 |
|||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
 |
|||||||||||||
International Karting Industry Buyer's Guide |
|||||||||||||
| THE RACERS EDGE | |||||||||||||
| SNELL
SETS THE STANDARDS FOR HELMET SAFETY TESTING
Though the name Pete Snell may not be familiar, those in kart racing should be familiar with the Snell Memorial Foundation. William “Pete” Snell was a popular sports car racer who was killed in an unfortunate, but avoidable, auto racing accident in 1956. He died of massive head injuries when the auto racing helmet he was wearing failed. As a memorial to Pete, scientists, physicians, racers and friends teamed together in a dedicated effort to promote research, education, testing and development of helmet standards. Through their work, the Snell Memorial Foundation, a not-for-profit organization under California law, was established in 1957. Safety standards were launched inn 1959 for auto racing and other motorized and non-motorized activities. Today, Snell is known for its ongoing work in setting, maintaining and upgrading the most authoritative helmet standards in the United States and throughout the world. Snell tests thousands of helmets each year and maintains objectivity by remaining independent of helmet manufacturers, local and national governments. Two state-of-the-art testing facilities are located in California and in the United Kingdom. Helmets meeting Snell standards provide the highest level of protection available. Snell Standards significantly surpass those set by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), the American National Standards Institute (NSI) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Helmet manufacturers submit their products for certification. If their helmets pass the demanding series of tests and therefore meet the referenced standard, the manufacturers are invited to enter into a contract with the Foundation, which entitles them to use the Foundation name and logo in their packaging and advertising, and to purchase Foundation decals for use on their certified products. However, this contract also requires them to maintain their high standards and participate in a random sample test program. In order to continuously monitor the quality of helmets being sold to the public, Snell purchases and tests samples of currently certified helmets from retailers and distributors. These helmets are tested only in Snell laboratories by Snell technicians. Should a currently certified helmet fail, the helmet manufacturer must take corrective action to Snell’s satisfaction. Participation in the Snell certification program is strictly voluntary. Manufacturers are not obliged to seek certification or continue it, but while a manufacturer does participate, the Foundation demands full compliance. Similarly, the Foundation prosecutes all unauthorized use of the Snell name and logo to the fullest extent of the law. To take advantage of technical and research development, and to provide the highest degree of safety to consumers, Snell Standards are updated every five years. Updates are based on new medical research and available manufacturing technology. Over the years, many U.S. and international organizations have adopted the requirements of Snell certified helmets for sporting and racing events. In its effort to promote helmet safety, Snell offers copies of Snell Standards, videos, brochures, posters, stickers and pins advocating helmet use. Snell also offers lists of currently certified helmets. To obtain free information
and materials, contact: Snell Memorial Foundation, 3628 Madison Avenue,
Suite 11, North Highlands, California 95660. Phone: 916-331-5073, Fax:
916-331-0359.
END |
|||||||||||||
|
Kart Marketing Group, Inc. Post Office Box 101 Wheaton, IL 60189 USA Telephone: 630-653-7368 Fax: 630-653-2637 Email: karting@msn.com |
|||||||||||||
| Neatconcept, Inc | |||||||||||||
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
