The European standard “EN 13567 Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protection for fencers - Requirements and test methods” describes the general requirements for ergonomics, size, coverage area and performance of protective clothing and equipment used in fencing. This standard includes requirements for labeling the clothing and equipment and the information that must be provided by the manufacturer. It also describes test methods and defines performance levels.
Protective clothing and equipment for fencers must meet the general requirement that the product be safe to use and fit for its intended purpose. Protective clothing and equipment for fencers must be designed and manufactured to provide protection without endangering the user or other players when used according to the manufacturer's instructions. The surfaces of the products must not contain hard or sharp edges, seams, buckles, or other elements that could cause harm to the user or other players during normal use.
Construction materials and the substances they contain must not harm those who come into contact with them. The manufacturer must list the substances used in the main components of the product in the information provided with the product and label any product containing substances or preparations generally known to be hazardous. Information on determining the chemical safety of protective clothing and equipment is included in the annex to this standard (Annex A).
Fencers' protective equipment should be designed to minimize discomfort and obstruction when worn. Fabrics in contact with the skin should be wettable and not impermeable. Designs should allow for normal fencing movements. Masks and visors should not unnecessarily impair the user's vision. Aprons should not cause the mask to shift when the user bends their neck.
Fencers' protective equipment must be designed to remain in place during normal use and during impacts. This restraint can be achieved using integrated buckle straps, hook-and-loop fasteners, a separate harness, or other protective equipment or clothing. The manufacturer should provide details on how the equipment can be adequately restrained in the information provided by the manufacturer. Fencer masks should not be pulled off the test subject's head when a force of 20 N is applied, or come into contact with the test subject's face when tested with a force of 50 N.
Protective equipment must be marked with body measurements. The body measurements should relate to the body measurements of the fencer for whom the equipment is intended, and this should be explained in the information provided by the manufacturer. The following body measurements should be used for sizing protective equipment:
In short, the EN 13567 standard defines the basic safety requirements for protective equipment used in fencing. This standard guarantees that the equipment provides reliable protection while maintaining comfort and mobility for athletes. It applies to a wide range of fencing equipment, including jackets, plastrons (underarm protectors), trousers, gloves, masks, and more. It is widely adopted by the International Fencing Federation.
Fencing is an intense combat sport where weapons can accidentally hit targets outside of designated areas. The most serious risk comes from broken blades. When a blade breaks, the broken tip can reach high speeds and energy, potentially piercing clothing and causing serious or even fatal injuries. Broken blades pose a particular threat. The conditions of a broken blade can lead to high tip speeds and high-energy impacts. Broken blades are known to pierce protective clothing, potentially leading to fatal consequences.
The EN 13567 standard addresses this by defining the best possible level of protection. This is the highest level of safety achievable without making it so bulky or restrictive that fencers would avoid wearing it.
This standard covers:
The equipment must undergo rigorous testing in the following areas:
The EN 13567 standard defines two levels of protection considered suitable for fencing:
The “N” rating measures puncture resistance in Newtons (the force a fabric can withstand before being punctured).
The tests simulate real threats:
EN 13567 is one of the most stringent standards for stab protection.
In conclusion, the EN 13567 standard plays a vital role in making fencing safer by establishing clear and testable criteria for protective equipment. From Olympic athletes to fencing enthusiasts, it helps reduce the risk of serious injury from broken swords, one of the sport's greatest dangers.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "EN 13567 Protective clothing - Hand, arm, chest, abdomen, leg, genital and face protection for fencers - Requirements and test methods" standard.
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