EN 397 is the European standard that defines the minimum performance requirements for industrial safety helmets. This standard has been in place for over 50 years and primarily focuses on protection from impacts to the top (crown) of the helmet.

Key Testing Requirements Under EN 397:

• Shock Absorption Test:
  A 49-joule impact is applied to the top of the helmet to test its ability to absorb shock.
• Penetration Resistance:
  A 3kg conical striker is dropped from a height of 1 metre onto the crown to assess penetration resistance.
• Lateral Rigidity Test:
  A slow, progressive force is applied to the sides of the helmet to measure how much it deforms. This does not simulate impact but checks for structural flexibility.

Important Notes:

• EN 397 does not include tests for front, rear, or side impacts.
• The focus is strictly on top-impact protection, which reflects typical industrial falling-object hazards.

This standard forms the baseline for head protection in many workplaces, but other standards may be more suitable for tasks involving additional impact risks.

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Key Points:

• EN 397 is the standard for industrial safety helmets in Europe.
• It focuses on top-impact protection (crown only).
• Tests include shock absorption, penetration, and lateral rigidity.
• No testing is required for front, rear or side impacts.