EN 397:2025 Splits Industrial Helmets Into Two Types: How to Spec
The 2025 revision of EN 397 splits industrial helmets into two types, and the old shorthand for comparing them with climbing helmets no longer holds, writes Jimmy Jiang in ISHN. Jiang is general manager at MSQ SAFE, a PPE supplier.
Type 1 covers crown impacts and can ship without a chin strap. If one is fitted, it must withstand more than 150 newtons. Type 2 adds off-crown impact performance and requires a factory-fitted chin strap tested to stay attached beyond 500 newtons. Under the 2012 edition, an optional strap had to release between 150 and 250 newtons. EN 12492 covers mountaineering helmets, and a matching 500-newton figure does not make the two standards equivalent, since scopes and test methods differ.
What It Means for Subcontractors
- Rewrite helmet specs before the next purchase order. Jiang says phrases like “EN 397 with a breakaway strap” or “EN 12492 for all height work” are too imprecise. For rope access, work at height and mixed plant-room and platform tasks, name the hazard, the EN 397 type, the standard edition and the proof required. On multi-employer sites, put that in the site specification.
- Match paperwork to the exact model. Ask suppliers for the EU declaration of conformity, certificate and instructions. Compare the model identifier on the quotation, helmet marking and declaration. For electrical work, check the EN 50365 claim rather than inferring insulation from an EN 397 mark. Confirm visor and hearing protection fit in the configuration crews will actually wear.
- Don’t assume a US or Canadian equivalent. The article does not address ANSI Z89.1 or CSA Z94.1. Ask the owner’s safety representative which standard governs on European-supplied or multinational-owner sites before substituting helmets.
