EN 13567:2002

Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protectors for fencers - Requirements and test methods

This European Standard specifies the general requirements for ergonomics, sizing, coverage and performance of protective clothing and equipment for use in the sport of fencing. Requirements for the marking of clothing and equipment and the information to be supplied by the manufacturer are given. Test methods are described and performance levels are defined.

Schutzkleidung - Hand-, Arm-, Brust-, Unterleibs-, Bein-, Genital- und Gesichtsschützer für Fechter - Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren

Diese Europäische Norm legt die allgemeinen Anforderungen bezüglich Ergonomie, Größe, Umfang und Eigen-schaften der Schutzkleidung und -ausrüstung für den Fechtsport fest. Die Anforderungen an die Kennzeichnung der Bekleidung und Ausrüstung sowie die Herstellerinformation werden angegeben. Prüfverfahren werden beschrieben und die Leistungsstufen definiert.

Vêtements de protection - Protections des mains, des bras, de la poitrine, de l'abdomen, des jambes, génitales et de la face pour les escrimeurs - Exigences et méthodes d'essai

La présente Norme européenne spécifie les exigences générales en matière d'ergonomie, de dimensionnement, de surface protégée et de performances des vêtements et équipements de protection destinés à être utilisés dans la pratique de l'escrime. Elle mentionne les exigences de marquage des vêtements et des équipements et la notice d'information du fabricant qui doit les accompagner. Elle décrit les méthodes d'essai et définit les niveaux de performance.

Varovalna obleka - Varovala dlani, rok, prsnega koša, trebuha, nog, spolovil in obraza sabljačev - Zahteve in preskusne metode

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 09-Jul-2002
• Withdrawal Date: 12-Jun-2007
• ICS: 13.340.01 - Protective equipment in general
• ICS: 13.340.40 - Hand and arm protection
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 162 - Protective clothing including hand and arm protection and lifejackets
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 162/WG 11 - Body protection for sports
• Current Stage: 9960 - Withdrawal effective - Withdrawal
• Start Date: 13-Jun-2007
• Completion Date: 13-Jun-2007
• Directive: 89/686/EEC - Council Directive 89/686/EEC of 21 December 1989 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to personal protective equipment
• Directive: 93/68/EEC - Council Directive amending Dir. 87/404/EEC (simple pressure vessels), 88/378/EEC (safety of toys), 89/106/EEC (construction products), 89/336/EEC (electromagnetic compatibility), 89/392/EEC (machinery), 89/686/EEC (personal protective equipment), 90/384/EEC (automatic weighing instruments), 90/385/EEC (active implantable medicinal devices), 90/396/EEC (appliances burning gaseous fuels), 91/263/EEC (telecommunications terminal equipment), 92/42/EEC and 73/23/EEC
• Directive: 93/95/EEC - Personal protective equipment (Dir. 89/686/EEC amendment)
• Directive: 96/58/EC - Personal protective equipment (Dir. 89/686/EEC amendment)
• Mandate: M/031 - Standardization mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning standards for Personal Protective Equipment
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13567:2002 - Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protectors for fencers - Requirements and test methods

Relations

• Merged Into: EN 13567:2002+A1:2007 - Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protectors for fencers - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008
• Amended By: EN 13567:2002/prA1 - Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protectors for fencers - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 22-Dec-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-november-2002
9DURYDOQDREOHND9DURYDODGODQLURNSUVQHJDNRãDWUHEXKDQRJVSRORYLOLQ
REUD]DVDEOMDþHY=DKWHYHLQSUHVNXVQHPHWRGH
Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protectors for
fencers - Requirements and test methods
Schutzkleidung - Hand-, Arm-, Brust-, Unterleibs-, Bein-, Genital- und Gesichtsschützer
für Fechter - Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
Vetements de protection - Protections des mains, des bras, de la poitrine, de l'abdomen,
des jambes, génitales et de la face pour les escrimeurs - Exigences et méthodes d'essai
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 13567:2002
ICS:
13.340.10 Varovalna obleka Protective clothing
97.220.30 Oprema za dvoranske športe Indoor sports equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 13567
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
July 2002
ICS 13.340.01
English version
Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital
and face protectors for fencers - Requirements and test
methods
Vêtements de protection - Protections des mains, des bras, Schutzkleidung - Hand-, Arm-, Brust-, Unterleibs-, Bein-,
de la poitrine, de l'abdomen, des jambes, génitales et de la Genital- und Gesichtsschützer für Fechter - Anforderungen
