EXP08-17

Preface

This is the first edition of CSA EXP08, Hip protectors. This Express Document is not a consensus product; that is, it is not a Standard and it has not been formally reviewed or approved by a CSA Technical Committee. This Express Document may be used as a basis for further standardization. 

Scope

1.1 General 

This Document specifies testing and labelling requirements for hip protectors used to reduce the risk of hip fracture in the event of a fall. 

Annex A provides a test method for measuring the effect of a hip protector in reducing the force to the proximal femur during a simulated fall. The method is applicable both to hip protectors that are designed to withstand a single impact and be replaced, and to hip protectors that are designed to withstand multiple impacts. The method does not identify specific pass/fail criteria for hip protectors; instead, it describes methods for measuring the force attenuation number that we recommend manufacturers specify in the labelling of hip protectors (see Clause 4.1). 

1.2 Intended users 

This Document is intended to be used by manufacturers in the design of hip protectors, and consumers in the selection of hip protectors. Consumers include older adults and their families and care providers; individuals who could be at risk for hip fracture due to bone disease or conditions that cause frequent falls; managers of care and people who deliver care in hospitals, nursing homes, or assisted living facilities; individuals involved in selecting or purchasing these devices; and researchers who are studying hip protectors. 

1.3 Terminology 

In this Document, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the Document; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Document. 

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. 

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. 

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.