impacts shall fall within the range of 380 g to 425 g. The mean of the 3 post -test results shall not differ by 
more than 5% from the mean of the pre -test results. Otherwise, the results shall be  discarded and the tests 
repeated with new samples after the source of this difference has been rectified.  
The components of the data acquisition system, including all transducers shall be calibrated to traceable 
national reference standards at an interval  of not greater than five years.  
6.9.3 Helmet impact test locations  
Each helmet shall be tested at four impact locations on or above the test line described in 6.3. Each impact 
location shall be a distance of at least one -fifth of the circumference of the test headform from any prior impact 
location on the helmet.  
6.9.4 Method  
The helmet shall be placed on the appropriate headform according to the manufacturer’s helmet positioning 
index (HPI). The helmet shall be dropped onto the flat anvil with an impact v elocity of 6.0 m/s ± 3 %. Typically, 
this requires a minimum drop height of 1.83 m, plus a height adjustment to account for friction losses. The 
helmet shall be dropped onto the hemispherical anvil with an impact velocity of 5.2 m/s ± 3 %. Typically, this 
requires a minimum drop height of 1.38 m, plus a height adjustment to account for friction losses.  
The impact velocity shall be measured during the last 25 mm free -fall for each test. Following impact, the drop 
assembly shall be raised and the headform sha ll be oriented to another impact site.  FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  15 
 The first impact shall be made not more than 60 s after the helmet has been removed from the conditioning 
environment. Following testing, the helmet shall be immediately returned to its conditioning environment for a 
minimum of 15 min before another impact test is conducted.  
7 Labelling, warnings and instructions  
7.1 Labelling  
7.1.1 Helmet labelling  
Every helmet shall have indelibly printed in English on it or otherwise permanently affixed to it, the following 
informa tion, clearly and prominently displayed in no less than 8 point font:  
a) name of manufacturer and country of origin ; 
b) website address of the manufacturer or other contact information ; 
c) the model name or model number of the product ; 
d) the size or size range of the  circumference of the helmet, quoted as the circumference (in millimetres) of 
the head which the helmet is intended to fit ; and  
e) the date of manufacture of the product in the following format (day/month/year).  
7.1.2 Warnings  
Every helmet shall have indelibl y printed on it or otherwise permanently affixed to it, the following information, 
clearly and prominently displayed:  
a) Words to the following effect:  
For adequate protection this helmet must fit closely  
Users are advised to secure the helmet and to ensure t hat it cannot be pulled or rolled off the 
head.  
b) Words to the following effect:  
This helmet is made to absorb some of the energy of a blow by partial destruction of its 
component parts and, even though damage may not be apparent, any helmet which has suffe red 
an impact in an accident or received a similar severe blow or other abuse should be replaced.  
 
c) Words to the following effect:  
To maintain the full efficiency of this helmet there must be no alteration to the structure of the 
helmet or its component par ts. 
d) For helmets with a single chin strap, words to the following effect:  
The chin strap must pass underneath the jaw to maintain tension all the time the helmet is in 
use. The retention system shall be securely fastened at all times to the head when worn.  
e)  Words to the following effect:  FDUS 774: 2011  
16 © UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved  
 The protection given by this helmet may be severely reduced by the application of paint, adhesive 
stickers cleaning fluids and other solvents.  
Use only materials recommended by the helmet manufacturer.  
7.1.3 Packaging  
The p ackaging in which the helmet is sold or is to be sold shall have indelibly printed on it or otherwise 
permanently affixed to it, clearly and prominently displayed, the information required by 7.1.1.  
7.2 Instructions  
Every helmet shall bear or be accompanie d by legible written instructions in English that clearly state the 
following information, with line drawings or photographs illustrating the sequence of steps where needed:  
(a) how the product is to be fitted and adjusted properly  
(b) how the product is to be ass embled, if applicable  
(c) how the product is to be maintained, cleaned and dried  
(d) how the product is to be stored  
(e)  if a visor is included with the helmet, information shall be included that the visor has not undergone 
testing to this standard.  
8 Test report  
The test report shall include at least the following information : 
a) the number and year of the publication of this standard;  
b) the name or trademark of the manufacturer or the body taking responsibility for manufacture ; 
c) identification details of the helmet tested  including range of sizes offered for sale ; 
d) photographs of the front and side of the helmet; a test line should be drawn on the helmet in the 
photograph ; 
e) results of tests in accordance wi th Clause 6, including information to clearly identify the impact tes t 
locations for each helmet tested ; 
f) any evidence that shows compliance with requirements in Clause 5 ;  
g) date of testing ; 
h) name of technician who performed the testing and if applicable, the laboratory manager or supervisor ; 
and 
i) name of testing laboratory.  
 
 
 FDUS 774: 2011  
© UNBS 2011  – All rights reserved  17 
 Bibliography  
GHVI Helmet Standard Version 1/201 -385.6769 Specification for protective helmets for motorcyclists  
 FDUS  774: 2011  
© UNBS  2011 – All rights reserved  19 
 Certification marking  
Products that conform to Uganda standards may be marked with Uganda National Bureau of Standards 
(UNBS) Certification M ark shown in the figure below.  
The use of the UNBS Certification Mark is governed by the Standards Act, and the Regulations made 
thereunder. This mark can be used only by those licensed under the certification mark scheme operated by 
the Uganda National B ureau of Standards and in conjunction with the relevant Uganda Standard. The 
presence of this mark on a product or in relation to a product is an assurance that the goods comply with the 
requirements of that standard under a system of supervision, control and testing in accordance with the 
certification mark scheme of the Uganda National Bureau of Standards. UNBS marked products are 
continually checked by UNBS for conformity to that standard.  
Further particulars of the terms and conditions of licensing may  be obtained from the Director, Uganda 
National Bureau of Standards.  
 
 FDUS 774: 2011    
 
ICS nn.nnn.nn  
Price based on nn pages  
© UNBS 2011 – All rights reserved