Head Impact Criterion HIC Meter for Surface Impact Testing
The Head Impact Criterion (HIC) Meter is an essential tool for evaluating the shock-absorbing performance of sports and recreational surfaces. It measures the likelihood of head injury resulting from a fall, ensuring surfaces meet international safety standards and provide the necessary impact protection for users.
While initially designed for playground testing, the HIC Meter is now widely used for synthetic turf, natural grass, and indoor or outdoor sports fields. It plays a key role in certifying surfaces used in football, rugby, athletics, and general recreation.
Key Features of the HIC Meter
- Compliant with EN 1177 and EN 15330-1
- Fully wireless system with Bluetooth data transfer
- Android interface for data display and control
- Real-time result visualization
- Configurable drop height and test parameters
- Compact and field-ready design
This device is designed for efficient testing with fast setup, clear data output, and user-friendly operation in both laboratory and on-site conditions.
How the HIC Meter Works
The HIC Meter operates by dropping a hemispherical aluminium headform fitted with a tri-axial accelerometer onto the surface being tested. The device captures the deceleration data to calculate:
HIC (Head Injury Criterion)
An indicator of the potential severity of head injury. A HIC value below 1000 is generally required to meet safety standards.
Gmax
The peak acceleration measured during the impact. A Gmax value below 200 indicates the surface offers sufficient shock attenuation.
Critical Fall Height (CFH)
The maximum height from which a person can fall without exceeding HIC and Gmax thresholds. This is determined by performing multiple drops at increasing heights until safety limits are approached.
Tested Surfaces
The HIC Meter can be used to test a wide range of surfaces, including:
- Playgrounds (wood chips, sand, rubber tiles, synthetic surfacing)
- Synthetic turf fields for football, rugby, hockey
- Natural grass pitches
- Indoor floors such as gymnasiums and sports courts
- Outdoor recreational areas in schools or public spaces
Its portability and autonomy make it ideal for both certification testing and routine surface monitoring.
A Trusted Tool for Safety Testing
The HIC Meter is widely trusted for its:
- Precision in capturing impact forces
- Ease of use in both lab and field conditions
- Compliance with international norms
- Rapid test cycle and digital output
Used by sports federations, laboratories, municipalities, and equipment manufacturers, it supports safer playing environments for athletes and children alike.