face pour les escrimeurs - Exigences et méthodes d'essai und Prüfverfahren
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 25 March 2002.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2002 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13567:2002 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents
page
Foreword.3
Introduction .4
1 Scope .4
2 Normative references .4
3 Terms and definitions.5
4 Requirements .8
4.1 General.8
4.2 Innocuousness.8
4.3 Ergonomic requirements .9
4.4 Restraint requirements.9
4.5 Sizing.9
4.6 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection .9
4.7 Construction materials and construction details.17
4.8 Penetration resistance .19
4.9 Burst strength of seams.21
5 Test methods.21
5.1 Instruments.21
5.2 Products for testing.21
5.3 Conditioning of products.22
5.4 Innocuousness.22
5.5 Ergonomic testing .22
5.6 Sizing.22
5.7 Examination of zones of protection.23
5.8 Restraint testing of masks.23
5.9 Bib attachment testing .24
5.10 Penetration testing .25
5.11 Burst testing.34
6 Marking .35
7 Information to be supplied by the manufacturer.35
Annex A (informative)  Information about determining the chemical innocuousness of protective
clothing and equipment .37
A.1 General.37
A.2 Evidence of innocuousness .37
A.3 Possible specific innocuousness testing .37
Annex B (informative)  Levels of protection .39
B.1 Performance levels .39
B.2 Performance of combinations .39
B.3 Fencing jackets, breeches and underpants.39
B.4 Masks - bibs.40
Annex C (informative)  Visors and masks made of material other than steel wire mesh .41
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing essential requirements or other
provisions of EU Directives .42
Bibliography .43
Foreword
This document EN 13567:2002 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 162 "Protective clothing
including hand and arm protection and lifejackets", the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by January 2003, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by January 2003.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
Annexes A, B and C are informative.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Introduction
Fencing by virtue of being a combat sport in which body contact by the weapon occasionally (but usually
inadvertently) occurs outside the zones of protection, is by its nature dangerous. Protective clothing and equipment
for fencers is intended as far as possible to prevent injuries, or in the worst cases to reduce the severity of injuries,
particularly by the point of the weapon.
Broken blades pose a particular threat. The circumstances of the breakage of blades may result in high tip velocities
and consequent high energy impacts by the broken blade. Broken blades have been known to penetrate protective
equipment with fatal consequences. No practical clothing is capable of withstanding all broken blade impacts.
In this standard the concept of the ‘optimum level of protection’ has been taken into account. This concept is that
the level of protection specified should be as high as it can be, without causing such unacceptable discomfort or
impediment to fencing movements that fencers would not use the protective clothing.
The clothing specified in this standard provides two levels of protection perceived by the organisers and participants in
the sport to be appropriate. Its use is expected to reduce risks of injuries to fencers to a tolerable level.
1 Scope
This European Standard specifies the general requirements for ergonomics, sizing, coverage and performance of
protective clothing and equipment for use in the sport of fencing. Requirements for the marking of clothing and
equipment and the information to be supplied by the manufacturer are given. Test methods are described and
performance levels are defined.
2 Normative references
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications. These
normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text, and the publications are listed hereafter. For
dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications apply to this European
Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated references the latest edition of the
publication referred to applies (including amendments).
EN 166:2001, Personal eye-protection — Specifications.
EN 388, Protective gloves against mechanical risks.
EN 420, General requirements for gloves.
EN 1082-1:1996, Protective clothing — Gloves and arm guards protecting against cuts and stabs by hand
knives — Part 1: Chain mail gloves and arm guards.
EN ISO 5084:1996, Textiles - Determination of thickness of textiles and textile products (ISO 5084:1996).
EN 13546:2002, Protective clothing — Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, foot and genital protectors for field hockey
goal keepers, and shin protectors for field players — Requirements and test methods.
EN 13595-3:2002, Protective clothing for professional motorcycle riders — Jackets, trousers and one-piece or
divided suits — Part 3: Test method for determination of burst strength.
