Media Advisory - CSA Testing of ski and snowboard helmets begins at Montreal facility

    MONTREAL, April 27 /CNW/ - CSA International will officially launch a
testing and certification program for the Z263.1 Recreational Alpine Skiing
and Snowboarding Helmets Standard on April 30, 2009. The launch will take
place at the CSA International facility in Montreal, which is now ready to
accept submissions from helmet manufacturers across Canada.
    Following brief remarks from Helene Vaillancourt, Operations Manager, CSA
International, there will be a demonstration of testing procedures at the lab
and a tour of the facility.
    CSA's Z263.1 Recreational Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Helmets is
Canada's first standard intended to help reduce head injuries for recreational
alpine skiers and snowboarders. It defines the areas of the head that are to
be protected for impact injuries and covers the basic performance requirements
for shock absorption, helmet stability, and retention system strength as well
as marking and labeling requirements.
    The number of traumatic injuries and fatalities have increased in Canada
along with the rising popularity of skiing and snowboarding. Brain injury is
the main cause of death among skiers and snowboarders.WHAT:                 Media event to launch testing and certification
                          program for Z263.1, Recreational Alpine Skiing and
                          Snowboarding Helmets Standard, demonstration of
                          helmet testing procedures and facility tour.

    PHOTO OPPORTUNITY:    A close up look at how helmets will be rigorously
                          tested to meet standards under CSA's Z263.1
                          Recreational Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Helmets
                          Standard.

                          Various testing and certification equipment will be
                          available to photograph/film during the facility
                          tour.

    WHEN:                 10:30 am ET, Thursday, April 30, 2009

    WHO:                  Hélène Vaillancourt, Operations Manager, CSA
                          International
                          Patrick Richard, Testing and Certification
                          Specialist, CSA International
                          Stéphane Larivière, Product Group Manager, CSA
                          International

    WHERE:                CSA Pointe Claire
                          865 rue Ellingham, Pointe Claire, Quebec
                          H9R 5E8

For further information: Simon Falardeau, Capital Image, [phone],
[e-mail]; Amy Clark, Environics Communications, (416)
969-2758, [e-mail]; Anthony Toderian, CSA Group, (416)
747-2620, [e-mail]