To protect workers against head and brain injuries, it is important to choose the right type of helmet for the intended usage and application. Safety helmets are tested and certified to different standards – each with distinct performance requirements.
EN 397 and EN 14052 are two European head protection standards. EN 397 specifies industrial safety helmets, whereas EN 14052 applies to high performance helmets.
There are key differences between impact and penetration testing; EN 397 only covers top (crown) protection, unlike EN 14052 which requires helmets to be tested at multiple points around the shell. However, some optional requirements are shared by the two standards.
EN 397 – Industrial safety helmets
EN 397 helmets are intended for use where there is a risk of objects falling from above, traditionally selected for use in construction. These helmets offer impact and penetration protection to the top only.
- Shock absorption is tested with a 50J impact.
- Penetration resistance is tested with a 3kg conical striker dropped from 1m.
The EN 397 standard also includes optional requirements:
Lateral deformation – Lateral deformation testing assesses the helmet’s ability to resist deformation when force is applied to the sides, protecting against crushing hazards. Two plates exert a gradual force up to 430N on either side of the helmet. Shell deformation must not exceed specified limits.
Molten metal – This optional test assesses protection against molten metal splashes, for safety in foundry environments. Molten iron is poured on the top of the helmet. The molten metal must not penetrate or deform the shell, or burn for longer than 5 seconds.
Electrical insulation – EN 397 includes an optional electrical insulation test applicable to non-vented helmets. Helmets that pass provide protection against short term, accidental contact with live electrical conductors at voltages up to 440V a.c.
Chinstraps – Chinstraps are optional for EN 397 helmets. Testing is carried out to ensure optional chinstraps release under a force of 150 – 250N. Construction companies are increasingly adopting safety helmets that meet EN 12492.
Find out more about EN 12492 helmets.
EN 14052 – High performance helmets
EN 14052 helmets are intended for use in high-risk environments, such as demolition and quarrying. They offer top, side, front and rear protection, with impact and penetration testing carried out at various locations around the helmet shell.
- Crown (top) shock absorption testing is carried out with a 100J impact.
- Side, front and rear shock absorption is assessed with a 50J impact, up to 60° from the crown.
- Crown penetration resistance is tested with a 1kg blade striker dropped from 2.5m
- Side, front and rear penetration resistance testing uses the same 1kg blade striker dropped from 2m.
The EN 14052 standard includes several of the same optional requirements as EN 397:
Molten metal – This optional test assesses protection against molten metal splashes, for safety in foundry environments. Molten iron is poured on the top of the helmet. The molten metal must not penetrate or deform the shell, or burn for longer than 5 seconds.
Electrical insulation – EN 14052 includes an optional electrical insulation test applicable to non-vented helmets. Helmets that pass provide protection against short term, accidental contact with live electrical conductors at voltages up to 440V a.c.
Chinstraps – Chinstraps are optional for EN 14052 helmets. Testing is carried out to ensure optional chinstraps release under a force of 150 – 250N.
Providing the right kind of helmet is vital to make sure wearers are protected against the hazards presented on site. To select the appropriate type of head protection, a risk assessment must be carried out to identify specific hazards and PPE requirements.
EN 397 helmets provide protection against objects falling from above, whereas EN 14052 helmets protect against impacts to the sides, front and rear. EN 14052 helmets are also tested for top/crown shock absorption at a higher energy level. This corresponds to intended usage, allowing high performance helmets to protect against more intense impacts coming from multiple directions.
Find out more about different helmet types:
What is the difference between EN 397 and EN 12492 helmets?
Global helmet standards explained