EN ISO 13938-1:1999, Textiles – Bursting properties of fabrics – Part 1: Hydraulic method for determination of
bursting strength and bursting distension (ISO 13938-1:1999).
EN ISO 13938-2:1999, Textiles – Bursting properties of fabrics – Part 2: Pneumatic method for determination of
bursting strength and bursting distension (ISO 13938-2:1999).
prEN ISO 14876-2:1999, Protective clothing — Body armour — Part 2: Bullet resistance — Requirements and test
methods (ISO/DIS 14876-2:1999).
ISO 3758, Care labelling code using symbols.
ISO 6330:2000, Textiles — Domestic washing and drying procedures for textile testing.
ISO 7500-1:1999, Metallic materials — Verification of static uniaxial testing machines —
Part 1: Torsion/compression testing machines – Verification and calibration of the force-measuring system.
ISO 8559:1989, Garment construction and anthropometric surveys — Body dimensions.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
protective clothing and equipment
clothing and specific devices worn on the body, arms, hands and legs and over the face and neck, that are
intended to reduce the severity of injuries from fencing weapons
3.2
zone of protection
area of protective equipment that is intended to provide protection, and is subject to specific testing
3.3
coverage
area of the fencer’s body covered by the whole item of protective clothing or equipment and its attachments
3.4
garment
unit of clothing which itself has an integral zone of protection replacing or in addition to an article of non-protective
clothing
3.5
handedness
designs and the markings on equipment that relate to its intended use by fencers holding their weapons in the right
hands or left hands or whether the equipment is for ambidextrous use by right or left handed fencers
3.6
performance level
number designating the level of the protection that it is intended the product should provide. This number is used in
designating the test severity to which the product is to be subjected. For non-normative guidance on performance
levels and the choice of equipment see annex B
3.7
fencing
International and Olympic sport based on European duelling with swords and embracing disciplines characterised
by the relevant weapons
3.8
weapon
collective term covering the following specific swords used in fencing
3.8.1
foil
rectangular section blade conventional duelling weapon with which hits are scored with the point only. The target is
the anterior of the torso including the abdomen and the posterior torso down to the waist. The head, arms and legs
are excluded, but are often hit
3.8.2
epee
traditional duelling weapon of V section blade with which hits are scored only with the point, and for which the
target is the whole body, including the head and feet
3.8.3
sabre
weapon derived from the Cavalry sabre with a blunt cutting edge. Hits are scored with any part of the blade. The
target is the whole body above the waist with the exception of the hands
3.9
point
expanded and/or flattened end of the blade of a weapon so designed as to reduce the possibility of the perforation of
the protective clothing
3.10
fencing mask
protective device covering the face and sides of the head and the front of the neck. The parts are illustrated in
Key
a Side view
b Front view
1 Hard shell
2 Lateral protection
3 Bib
4 Visor (optional)
Figure 1 — Component parts of a fencing mask
3.10.1
hard shell
framework, part of which is see-through covering the face of the head
3.10.2
lateral protection
framework, part of which can be see-through covering the sides of the head and meeting over the top of the head
3.10.3
mask bib
protective element covering the front of the neck
3.10.4
visor
optional transparent area of the mask replacing part or all of the hard shell
3.10.5
join
any junction between the hard shell and visor, or hard shell or visor and the lateral protection
3.10.6
see-through area
region of the hard shell through which a fencer is able to see their opponent
3.11
fencing clothing
clothing designed specifically for the sport of fencing
3.11.1
fencing jacket
garment covering the full length of both arms from the wrist to the shoulder, the chest and at least the upper part of
the abdomen
3.11.2
fencing breeches (trousers)
garment covering the abdomen, thighs and knees (and occasionally the lower leg)
3.11.3
fencing underpants
protective garment covering the abdomen and upper half of the thigh. If used, this garment is worn inside the
trousers
3.11.4
(fencing) under plastron
one armed garment worn under a jacket covering at least part of the weapon arm, the axilla (armpit) of the weapon
arm and part of the chest wall on the same side
NOTE There are two-armed under plastrons which cover both of the fencer’s arms. These are generally used by sabre
fencers to reduce bruising.
