ASTM F2727-09(2020)

Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This guide gives guidelines for labels and instructions to manufacturers of non-motorized sports and recreation headgear.  
3.2 The purpose of the labels and instructions is to help alert and remind headgear users of important issues related to headgear and its use.  
3.3 Limitation—This guide applies only to protective headgear whose standard specifications are under auspices of ASTM Committee F08.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide sets forth labeling and instruction guidelines for manufacturers of headgear for non-motorized sports and recreation.  
1.2 This guide applies only to protective headgear whose standard specifications are under auspices of ASTM Committee F08.  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2020
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.53 - Headgear and Helmets

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2727-09(2014) - Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F3103-14(2019) - Standard Specification for Testing Off-Road Motorcycle and ATV Helmets
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020
• Referred By: ASTM F3358-20 - Standard Practice for Labeling and Information for Exoskeletons
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2020

Overview

ASTM F2727-09(2020): Standard Guide for Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products provides comprehensive guidelines for manufacturers when labeling non-motorized sports and recreation headgear. Developed and maintained by ASTM Committee F08, this standard ensures that headgear labeling and instruction practices follow recognized principles, supporting user awareness and product safety. The guide prescribes the necessary information to be included on labels and accompanying materials, aiming to help protect users and support compliance with industry requirements.

Key Topics

• Labeling Requirements

  • Must be affixed to headgear in a durable, legible manner.
  • Key elements include manufacturer identification, contact information, size, date of manufacture, materials and conditions that could damage the headgear, and product model information.
  • Clear instructions to replace or repair the helmet if damaged.
  • Identification of applicable ASTM standards and certification information.

• Accompanying Literature

  • Instructions for fit, use, and adjustment, including pictograms and descriptive text.
  • Care and maintenance guidance, such as cleaning methods, materials that could cause damage, replacement indicators, and pre-use inspections.
  • Warranty information and guidance on where to find further details or support.
  • Mandatory warnings regarding product modification, regulatory compliance, and adherence to sports rules and laws.

• Terminology

  • Standardized definitions for terms such as label, pictogram, signal word, warning, manufacturer identification, and expected product life.
  • Clarity on "durable" labeling, ensuring labels remain legible as long as other branding is visible.

• Scope and Limitations

  • Applies only to headgear governed by ASTM Committee F08 standards.
  • Developed in line with international standardization principles, supporting compliance with the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee's framework.

Applications

Manufacturers of protective headgear for non-motorized sports and recreation rely on ASTM F2727-09(2020) for:

• Product Compliance: Ensuring all required product labeling and documentation meet industry and regulatory standards.
• User Safety: Enhancing user understanding of proper helmet use, fit, maintenance, and limitations to improve personal safety.
• Market Acceptance: Demonstrating adherence to recognized labeling practices, supporting consumer confidence and product acceptance.
• Risk Management: Reducing liability by providing clear usage instructions, warnings, and supporting legal compliance with domestic and international regulations.
• Brand Reputation: Establishing a commitment to quality and safety through standardized, informative labeling and support materials.

This standard is especially relevant for manufacturers producing helmets for cycling, skateboarding, roller sports, equestrian activities, and other non-motorized recreational activities.

Related Standards

Manufacturers and regulatory professionals should consult these related standards for comprehensive compliance:

• ASTM F381: Standard Safety Specification for Components, Assembly, Use, and Labeling of Consumer Trampolines
• ASTM F1749: Specification for Fitness Equipment and Fitness Facility Safety Signage and Labels
• ASTM F2041: Specification for Paintball Marker Warnings
• ANSI Z535.6: American National Standard for Product Safety Information in Manuals, Instructions, and Other Collateral Materials
• CPSC 16 CFR Part 1203: Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
• NOCSAE ND-001: Standard Drop Test Method and Equipment Used in Evaluating the Performance of Protective Headgear
• FMVSS 218: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard for Motorcycle Helmets
• ISO 3864-2: Graphical Symbols - Safety Colors and Safety Signs - Principles for Product Safety Labels

Keywords: headgear labeling, helmet instructions, ASTM headgear guide, helmet manufacturer compliance, non-motorized sports safety, helmet safety labeling, ASTM Committee F08, recreational headgear standards

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2727 − 09 (Reapproved 2020) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Manufacturers for Labeling Headgear Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2727; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope in serious injury or death and this signal word is to be limited
to the most extreme situations.
1.1 This guide sets forth labeling and instruction guidelines
for manufacturers of headgear for non-motorized sports and 2.1.5 label, n—printed material that is physically attached to
recreation.
the headgear in a durable fashion.
1.2 This guide applies only to protective headgear whose 2.1.6 label material, n—substrate paper, fabric, or other
standard specifications are under auspices of ASTM Commit-
material from which the label is made.
tee F08.
2.1.7 legible, adj—can be read by a person with 20/20
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
corrected vision from a distance of at least 18 in. (46 cm).
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
2.1.8 manufacturer, n—entity responsible for marketing the
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
product.
and are not considered standard.
2.1.9 mounting location, n—position on or in the headgear
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
in which information may be affixed.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.1.10 pictogram, n—graphic representation that depicts or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
illustrates an act or condition without the use of accompanying
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
writing.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
2.1.11 signal word, n—word that conveys a level of danger
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
commensurate with the risk of injury.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.1.12 warning, n—signal word used to indicate a poten-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
tially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
death or serious injury.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
2. Terminology
2.2.1 date of manufacture, n—uncoded four-digit year dur-
ing which the headgear was manufactured.
2.1 Definitions:
2.1.1 accompanying literature, n—printed material that ac-
2.2.2 durable, adj—labelshouldbedesignedtobelegibleas
companies the product when it is sold or distributed. long as the manufacturer’s logo remains legible.
2.1.2 caution, n—signal word used to indicate a potentially
2.2.3 expected life, n—period of time during which the
hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or
headgear should be expected to provide the advertised level of
moderate injury.
protection if not damaged by use or accident.
2.1.3 contact information, n—information that allows the
3. Significance and Use
user to contact the manufacturer of the product, such as name,
telephone number, website address.
3.1 This guide gives guidelines for labels and instructions to
2.1.4 danger, n—signal word used to alert the wearer to an
manufacturers of non-motorized sports and recreation head-
imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result
gear.
3.2 The purpose of the labels and instructions is to help alert
and remind headgear users of important issues related to
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
headgear and its use.
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.53 on Headgear and Helmets.
3.3 Limitation—This guide applies only to protective head-
Current edition approved April 1, 2020. Published April 2020. Originally
gear whose standard specifications are under auspices of
approved in 2009. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as F2727 – 09 (2014).
DOI: 10.1520/F2727-09R20. ASTM Committee F08.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2727 − 09 (2020)
4. Helmet Labeling Requirements 5.1.1.2 Text describing fit and adjustment,
5.1.1.3 Care instructions such as:
4.1 Required information shall be on one or more labels that
(1) Cleaning instruc
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