Dual Standard Helmets – What you need to know!
June 10, 2026
Did you know that there are 2 EN standards that are applicable to helmets that we wear when working at height? Dont worry – many people dont – but it matters and here’s why!
There are 2 standards which may apply to helmets that we wear while working at height , namely EN 397 and EN 12492. In this post we will drill down into each of these standards and talk about why it is important to know your helmet!
EN 397 is the standard which applies to helmets for use in the Industrial environment , EN 12492 is a standard which applies to those using helmets in the mountaineering environment. There are some key differences between how helmets are tested to meet each of these standard which we will list below and examine why they matter!
Impact Testing :
EN 397 : Primary Impact Direction Top-down (Crown) only. Tested with a 5kg weight dropped from 1 meter.
EN 12492 : Multi-directional. Tested on the top, front, sides, and rear to simulate tumbling.
Penetration Testing:
EN 397 : Restricted strictly to the very top of the shell.
EN 12492 : Tested with a sharp conical spike at any point around the shell.
The Chinstrap Rule
EN 397 : Designed to BREAK. Must release under a load of 15–25 kg.
EN 12492 : Designed to HOLD. Must withstand a load of greater than 50 kg without breaking or slipping.
Workplace Specifics
EN 397 : Mandatory flame resistance. Optional testing for electrical insulation (440V) and molten metal splash.
EN 12492 : No flame or electrical requirements. Highly ventilated for extreme physical exertion.
As you can see there are a number of key differences between the standards but the one we need to be really aware of in Industry is the Chin Strap. In industry where there is a risk of a helmet getting snagged by machinery we want the chinstrap to break or release at relatively low loadings – where as in mountaineering in the event of a fall we would wish the helmet to stay on our heads.
MANY HELMETS MEET BOTH STANDARDS!!!
Those purchasing PPE need to be aware that there are a number of manufacturers whose helmets meet both standards, and can meet either standard depending on how the user sets up the helmet. It is key that those purchasing , using and inspecting these helmets are aware of how the helmets may be adjusted to meet each standard , and which setup is appropriate for the user. Below is a non exhaustive list of the main manufacturers and how their helmets may be adjusted – but always refer to your user manual supplied with your PPE.
Petzl – eg Vertex Model – Petzl utilizes a physical, mechanical clip toggle directly on the chinstrap buckle.
Edelrid – eg Tectum Air model – Colour coded interchangeable buckles
Irudek – eg Oreka II – Colour coded interchangeable buckles
JSP Safety – EVO5 DualSwitch – Chinstrap Switch
Learn more on our PPE Inspection Training course!