3.11.5
fencing gloves
clothing covering the hand, wrist and part of the forearm of the fencer
3.11.6
long fencing socks
garments covering the feet and the lower part of the leg to just above the knee
3.12
fencing breast protector
device worn over the breasts by lady fencers. The devices may be in one part or may consist of two, or may be
elements for fitting into the inside of the front of the jacket or into the brassiere, or other garment
3.13
genital protector
device worn inside the trousers to protect the genitalia
3.14
body dimensions
3.14.1
stature (height)
vertical distance between the crown of the head and the ground measured with the subject standing upright without
shoes and with their feet together
3.14.2
chest girth
maximum horizontal girth measured during normal breathing with the subject standing upright and the tape
measure passed over the scapulae under the arm pits and across the chest
3.14.3
bust girth
maximum horizontal girth measured during normal breathing with the subject standing upright and the tape-
measure passed over the scapulae under the armpits and across the breasts: normal underclothing to be worn
3.14.4
under bust girth
horizontal girth of the body immediately below the breasts measured as for the bust girth
3.14.5
waist girth
maximum horizontal girth measured during normal breathing with the subject standing upright and the tape-
measure passed around the body in the plane of the waist, 50 mm above the supra-cristal plane which is at the
level of the highest points of the iliac crests. The dimension 50 mm refers to a subject of 1 780 mm tall and should
be scaled pro-rata with the height of the actual subject
3.14.6
outside leg length
distance from the waist to the ground, measured with the tape-measure following the contour of the hip
4 Requirements
4.1 General
Protective clothing and equipment for fencers shall meet a general requirement that the product is safe to use and
fit for its purpose and shall also meet the following specific requirements.
4.2 Innocuousness
Protective clothing and equipment for fencers shall be designed and manufactured to provide protection when used
according to the manufacturer’s instructions, without endangering the user or other players. There shall not be hard or
sharp edges, seams, buckles or other items on the surfaces of the products that could harm the user or other players
during normal use. Examination shall be made according to 5.4.
Construction materials and incorporated substances shall not harm those coming into contact with them. The
manufacturer shall list in the information supplied with the product, the substances used in the main components of
the product, and shall label any product containing substances or preparations generally known to be hazardous.
Information about determining the chemical innocuousness of protective clothing and equipment is given in
informative annex A.
4.3 Ergonomic requirements
Fencers’ protective equipment shall be designed to minimise discomfort and impediment while wearing it. Fabrics
in contact with the skin shall be wettable and not impermeable. The designs should permit normal fencing
movements. The mask and visor shall not unduly distort the view of the user. The bib shall not cause the mask to
be displaced when the user flexes their neck. The equipment shall be assessed according to 5.5.
4.4 Restraint requirements
Fencers’ protective equipment shall be designed so that it should remain in place during normal use and during
impacts. This restraint may be achieved using integral straps with buckles, touch and close fasteners, separate
‘harness’ or other items of protective equipment or clothing. The manufacturer shall give details of how adequate
restraint of the equipment may be achieved in the information supplied by the manufacturer, see clause 7.
Fencers’ masks shall not be pulled off a test subject’s head when a force of 20 N is applied as described in 5.8, nor
brought into contact with a test subject’s face when tested with a force of 50 N as described in 5.8.
4.5 Sizing
Protective equipment shall be marked with its size (see clause 6). The size shall be related to the body dimensions
of the fencers the equipment should fit, and this shall be explained in the information supplied by the manufacturer
(see clause 7). The following body dimensions shall be used in sizing the protective equipment. Other dimensions
may be used in addition. Definitions of some body dimensions are given in 3.15; others shall be determined by
reference to ISO 8559:1989.
Jackets and under plastrons shall be sized against the users’ chest or bust girth and stature.
Breeches and fencing underpants shall be sized against the users’ waist girth and stature or outside leg
measurement.
Gloves shall be sized against the users’ hand length and hand breadth as described in EN 1082-1:1996, annex B,
Table B1.
Socks shall be sized against the users’ shoe size.
Breast protectors shall be sized according to brassiere and brassiere cup sizes as defined in ISO 8559, or against
the user’s bust girth or under bust girth.
Fencing masks shall be sized according to their circumference as specified in Table 1 and measured according
to 5.7.
Genital protectors shall be sized as specified in EN 13546:2002 for hard genital protectors.
