EN ISO 10256-5:2026

• Abstract:

  This document specifies performance requirements and test methods for neck laceration protectors for use in ice hockey.; This document is applicable to neck laceration protectors worn by; ice hockey players, including goalkeepers, and; referees.; This document does not address protection of the neck from the impact of pucks, sticks or other objects.

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 01-Sep-2026
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• ICS: 97.220.20 - Winter sports equipment
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 162 - Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 162 - Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets
• Current Stage: 6055 - CEN Ratification completed (DOR) - Publishing
• Start Date: 18-Jul-2026
• Due Date: 05-Sep-2027
• Completion Date: 18-Jul-2026
• Directive: Harmonized Standard2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Mandate: M/571 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 19.11.2020 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization as regards personal protective equipment in support of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Mandate: M/571 AMD 1 - Personal Protective Equipement
• Ref Project: kSIST FprEN ISO 10256-5:2026 - Protective equipment for use in ice hockey - Part 5: Neck laceration protectors for use in ice hockey (ISO/FDIS 10256-5:2026)

• Consolidated By: ISO 10256-5:2026 - Protective equipment for use in ice hockey — Part 5: Neck laceration protectors for use in ice hockey
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026

Overview

EN ISO 10256-5:2026 specifies the performance requirements and test methods for neck laceration protectors used in ice hockey. Developed by CEN and harmonized internationally through ISO, this standard addresses neck protection against lacerations caused by contact with skate blades. It applies to protective equipment worn by ice hockey players, including goalkeepers and referees, but does not cover protection from puck, stick, or general impact injuries.

This European Standard is aligned with Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensures that neck guards offer proven cut resistance while meeting essential safety, ergonomic, and user information requirements for use in the sport of ice hockey.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose

  • Specifies requirements unique to neck laceration protectors for ice hockey, distinguishing them from other types of neck protection.
  • Covers two main types: Type E1 (with bib) and Type E2 (without bib).

• Design and Safety

  • Requires protectors to be free from removable parts in the protected area.
  • Stresses ergonomics, stability, and proper fit to ensure user comfort and safety.
  • Materials and design must be harmless to the wearer and others during normal use.

• Performance and Testing

  • Sets out mandatory test methods for cut resistance, size and coverage, and product recovery after pressure.
  • Protectors must cover defined neck areas as per standardized neck forms (small, medium, large).
  • Products are subjected to both pre- and post-wash performance assessment.

• User Information and Marking

  • Products must be clearly marked with intended user group, size, and circumference range.
  • Instructions must include warnings about the protector’s protective limitations and the importance of correct fit and maintenance.

Applications

EN ISO 10256-5:2026 is key for manufacturers, testing labs, regulatory bodies, and organizations involved in ice hockey equipment selection or certification. Practical applications include:

• Ice Hockey Leagues and Teams

  • Ensuring compliance for player safety equipment.
  • Selecting appropriate neck laceration protectors for athletes at various levels.

• Manufacturers and Importers

  • Designing, producing, and certifying neck laceration protectors that meet international cut resistance and ergonomics standards.
  • Ensuring that product labeling, user instructions, and warning statements are compliant.

• Testing Laboratories

  • Verifying product batches against standardized methods for cut resistance and protective coverage.
  • Conducting repeated washing and durability assessments as specified.

• Regulators and Standards Bodies

  • Harmonizing safety regulations across the EU and internationally.
  • Providing a basis for legislation regarding personal protective equipment for ice hockey.

Related Standards

• EN ISO 10256-1:2024 – General requirements for protective equipment in ice hockey; foundational to all parts of the 10256 series.
• ISO 13997:2023 – Methods for measuring cut resistance of materials, referenced for testing neck laceration protectors.
• ISO 6330:2021 – Washing and drying procedures used in sample preparation for product testing.
• Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – EU legislation on the safety of personal protective equipment, under which EN ISO 10256-5:2026 provides conformity.
• Other Parts of EN ISO 10256 Series – Covering helmets, facial protection, and additional ice hockey PPE components.

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By adopting EN ISO 10256-5:2026, stakeholders in the ice hockey industry can reliably protect participants from skate blade lacerations to the neck, demonstrate compliance with EU and international requirements, and promote safer play in this dynamic, high-speed sport.

