The EN 12492 standard covers helmets for mountaineers. These safety helmets are known as ‘climbing helmets’; however, they are also used in various construction and industrial applications due to the type of protection offered. EN 12492 helmets offer impact protection to the top, sides, front and rear, as well as penetration resistance, and increased security with a built-in retention system.
Shock absorption
The EN 12492 standard includes shock absorption testing to the top (crown), sides, front and rear of the helmet. For crown shock absorption, a hemispherical striker is dropped from 2m onto the top of the helmet, creating an impact energy of 100J. Side, front and rear shock absorption is tested at 25J. A flat striker is dropped from 0.5m onto the side, front and rear of the helmet with the headform tilted to 30°.
In all shock absorption tests, the transmitted force must not exceed 10kN. This limits the force transmitted to the wearer’s neck to reduce the severity of injury in the event of an impact.
Penetration resistance
EN 12492 helmets offer crown penetration resistance. Two tests are performed within a 50mm radius of the helmet’s crown. A 3kg pointed striker is dropped from 1m and must not contact the headform.
Learn more about helmet impact protection.
Retention system
EN 12492 helmets must have a retention system with a chinstrap. The standard includes testing to assess the strength and security of the retention system. Strength testing is carried out to ensure the chinstrap does not break or stretch under a force of 500N. There are also test requirements to make sure the helmet cannot roll off the head if caught at the front or the rear. This maximises protection during a fall, helping to keep the helmet secure in case of repeated impacts from swinging or multiple falling objects. The retention system of an EN 12492 helmet works in a different way to chinstraps for EN 397 helmets.
Find out more about the differences between EN 12492 and EN 397 chinstraps. For more information on EN 12492 climbing helmets visit jspsafety.com.