European Standards

EUROPEAN STANDARD

This is the European standard that specifies the physical and performance requirements, marking requirements and test methods for industrial protective helmets. Industrial protective helmets are primarily intended to protect the user from falling objects and the bone and brain injuries that can result.

The safety standard includes tests for vertical impact absorption, perforation resistance, flame resistance and chin strap attachment. There are also optional non-mandatory requirements of EN397 such as very low temperatures, very high temperatures, molten metal and lateral deformation.

IMPACTS AND PENETRATION

Resistance to impact from falling objects involves an impact from above from a specified distance. The sensors in the test head must register an absorbed force of less than 5.0 kN in order to avoid or reduce trauma to the user. Resistance to perforation (by sharp/sharp objects) involves the impact of a sharp impactor which must not pierce the helmet shell.

FLAME RESISTANCE

The flame resistance test involves exposing the helmet shell to a standardised flame. The test is passed if exposure to flame and heat produces no obvious damage to the material and if combustion does not persist.

CHIN STRAP STRENGTH

Attachment of the chin strap which shall open when subjected to a force between a minimum of 150N and a maximum of 250N, by means of a test which subjects the strap to a tensile force.

OPTIONAL REQUIREMENTS

The helmet can be tested under conditions that prove its resistance at very low temperatures -20°C or -30°C, and at very high temperatures + 150°C, without suffering any significant alteration or damage. The molten metal requirement involves casting molten metal on the helmet, which is then examined for damage. In the lateral deformation tests, the helmet is subjected to transverse compressive forces, which results in deformations, which are then examined.