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
01-september-2025
Varovalna oprema za uporabo pri hokeju na ledu - 5. del: Ščitniki vratu pred
poškodbami za uporabo pri hokeju na ledu (ISO/DIS 10256-5:2025)
Protective equipment for use in ice hockey - Part 5: Neck laceration protectors for use in
ice hockey (ISO/DIS 10256-5:2025)
Schutzausrüstung zum Gebrauch beim Eishockey - Teil 5: Nackenschützer gegen
Verletzungen zum Gebrauch beim Eishockey (ISO/DIS 10256-5:2025)
Équipements de protection destinés à être utilisés en hockey sur glace - Partie 5:
Protections contre les lacérations du cou pour le hockey sur glace (ISO/DIS 10256-
5:2025)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN ISO 10256-5
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
97.220.20 Oprema za zimske športe Winter sports equipment
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2
ISO/TC 83/SC 5
Protective equipment for use in ice
Secretariat: SCC
hockey —
Voting begins on:
Part 5: 2025-07-17
Neck laceration protectors for use
Voting terminates on:
2025-09-11
in ice hockey
ICS: 97.220.20; 13.340.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Reference number
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
DRAFT
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
International
Standard
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2
ISO/TC 83/SC 5
Protective equipment for use in ice
Secretariat: SCC
hockey —
Voting begins on:
Part 5:
Neck laceration protectors for use
Voting terminates on:
in ice hockey
ICS: 97.220.20; 13.340.20
THIS DOCUMENT IS A DRAFT CIRCULATED
FOR COMMENTS AND APPROVAL. IT
IS THEREFORE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
AND MAY NOT BE REFERRED TO AS AN
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD UNTIL
PUBLISHED AS SUCH.
This document has not been edited by the ISO Central Secretariat.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL,
© ISO 2025
TECHNOLOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND
USER PURPOSES, DRAFT INTERNATIONAL
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE TO
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
POTENTIAL TO BECOME STANDARDS TO
WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE MADE IN
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
TO SUBMIT, WITH THEIR COMMENTS,
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
NOTIFICATION OF ANY RELEVANT PATENT
Phone: [phone]
RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE AND TO
PROVIDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION.
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
ii
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Requirements . 2
4.1 Types of neck laceration protectors .2
4.2 Ergonomics .2
4.3 Innocuousness .2
4.3.1 Materials .2
4.3.2 Design . .2
4.4 Markings and information .2
4.5 Coverage of the protected area .3
4.6 Protector stability and recovery .3
4.7 Cut resistance .3
5 Test methods . 3
5.1 General .3
5.1.1 Tolerances .3
5.1.2 Sampling .3
5.1.3 Sample conditioning .3
5.2 Ergonomics .3
5.3 Innocuousness .4
5.3.1 Materials .4
5.3.2 Design .4
5.4 Protected area .4
5.4.1 Test apparatus .4
5.4.2 Procedure .4
5.5 Protector stability and recovery .5
5.5.1 Test apparatus .5
5.5.2 Procedure .5
5.6 Cut resistance verification .5
6 Test report . 5
7 Markings . 5
8 Information for users . 5
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered . 9

iii
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 83, Sports and other recreational facilities and
equipment, Subcommittee SC 5, Ice hockey equipment and facilities.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO 10256-5:2017), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Clause 3.2 definitions have been modified for clarification;
— Clause 4.1 has been added to describe the two types of neck laceration protectors;
— Clause 4.3.2 has been modified;
— Clause 4.6 a new requirement and test procedure for protector stability and recovery have been added;
— Clause 4.7 has been modified to clarify cut resistance;
— Clause 5.1.2.3 has been modified to clarify sample preparation;
— Clause 5.5 has been modified to clarify protector stability and recovery;
— Clause 5.6 has been modified to clarify cut resistance verification;
— Clause 8Table 2, Reduction of the number of neck forms required: and
— Addition of a small neck form to include smaller protector sizes.
A list of all parts in the ISO 10256 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
oSIST prEN ISO 10256-5:2025
ISO/DIS 10256-5.2:2025(en)
Introduction
Ice hockey is a high speed, collision sport in which there is a risk of injury.
By playing this sport, participants accept the risk of serious injury, paralysis and/or death.
The intention of neck protection used in ice hockey is to reduce the frequency and severity of lacerations to
the neck. The protective function is such that the penetration of a skate blade is counteracted.

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