Overview
ISO 20320:2020 specifies requirements and test methods for wrist protectors used in snowboarding. The standard covers ergonomics, innocuousness (safety of materials), comfort and sizing, restraint, impact strength and impact performance (palm protection), limitation of wrist extension, plus marking and manufacturer instructions. Tests are defined at room temperature (20 °C) and for some performance criteria also in cold conditions (−10 °C). The standard applies only to snowboarding wrist protectors and excludes roller sports, alpine skiing and other sports.
Key technical topics and requirements
- Scope & exclusions: Defines wrist protectors intended to reduce wrist injuries in snowboarding; not applicable to roller sports or alpine skiing.
- Sizing ranges: Performance is based on three size ranges A, B, C correlated to hand sizes (A ≤6; B 7–8; C ≥9).
- Splint dimensions: Minimum splint sizes (reference plane at the wrist) are specified:
- Length toward elbow: A 45 ±2 mm, B 50 ±2 mm, C 55 ±2 mm
- Length toward fingertips: A 40 ±2 mm, B 45 ±2 mm, C 50 ±2 mm
- Width at each end: A/B 25 ±2 mm, C 30 ±2 mm
- Ergonomics: Users must be able to put on/off and operate bindings while wearing protectors without discomfort or hazard (testing clause 5.4).
- Innocuousness: Materials and construction must meet ISO 21420:2020 requirements (no sharp edges, roughness, or harmful substances).
- Restraint: Maximum allowed displacement during restraint tests is 20 mm.
- Impact strength: Components must not break or split under specified impact tests.
- Impact performance (palm): Measured impact forces must not exceed 3 kN.
- Limitation of wrist extension: Under specified torque (see Table 8 in ISO 20320), artificial wrist extension angles must fall within 50° to 75°.
- Testing & conditioning: Covers sampling, room and cold conditioning, and detailed procedures for impact and extension tests.
- Marking & instructions: Manufacturer must supply required labeling and user information.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
ISO 20320:2020 is essential for:
- Wrist protector manufacturers - design, quality control, product development and compliance.
- Test laboratories and certification bodies - performing standardized impact, extension and conditioning tests.
- Product safety engineers and R&D teams - validating ergonomics and material selection for cold-weather performance.
- Procurement, retailers and safety officers - verifying product claims and selecting certified wrist protectors for snowboarders.
- Standards committees and regulators - referencing harmonized safety requirements for consumer protection.
Related standards
- ISO 21420:2020 - Protective gloves: general requirements and test methods (referenced for innocuousness and sizing).
- ISO 13999-1:1999 - Protective gloves and arm guards: reference for wrist-plane measurement and related requirements.
Keywords: ISO 20320:2020, wrist protectors, snowboarding, wrist guard test methods, impact performance, limitation of wrist extension, splint dimensions, cold condition testing.