HEMA and SAFETY - NORMS? EN 13567 and more

It is repeatedly claimed that there is no standard for historical fencing/HEMA. Therefore, no equipment can be tested and certified for it. I would like to dispel this MYTH, at least from an EU perspective, because as a developer, manufacturer and store I know the processes very well. After all, I am always directly involved in these processes and work together with the testing institutes.

The manufacturers

Basically, there are two different areas of product safety requirements. Firstly, the manufacturer's perspective. Manufacturers make requirements for the product, i.e. what exactly the product should be able to do in the end or how and from what it should actually protect and to what degree. They then refer to existing standards and test procedures in the respective areas. And there are already norms and test procedures for almost everything. No new ones are needed. Using the example of the protective jacket/fencing jacket, the best possible puncture resistance is the basis for us as a manufacturer. The best standard for puncture resistant clothing is the European standard EN 13567 that is conform to the FIE requirements. This norm for fencing contains specifications made by the FIE to ensure the best possible protection for fencers. The requirements are so high that the specifications are even used in civilian, police and other areas as the best for puncture resistant protection and the test procedures according to this standard are used. However, it is not just the fabric that is tested, but the end product. For example, the seams are also tested for tear resistance and puncture resistance. There is a specification of protection zones that must be covered by the garment and much more. What remains important, however, is that we as the manufacturer ultimately say what the product should be able to do and it is tested accordingly. So there is no need for a new standard of our own. There are also other standards that use different test procedures. However, these standards have, for example, impact heads/spikes with a much larger diameter, whereas the spike in the impact test according to EN13567 is extremely sharp to simulate a broken blade. The EN13567 is the best available for puncture protection. Like the FIE, we also recommend using another 800N plastron under the 800N protective jacket.

In addition to our requirements for the product, the institute also checks all other requirements that are placed on the product within the EU before it can be placed on the market. Only a product that meets all the requirements may be labeled with the CE. This is because the CE stands for the fact that the product fulfills all these requirements.

For example, as soon as the manufacturer states that a product is intended to protect a person from something (e.g. stab protection, impact protection, etc.), the product automatically falls into the category of “personal protective equipment”. There is a separate regulation for personal protective equipment within the EU. This regulation, which serves to protect consumers and wearers of protective equipment, also contains many requirements that the product must meet. For example, package inserts, product information for consumers, etc. are prescribed so that the customer is precisely informed. A good mobility of the gear also is a requirement within this regulation.

In short: we set requirements for our product and these are tested and confirmed with the declaration of conformity if the test is successful.

Coaches, clubs, associations

So the question is ultimately what specifications we set for our products. And this is where the second area comes into play. Coaches, clubs and associations. I currently set the requirements for my products myself with my 25 years of experience as a fencer, fencing teacher, school director and product developer. In most cases, my own specifications for my products are higher than the generally accepted ones. But that's because I know the materials and test procedures very well. And I always try to achieve the “best possible protection”. Ultimately, the specifications of the associations are an important point for product development. But also the enforcement of the specifications so that they are not constantly circumvented. Let's take stab safety as an example. The specifications and monitoring must be very precise here. Anyone who simply writes “800N” as a specification can ultimately mean anything by 800N, as there are extremely different standards and test procedures, but these have nothing to do with the stab resistance test according to EN? and do not reach their level of protection. Accordingly, the specification should read “Jacket and trousers must have protection level 2 (800N) according to EN13567”. As the manufacturer has to prove this to the customer, the fencer always has proof which he can show to the coach, club, association or tournament organizer. A simple sewn-on “800N” label simply has no value. Anyone can sew this onto their own clothing. You also need to build trust by knowing, for example, which products from which manufacturers comply with the rules.

No need for own HEMA NORM

To name another product, I would also like to refer to gloves. Here, for example, a specification could be made as to which zones of the glove must demonstrate 800N according to EN13567 and where impact protection according to EN13456 (field hockey gloves) must be provided. The association is free in its formulation. You just have to take a look at the existing standards. There are standards and test procedures for almost everything.
The more precise the associations make their specifications, the better I as a developer and manufacturer can make the products and have them tested.
I myself am working on such detailed specifications with corresponding protection zones and the associated standards and test procedures for jackets, pants, neck protectors, gloves etc., for example. Existing test procedures can also be used for safe blades.So there is no need for a separate standard, just clear specifications and controls.
I have already offered my cooperation to fencing associations and hope to be able to take the step towards a safe sport together and contribute to making fencers aware that there are dangers and that they can protect themselves to a high standard.

I will definitely continue to use the best possible standards for your protection.

I would like to conclude with a quote from the EN13567 standard which shows the objective of this standard and how close it is to our needs:

"The sport of fencing, as a martial art that occasionally (but usually not intentionally) involves physical contact with the weapon outside the protective zones, is inherently dangerous. Protective clothing and equipment for fencers aims to prevent injury as far as possible or, at worst, to minimize the degree of injury, particularly from the tip of the weapon. 
Broken blades pose a particular threat. The circumstances of a broken blade can lead to high tip velocities and high energy impacts.
Broken blades are known to penetrate protective clothing with potentially fatal consequences. There is no practical clothing that can withstand all impacts from broken blades.

In this standard, the idea of “the best possible level of protection” has been taken into account. This idea means that the specified level of protection should be set as high as possible without compromising comfort to such an extent
or hindering movements during fencing that fencers do not use the protective clothing.

The protective clothing listed in this standard comprises two levels of protection that are considered suitable by organizers and participants in the sport of fencing. Their use is expected to reduce the risk of injury
for fencers to a tolerable level."