GUIDE TO HARD HAT STANDARDS
EN 397 AND OTHER RELEVANT STANDARDS
Hard hats (safety helmets) are a critical part of PPE, designed to protect the wearer from head injuries caused by falling objects, impact with fixed structures, or electrical hazards. In the UK and across Europe, the primary standard for industrial safety helmets is EN 397, although other standards apply for specialist uses such as electrical work or climbing.
The appropriate selection of a hard hat depends on both the hazards present and the working environment.
1 — Identify the Task, the Hazard and the Risk of Injury
- Task — What kind of work is being carried out? Is it construction, electrical, forestry, working at height, or confined space entry?
- Hazard — Identify what could cause head injury: falling tools, bumping into structures, falling from height, or live electrical contact.
- Risk — Assess the likelihood of such hazards and how severe the impact could be.
2 — Understanding EN 397: The Core Standard
Helmets certified to EN 397 must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Shock absorption (impact protection from falling objects).
- Penetration resistance (resisting sharp objects).
- Chinstrap release (must release between 150–250N to reduce strangulation risk).
- Flammability resistance (shell material will not burn with flame exposure).
Optional Performance Tests (indicated on helmet marking):
- Resistance to very low temperatures (–20 °C or –30 °C).
- Resistance to very high temperatures (+150 °C).
- Resistance to electrical conductivity (440 V AC).
- Lateral deformation (side impact).
- Molten metal splash protection (MM).
3 — Other Hard Hat Standards
- EN 50365 — Helmets providing protection against electrical hazards (up to 1000 V AC / 1500 V DC). Used by electricians and power utility workers.
- EN 12492 — Mountaineering helmets adapted for industrial use. Often used in work-at-height and rope access tasks (requires stronger chinstrap retention, >500 N).
- EN 812 — Bump caps (lightweight protection against bumps and scrapes, not suitable for falling objects).
4 — Selecting the Right Helmet for the Job
- Construction & General Industry — EN 397 compliant helmets with optional lateral deformation and molten metal resistance.
- Electrical Work — Helmets certified to EN 50365 for full insulation.
- Work at Height — Helmets meeting EN 12492 or hybrid designs with non-releasing chinstraps for secure fit.
- Light Industry / Maintenance — EN 812 bump caps where the hazard is bumping into structures rather than falling objects.
5 — Maintenance and Replacement
- Helmets must be inspected regularly for cracks, UV damage, or wear.
- Replace immediately after a significant impact.
- Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 3–5 years, even without visible damage, depending on use and exposure.
- Chinstraps and harnesses should also be checked and replaced as needed.
