Safety Helmet Standards

EN 397:2025 is the latest revision of the UK/EU standard for industrial safety helmets.

Safety helmets are tested by this standard to ensure protection from three main hazards: impact, penetration and flames. This standard is split into two classifications of protection.

• Provides primary impact protection to the crown of the head.
• Crown impact tested up to 49 joules.
• Chin strap is optional for type 1.
• Use for ground level work.

• Provides additional impact protection to the front, rear and sides of the head.
• Crown impact tested up to 98 joules, off crown tested up to 24.5 joules.
• Chin strap is mandatory for type 2.
• Use for working at height.

If the wearer is working in or around electrically charged areas or equipment, safety helmets must be non-vented and meet EN 50365:2023 requirements for electrical insulation.

The appropriate classification of safety helmet should be selected according to the wearer’s workplace environment and hazards. Be aware that mixing accessories from different systems and manufacturers could invalidate compliance.