4.6 Minimum dimensions of zones of protection
4.6.1 General
All protective equipment shall have a zone or zones, of protection, the dimensions of which shall be related to the
size of the user. The dimensions and position of the zones of protection relative to the coverage provided by the
whole equipment shall be given in the information supplied by the manufacturer (see clause 7). Where the
dimensions of the coverage exceed those of the zone of protection by more than 15 mm in any direction, the
outline of the zone of protection shall be clearly displayed. This may be by a line or a colour boundary on the inside
or the outside of the equipment, or by a pictogram permanently attached to the equipment. It shall be possible to
display the extent of the zone of protection where the garment is offered for sale.
The dimensions of the zones of protection of clothing and equipment shall be measured as described in 5.7.
4.6.2 Masks
Fencing masks shall have dimensions as shown in Table 1, and illustrated in Figure 2. If a transparent visor is fitted
there shall be a height of at least 40 mm of transparent material above the horizontal plane through the hard shell
at the level of the mid point of dimension B, and at least 30mm of transparent material below this plane.
Key
a) Side view
b) Rear view
c) Top view
a/b The ratio of the vertical height of the lateral protection to the vertical height of the hard shell
a
Horizontal plane at the level of the mid point of dimension B
c The internal circumference of the hard shell measured on the inner surface of the padding
d
The depth of the bib
e The width of the lateral protection
f
The front to back internal depth of the hard shell
g The minimum vertical height of the transparent area of a visor if present
h
The minimum horizontal width of the transparent area of a visor if present
The front angle of mesh masks without a visora
Figure 2 — Fencing mask - Dimensions of component parts
Table 1 — Fencing mask – Dimensions of component parts
a
Nominal size a/bc d e f g ha
mm mm mm mm mm mm
XS > 2/3 < 690 > 100 > 100 > 70 >70 >130
< 130°
S > 2/3 680-740 > 100 > 100 > 70 >70 >130
< 130°
M > 2/3 730-760 > 100 > 100 > 70 >70 >130
< 130°
L > 2/3 750-780 > 100 > 100 > 70 >70 >130
< 130°
XL > 2/3 > 770 > 100 > 100 > 70 >70 >130
< 130°
a
Applies only to metal mesh masks
4.6.3 Fencing clothing
4.6.3.1 General
The specific zone of protection as well as the coverage provided by protective clothing for the trunk is determined
by the particular discipline involved. It is also determined by whether the wearer is left or right handed. In all cases
it is a requirement that each item of protective clothing shall be plainly marked with the particular fencing disciplines
for which the clothing is suitable, as well as the ”handedness” for which it is intended (see clause 6). When the
correct size of garment is worn the user should have certain areas of the body covered by protective material when
making all normal fencing movements (see annex B):
4.6.3.2 Coverage by fencing jackets, breeches and underpants
Jackets – From 30 mm above the neck line down to within 50 mm of the wrist, to the waist all round the torso, and
in jackets for epee over the anterior surface of the abdomen (dimension D, Figure 3a).
Breeches – From at least 100 mm above the waist to at least 75 mm below the plane of the knee joint, all round
the abdomen and thighs.
Underpants – The anterior 50 % of the circumference of the abdomen and thighs from the waist to at least halfway
down the thighs.
4.6.3.3 Dimensions of the zones of protection of fencing jackets, breeches and underpants
The dimensions of the zones of protection shall be determined by the values given in the information supplied by
the manufacturer for the relevant control dimensions of the largest user the garment is intended to fit. The
dimensions of the zones of protection shall not be less than those defined by Table 2 and illustrated in Figure 3.
Table 2 — The minimum dimensions of the zones of protection of jackets, breeches and underpants
Dimensions of the zones of protection as percentages of the control dimensions,
or as a minimum value in millimetres
Jacket Breeches Under pants
a b c d e f g h i j
% % mm % % % mm % % %
Height - 29- 9 29- - 36- 20
Control dimension Chest girth 51 ---------
Waist girth - ---- 51 -- 51 -
minimum value - - 30 - - - 100 - - -
For with " - " characterized fields are not determined control dimensions or minimum values
Key
a) Jacket
b) Breeches
c) Underpants
a Chest width of a jacket laid flat
b Shoulder to waist length
c Collar height
d Height of abdominal protection
e Sleeve length
f Waist width of breeches laid flat
g Height of the zone of protection above the waist
h Outer leg length from the lower edge of the waist band of breeches downwards
i Waist width of underpants laid flat
j Outer leg length from the lower edge of the waistband of under pants downwards
1 Cuffs. These are not included in the zones of protection
2 Waistband of underpants. This is not included in the zone of protection
Figure 3 — Diagram of the dimensions of jackets, breeches and underpants to be measured on the
garments laid out flat
4.6.3.4 Coverage by under plastrons
These are designed to be a loose comfortable fit, being one armed they are generally supplied in ‘small’, ‘medium’,
‘large’ and ‘extra large’ sizes. The manufacturer’s instructions shall state how the correct garment should be
chosen and the range of sizes of user each size should fit.
