ISO 11087:2015

Overview

ISO 11087:2015 - "Alpine ski-bindings - Retention devices - Requirements and test methods" defines safety, performance and test procedures for ski brakes and binding straps used on alpine ski‑bindings. The standard applies to retention devices whose purpose is to reduce injury risk from a ski that has released from a binding (i.e., post‑release ski behavior). ISO 11087:2015 specifies both design/functional requirements and laboratory/dynamic test methods to verify those requirements.

Key Topics

• Scope and purpose: Requirements for integrated ski brakes and binding straps to control released skis and reduce hazards.
• Compatibility: Retention devices must be compatible with binding function and relevant requirements in ISO 9462 and ISO 5355.
• Interference with skiing: Design shall not cause premature contact, catching, or skidding during normal use - tested against defined “non‑interference” areas.
• Mechanical stability: Devices must withstand practical loads; specific impact testing (impact block, spring preload) at −20 °C to check durability.
• Functional reliability: Operation must resist cold, snow and icing; tests include icing procedures and enforced reaction (repeated stepping in/out).
• Automatic function & safety: Ski brakes must deploy automatically on release; locking mechanisms must auto‑release when stepped into the binding or be secured to prevent accidental disablement.
• Braking effect: Dynamic braking tests on a defined course (slope ~28° ± 3°, speed 8 ± 1 m/s) with a reference brake and test ski. Stopping distances are compared - test skis’ mean stopping distance must not exceed the reference mean by more than 20%.
• Test apparatus & sampling: Detailed equipment requirements (impact block, test ski/sole, reference brake), sampling rules (two complete systems) and environmental/test conditions (ISO 554 atmosphere).

Applications

• Manufacturers: Design, validation and certification of ski brakes and binding straps to meet regulatory and market safety expectations.
• Test laboratories: Implement ISO 11087 test methods for product approval, type testing and quality control.
• Certification bodies & compliance teams: Assess conformity with alpine ski‑binding safety requirements.
• Retailers and mount technicians: Understand performance claims and safe mounting practices referenced in instructions and labels.
• Safety engineers and product managers: Use requirements to reduce post‑release injury risk and inform product development.

Related Standards

• ISO 9462 - Alpine ski‑bindings: safety requirements and test methods
• ISO 5355 - Alpine ski‑boots: safety requirements and test methods
• ISO 8364 - Binding mounting area requirements
• ISO 9838 - Test soles for ski‑binding tests
• ISO 554 - Standard atmospheres for conditioning/testing

Keywords: ISO 11087:2015, alpine ski‑bindings, ski brakes, binding straps, retention devices, test methods, braking effect, mechanical stability, functional reliability, ski binding safety.