Child biking away with a helmet on.

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Helmets

HomeHealth TopicsInjury PreventionHelmets
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Tips

  • Choose the right kind of helmet for the specific sport or transportation activity
  • Don't wear a hat, bandana, hair clip, or ponytail under a helmet
  • A thin fleece toque under a hockey or ski helmet is ok
  • Store helmets away from direct sunlight in a cool, dry place
  • Don’t use a second-hand helmet
  • Never use a bike helmet that has been in a crash, even if you can’t see any damage
  • Replace a helmet at least every five years after the manufacturing date or if you see any damage like cracks, worn or torn straps
  • When you shake your head, your helmet should stay put and feel comfortably snug.

Finding a helmet that fits

All helmets fit differently. Below are tips for making sure your helmet fits right.

Bicycle Helmets

Put the helmet on so that it is not tilting backward or forward. Then check the following:

Two fingers distance from helmet to eyebrow

 2 fingers between helmet and eyebrow

V-shape straps around each ear

 V shape straps around each ear

One finger between chin and fastened strap

One finger between chin and fastened strap

Hockey helmets

Put the helmet on so that it is not tilting backward or forward. Then check the following:

One finger between the chinstrap and chin

One finger between the chinstrap and chin

One finger distance from helmet to eyebrow

One finger distance from helmet to eyebrow

Helmet does not move

 

Helmet does not move

 

Recommended helmets for different activities

Activity

Recommended Helmet

Type of Protection

Certification
(Canadian, US, European)

Bicycling &
Non-motorized scooters

Bicycle helmet

Single impact

CSA, CPSC, ASTM or Snell

In-line or roller skating  

Bicycle / in-line skating or
skateboard helmet

Mostly single impact

CSA, CPSC, ASTM or Snell

BMX cycling

BMX helmet

Single/ Multi impact

ASTM or CPSC

Skateboarding

Skateboard or bicycle helmet

Single/Multi impact

ASTM, Snell, CEN,
CSA, CPSC, or ASTM

Ice hockey/ skating

Hockey helmet

Multi impact

CSA

Skiing & Snowboarding

Ski helmet

Single impact

Snell, ASTM, or CSA

Sledding/tobogganing

Hockey or ski helmet

Single / Multi impact

CSA, CPSC or Snell

The instructions and table above are adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health. For educational and non-commercial purposes only.

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