The coverage provided by under plastrons should be from the neck-line to the hips and covering one side of the
torso, reaching the midline on the chest and the back. The sleeve should extend to a point not more than 100 mm
above the point of the elbow.
4.6.3.5 Dimensions of the zones of protection of under plastrons
The dimensions of the zones of protection shall be determined by the values given in the information supplied by
the manufacturer for the relevant control dimensions of the largest user the garment is intended to fit. The
dimensions of the zones of protection shall not be less than those in Table 3 and illustrated in Figure 4.
Table 3 — The minimum dimensions of the zones of protection of under plastrons
Control Dimensions of the zones of protection as
dimension percentages of the control dimension
A B C
% % %
Height 28 20
Chest girth 26
Key
a Torso height from the lower edge to the top of the shoulder
b Length from the neckline to the end of the sleeve
c The minimum width of the anterior and posterior panels of the plastron
Figure 4 — Diagram of the dimensions of an under plastron to be measured on the garment folded at the
centre of the side and laid out flat
4.6.4 Gloves
The zones of protection in gloves shall be on the back of the palm (hand) from the base of the fingers to at least
100 mm above the wrist. The dimensions of the zone of protection shall be at least those in Table 4.
Table 4 — Minimum dimensions of the zones of protection in gloves
Dimension
mm
Length of the zone of
Glove size
protection measured from
according to
Width of the zone of
the base of the crotch
EN 420
protection measured
between the second and
across the glove
third fingers towards the
wrist
6,5 75 196
7,0 80 200
7,5 80 204
8,0 85 208
8,5 95 212
9,0 100 216
9,5 100 220
10,0 100 224
10,5 110 228
11,0 110 232
4.6.5 Socks
Socks shall be continuously protective throughout their length. They shall have the minimum dimensions given in
Table 5.
Table 5 — Minimum dimensions of the zones of protection of socks
Shoe size Dimension
mm
Height of the sock Length of the foot
from the base of the region from the toe
heel to the top to heel
31/33 450 160
34/35 465 170
36/38 480 220
39/40 490 230
40/41 500 240
42/43 510 250
44/45 530 260
46/47 550 270
4.6.6 Breast protectors
The zone of protection of a breast protector shall be sized against bust girth it shall not have a diameter less than
0,1 times the stated bust girth.
4.6.7 Genital protectors
The zone of protection of a hard genital protector shall be continuous with the shell. The shell shall be without
perforations greater than 6 mm in diameter in a central frontal area which shall be not less than 75 % of the shell
dimension in any direction.
Genital protectors shall have the minimum dimensions specified in EN 13546:2002.
4.7 Construction materials and construction details
4.7.1 General
Protective clothing and equipment for fencers shall be constructed from the following materials or materials with
equivalent properties.
4.7.2 Fencing masks
4.7.2.1 Mask hard shells, lateral protection and visors
Fencing mask hard shells, lateral protection and visors shall be constructed from stiff material meeting the specific
penetration requirements in 4.8. These parts of the mask may be constructed throughout of the same material or of
different materials. A transparent visor may be incorporated. Perforated material may be used. It shall not be
possible at any point to pass a cylindrical probe with a diameter of (2,1 ± 0,05) mm, or a flat probe (0,2 ± 0,05) mm
thick and (4,0 ± 0,1) mm wide, through the mask with light manual force.
4.7.2.2 Resistance to deformation
It shall not be possible to pass the cylindrical or flat probes through any point on the mask when it is not
compressed or when it is compressed between flat plates laterally with a force of (900 ± 50) N or when it is
compressed between flat plates vertically with a force of (900 ± 50) N. After compression in each direction
inspection shall show no fractures or failures of joins have occurred.
