The new EN 397:2025 Industrial Protective Helmet standard introduces two performance levels with Type 1 and Type 2 helmets.
Each helmet type is subject to different testing requirements relating to their intended usage.
In the :2012 standard, shock absorption and penetration resistance test methods specified drop height. EN 397:2025 specifies velocity instead – this doesn’t affect performance or protection but does help to ensure testing is consistent.
Type 1 helmets
Type 1 helmets provide protection against on-crown impacts. As with the EN 397:2012 standard, they are tested for shock absorption on top of the helmet only.
A 5kg hemispherical striker falling with a velocity of 4.43m/s creates a 49 Joule impact on top of the helmet. To pass, the force transmitted to the test headform must remain below 5kN.
Penetration resistance is also assessed in the crown area. A 3kg pointed striker is dropped to create a 29 J impact. For this test, the striker must not contact the test headform.
Type 2 helmets
Type 2 helmets protect against both on-crown and off-crown impacts. Similarly to EN 12492 climbing helmets, they are tested for shock absorption on the top, sides, front and rear.
On-crown shock absorption is tested at a higher energy. The same 5kg hemispherical striker is dropped at 6.2m/s to create a 98 J impact. The force transmitted to the headform must remain below 10kN for the helmet to pass.
Penetration resistance is tested in the same way as Type 1 helmets, on the crown area only.
Type 2 helmets are also assessed for off-crown shock absorption. A 5kg flat striker is used for this test. Falling with a velocity of 3.13m/s, the striker creates an impact energy of 24.5 J on the sides, front and rear of the helmet. Like the on-crown test, the transmitted force must remain below 10kN.
Off-crown penetration resistance
EN 397:2025 includes off-crown penetration resistance as an optional requirement applicable to both Type 1 and Type 2 helmets.
The 3kg pointed striker, falling with a velocity of 2.71m/s, creates an 11 J impact in the off-crown area. As in the on-crown test, the striker must not contact the test headform.
Type 1 and Type 2 helmets that meet the optional off-crown penetration requirements are marked with ‘OCP’ on the shell.
Our recent webinar on the new Industrial Protective Helmet standard is available to watch on demand. Join our expert speakers who will talk you through the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 helmets, explain how impact testing is carried out, and cover all the changes coming with EN 397:2025.
View EN 397 – New Industrial Protective Helmet Standard webinar
Click here to download the EN 397:2025 Intro Guide
Introducing the new EN 397:2025 Industrial Protective Helmet standard
What are EN 397:2025 special application requirements?