ASTM E3368/E3368M-23a

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E3368/E3368M − 23 E3368/E3368M − 23a
Standard Specification for
Ballistic-Resistant Helmets Worn by U.S. Public Safety
1
Officers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3368/E3368M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification specifies minimum performance requirements and test methods for the ballistic resistance of helmets used
by U.S. public safety officers and intended to protect the head against handgun and rifle ammunition.
1.1.1 The test methods within this specification were developed and validated for broadly available helmet designs. Some helmet
designs may require additional or different testing than that specified in this specification.
1.2 This specification addresses ballistic performance in terms of:
1.2.1 Helmet resistance to penetration (RTP) of shell, fasteners, and weak points;
1.2.2 Helmet shell ballistic limit (V50); and
1.2.3 Face shield RTP and deformation.
1.3 Helmets covered by this specification are classified into RTP ballistic protection levels (see Section 8).
1.4 This specification addresses non-ballistic performance in terms of:
1.4.1 Helmet impact attenuation;
1.4.2 Helmet shell compression resistance;
1.4.3 Face shield resistance to blunt impact, deflection, and projectile impact;
1.4.4 Face shield optics; and
1.4.5 Retention system strength.
1.5 Backface deformation (BFD) measurement is not addressed as a requirement for compliance with this specification. If the user
of this specification is interested in BFD measurement, see Appendix X1.
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E54.04 on
Public Safety Equipment.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2023May 1, 2023. Published February 2023June 2023. Originally approved in 2023. Last previous edition approved in 2023 as
E3368/E3368M – 23. DOI: 10.1520/E3368_E3368M-23.10.1520/E3368_E3368M-23A.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E3368/E3368M − 23a
1.6 Armor appliques are not addressed within this version of the specification.
1.7 This specification is applicable for compliance testing, verification testing, certification testing, or research and development
testing.
1.8 This specification is divided into the following sections:
Section Title
1 Scope
2 Referenced Documents
3 Terminology
4 Significance and Use
5 Test Threats, Equipment, and Materials
6 Test Item Requirements
7 Procedure for Visual Examination
8 Helmet Resistance to Penetration (RTP) Ballistic Protection Levels and Test Threats
9 Ballistic Performance Requirements for Helmet Shell RTP and BFD
10 Ballistic Performance Requirements for Face Shields
11 Ballistic Performance Requirements for Helmet Shell Ballistic Limit (V50)
12 Ballistic Performance Requirements for Fasteners
13 Ballistic Performance Requirements for Weak Points
14 Non-ballistic Performance Requirements for Helmets and Face Shields
15 Product Documentation Requirements
16 Product Label and Package Label Requirements
17 Test Report
18 Keywords
Annex A1 ASTM Helmet RTP Ballistic Protection Levels and Associated Test Threats
Annex A2 Ballistic Testing Summary
Annex A3 Non-ballistic Testing Summary
Appendix X1 Optional Backface Deformation Measurement Acceptance Criteria and Test Procedure
1.9 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guid
...