4.7.2.3 Steel wire mesh
Steel wire mesh shall be made from wire not less than 1,0 mm in diameter. It shall be woven in a square mesh
pattern. The mesh apertures shall be less than 2,0 mm square in plane zones and less than 2,1 mm in curved
zones. The mesh should have a similar crimp in the warp and weft wires. Level 1 mesh shall be plated or coated to
prevent rusting or shall be of stainless steel. Level 2 mesh shall be made from stainless steel or similar corrosion
resistant material.
4.7.2.4 Plastic masks and transparent plastic or mineral (glass) visors
Plastic masks and transparent plastic or mineral (glass) visors shall be made from material that can be shown not to
be subject to stress fracturing or to fatigue fracturing caused by impacts, in the design in which it is used. (See
annex C for some information on problems with plastics). The fixing systems employed for transparent masks shall
conform to the relevant recommendations of the manufacturer of the particular plastic. Visors shall meet the
requirements for protection against high energy impacts [High energy impacts (A)] for face shields in 7.1.4.2
and 7.2.2 of EN 166:2001.
4.7.2.5 Join profile
The join regions shall have smooth outer surfaces with no steps greater than 2,5 mm in height that would be likely
to arrest a blade tip. Changes in levels that are chamfered to an angle that is shallower than 45° are not regarded
as steps. Where there are apparently non-perforating gaps or channels between areas of outer surface material, in
addition to meeting 4.7.2.1, the gaps or channels shall be less than 2,5 mm wide if they are more than 2,5 mm
deep.
4.7.2.6 Join construction
Joins between the hard mask shell and the lateral protection shall consist of connection by wire stitching, riveting,
welding or other secure system that is irremovable except by intent.
4.7.2.7 The bib
Bibs shall be made of flexible material that may be layers of cloth or other material that has sufficient stiffness to
remain in place during normal use. Bib stiffness shall be assessed according to 5.5. The bib shall be continuously
attached to the hard shell and lateral protection by sewing, gluing and riveting, or gluing and sewing, or riveting.
The bib shall overlap the lower edge of the lateral protection by at least 20 mm, and the hard shell by at least
10 mm. The bib shall not become detached from the mask so that it is possible to pass either probe specified in
4.7.2.1 between them when tested according to 5.9.
4.7.2.8 Interior padding or any other system to support the mask on the head and face
Interior padding or another system to support the mask on the head and face shall be provided that allows the
mask to be placed comfortably on the user’s head and face. The thickness and compressibility of padding or the
properties of any other system shall be limited so that under foreseeable impacts the mask does not move
significantly onto the user’s head with the consequence that their nose might contact the hard shell, see 4.4
and 5.8.
4.7.3 Fencing clothing
4.7.3.1 Jackets, breeches, under pants and under plastrons
Jackets, breeches, underpants and under plastrons shall be made out of fabrics which are machine washable.
4.7.3.2 Closures
All closures shall be constructed of materials that meet the performance requirements of the zone of protection in
which they are situated.
On torso garments specifically for right or left handed fencers zip fasteners and other closures shall be placed on
the side of the non-armed hand. The closure shall include an overlap of protective material of at least 5 mm width,
which shall cover the closure and shall only be open to the direction away from the opponent.
On torso garments designed for right or for left handed fencers with closures in the centre of the back, the
protective material of the two sides shall butt together with no overlap.
On breeches with central zip flies the closure shall have an overlap of protective material of at least 5 mm width
which shall cover the closure and shall be open to the direction away from the opponent.
4.7.3.3 Fencing gloves
Fencing gloves shall be constructed from tightly woven, non-woven, or knitted fabric, or from leather or artificial
leather which shall be washable.
4.7.3.4 Fencing socks
Fencing socks shall be constructed from tightly woven, knitted or other fabric which shall be washable.
4.8 Penetration resistance
4.8.1 General
There are two levels of penetration resistance performance specified in these requirements. See clauses 6 and 7,
and also annex B for information.
NOTE The penetration resistance requirements for fabrics correspond to the current (1999) Fédération Internationale
d’Escrime (FIE) requirements for dry testing. FIE wet test requirements are 10 % below dry test requirements. Wet testing is not
required under this European Standard.
