Back protector
The back protector is used for passive safety, especially for the spine , for example when riding a motorcycle , snowboarding , inline skating , and eventing and is worn over or under clothing.
The risk of injury is to be reduced by padded, often flaky, overlapping individual elements made of plastic or leather along the spine.
Test standards
In the motorcycle sector, only those protective elements that are certified according to CE EN 1621-2 may be designated as back protectors. This European test standard differs in several points from CE EN 1621-1, which applies to joint protectors. For example, a differently shaped drop weight (cylindrical instead of flat) and a flat instead of hemispherical anvil are used to check the residual force values on the test stand. In addition, the residual force values permitted by the standard are far lower than with joint protectors. The test is carried out by dropping a 5 kg punch from 1 m onto the protector (peak impact force approx. 150–180 kN ). While the average residual force for joint protectors may not exceed 35 kN, the maximum limit for back protectors is 18 kN (Level 1) or 9 kN (Level 2), depending on the level. Back protectors must therefore have a much better damping capacity than protectors for the joint area. However, retailers sell non-certified soft foam protective elements (often as standard equipment in inexpensive jackets) for the back, the protective effect of which is not certified.
motorcycle
CE-tested back protectors are standard equipment in high-quality motorcycle clothing. In the case of cheaper models, the protector pockets often contain only inferior soft foam that is comfortable to wear, but does not offer reliable protection in the event of a fall. It is best if jacket owners replace these soft foam mats with a tested back protector from an accessory store. When buying, it is essential to ensure that there is a large coverage area. Ideally, this extends from the neck to the lumbar vertebrae. Viscoelastic foams have proven to be particularly effective in terms of shock absorption. Since these foams are temperature-dependent, it is advisable to allow some time to try them on. Because only after a few minutes on the body do they reach their working temperature and develop their full wearing comfort. A good alternative to integrated back protectors - especially if the clothing does not have integrated protector pockets - are back protectors from the accessories that can be worn separately. These are optionally available with straps and waist straps, as a vest or complete protector jacket (then additionally with shoulder and elbow protectors).
Ski, snowboard and bike
There are also rucksacks with built-in protectors for skiers, snowboarders and cyclists.
Paragliding
When paragliding , back protectors are integrated into the harness , which are intended to cushion an impact in the back or buttocks area. A distinction is made between protectors made of foam and airbags, which are inflated by the airstream. Such protectors are mandatory in Germany and Austria and must be type- tested . In contrast to other sports, additional protectors integrated in clothing are not worn.
Individual evidence
- ↑ CE standard prEN 1621-2. (PDF) Draft standard for back protectors in motorcycle clothing. Viscotec GmbH, accessed on March 29, 2011 .