4.8.2 Masks
When tested according to the test methods described in section 5.10.3 and 5.10.4 of this standard, there shall be
no penetration of the hard shell, lateral protection and joins in masks at the forces or impact energies in Table 6.
When tested according to the test methods described in section 5.10.5 the mean value of the force recorded on
penetration of mask bibs shall not be less than the values in Table 6. No more than one individual result shall be
less than 96 % of the value in Table 6.
After the penetration tests it shall not be possible to insert a probe with the same dimensions as the end of the
penetrator through the hard shell, lateral protection, visor or any join between them at any angle of presentation of the
probe. After the low velocity test the permanent deformation of the mesh shall be less than 10 mm when measured
according to 5.10.3.4.
Table 6 — Fencing mask - Penetration resistance requirements
Penetration force, or impact energy
Performance level Mask, hard shell
Mask, bib
High velocity test
Low velocity test Impact test energy, J
1 No penetration at 600 N 5,5 > 350 N
2 No penetration at 1 000 N 8,5 > 1 600 N
4.8.3 Jackets
The mean value of the penetration forces of the zones of protection of fencing jackets shall be higher than the
values in Table 7 when tested as described in clause 5.10.5. No more than one individual result shall be less than
96 % of the value in the table.
Table 7 — Fencing jacket - Penetration force requirements
Performance level Penetration force
1> 350 N
2> 800 N
4.8.4 Breeches
The mean value of the penetration forces of the zones of protection of fencing breeches shall be higher than the
values in Table 8 when tested as described in 5.10.5. No more than one individual result shall be less than 96 % of
the value in the table.
Table 8 — Fencing breeches - Penetration force requirements
Performance level Penetration force
1> 350 N
2> 800 N
4.8.5 Under pants
The mean value of the penetration forces of the zones of protection of fencing under pants shall be higher than the
values in Table 9 when tested as described in 5.10.5. No more than one individual result shall be less than 96 % of
the value in the table.
Table 9 — Under pants - Penetration force requirements
Performance level Penetration force
1> 350 N
2> 800 N
4.8.6 Under plastrons
The mean value of the penetration forces of the zones of protection of fencing under plastrons shall be higher than
the values in Table 10 when tested as described in 5.10.5. No more than one individual result shall be less than
96 % of the value in the table.
Table 10 — Under plastron - Penetration force requirements
Performance level Penetration force
1> 350 N
2> 800 N
4.8.7 Gloves
All gloves shall be at least 0,5 mm thick from the fingertips to the wrist, and at least 1,0 mm thick in the zone of
protection and in the cuff. Glove thickness shall be measured according to the method in EN ISO 5084:1996. The
mean value of the penetration forces of the zone of protection of fencing gloves shall be higher than the values in
Table 11 when tested as described in 5.10.5. No more than one individual result shall be less than 96 % of the
value in the table.
Table 11 — Glove - Penetration force requirements
Performance level Penetration force
1 No requirement
2 > 350 N
4.8.8 Socks
Socks shall be at least 1,0 mm thick. Sock thickness shall be measured according to test methods described in
EN ISO 5084:1997.
4.8.9 Breast protectors
When tested by the method in clause 5.10.6 with an impact energy of (2,5 ± 0,05) J breast protectors shall not be
penetrated, nor show other damage such as cracks or fractures.
4.8.10 Genital protectors
When tested by the method in clause 5.10.6 with an impact energy of (2,5 ± 0,05) J genital protectors shall not be
penetrated, nor show other damage such as cracks or fractures.
4.9 Burst strength of seams
The seams between materials providing the mechanical properties of the zones of protection in jackets, breeches,
under pants and under plastrons shall have a burst strength of at least 300 kPa when tested according to 5.11.
5 Test methods
5.1 Instruments
Measuring instruments unless otherwise specified shall be an error limit of ± 2 % of the pass/fail level of the
characteristic being measured.
For each of the required sequences of measurements performed in accordance with this standard except those
depending on a reference material, a corresponding estimate of the uncertainty of the final result shall be
determined. This uncertainty (Um) shall be given in the test report in the form Um = ± X. It shall be used in
determining whether a "Pass" performance has been achieved. If the final result minus Um is below the pass level
when the requirement that a certain value shall be exceed
...