EN 16471 is a European standard titled “Firefighters helmets – Helmets for wildland fire fighting” that specifies requirements for protective headgear designed specifically for vegetation and forest firefighting operations. First published in 2014, this standard establishes performance criteria for helmets used in wildland fire scenarios, which differ significantly from structural firefighting environments. The standard was developed to address the unique challenges of wildland firefighting, where firefighters face:
- Longer exposure times to radiant heat compared to structural fires
- Different impact hazards from falling branches and debris
- Extended operational durations requiring lighter weight and better ventilation
- Environmental conditions including extreme temperatures and weather exposure
Key aspects of EN 16471 include:
- Thermal resistance requirements for radiant heat exposure
- Impact protection specifications for crown and side impacts
- Stability and retention system performance criteria
- Peripheral vision requirements (minimum 210° horizontal field of view)
- Material durability under UV exposure and environmental degradation
- Optional features like face/neck protection and accessory attachment points
The standard complements other firefighting helmet standards like EN 443 (for structural firefighting) and EN 16473 (for technical rescue), creating a comprehensive protection system for different firefighting scenarios.
Products Applicable to EN 16471
EN 16471 applies to several types of specialized helmets used in wildland firefighting operations:
- Wildland Firefighting Helmets:
- Full-brim designs for sun/rain protection
- Lightweight composite shells (typically <1kg)
- Ventilated models for prolonged wear comfort
- Multi-Risk Helmets:
- Hybrid designs meeting both EN 16471 and EN 16473 (technical rescue)
- Convertible systems with removable face/neck protection
- Specialized Variants:
- Electrically insulated versions (marked E2 or E3)
- Cold weather variants (rated to -40°C)
- High-visibility colored shells for low-light conditions
Example products include the Dräger HPS® 7000 series, which offers optional certification to EN 16471 alongside other standards, demonstrating the multi-standard compliance achievable in modern helmet design.
Testing Methods for EN 16471
EN 16471 specifies rigorous testing protocols to evaluate helmet performance:
- Impact Protection Testing:
- Crown impact: 100J energy absorption test
- Lateral impact: 50J energy absorption test
- Retention system strength: 250N dynamic load test
- Thermal Resistance Testing:
- Radiant heat exposure: 10kW/m² for 300 seconds
- Flame contact resistance: Direct flame application test
- Hot surface contact: 300°C surface temperature test
- Environmental Durability Testing:
- UV exposure: 300 hours xenon arc testing
- Water immersion: 24-hour water resistance test
- Temperature cycling: -20°C to +55°C thermal shock testing
- Ergonomic Testing:
- Peripheral vision verification (≥210° requirement)
- Stability testing with headforms of various sizes
- Comfort assessment through prolonged wear trials
- Optional Feature Testing:
- Electrical insulation properties (for E2/E3 marked helmets)
- Face/neck protector impact resistance
- Accessory attachment point strength
These tests ensure helmets maintain protective properties under the extreme conditions encountered in wildland firefighting operations.
Important Issues to Note for EN 16471 Compliance
When implementing or using EN 16471 compliant helmets, several critical considerations apply:
- Certification Requirements:
- Helmets must display CE marking with EN 16471 reference
- Certification must be performed by notified bodies
- Multi-standard helmets should list all applicable standards
- Proper Selection:
- Choose ventilation appropriate for expected climate conditions
- Consider weight vs. protection tradeoffs for operational duration
- Verify compatibility with other PPE (respirators, goggles etc.)
- Maintenance and Care:
- Follow manufacturer’s cleaning instructions to preserve materials
- Regular inspection for UV degradation or impact damage
- Proper storage to prevent deformation of shell or components
- Service Life Considerations:
- Typical service life ranges from 5-7 years depending on use
- Replace after any significant impact, even if damage isn’t visible
- Document inspection history for liability protection
- Training Requirements:
- Proper donning/doffing techniques for retention systems
- Limitations of protection understanding (temperature/time thresholds)
- Accessory attachment procedures (lights, face shields etc.)
- Regulatory Updates:
- Monitor for amendments to the standard (last confirmed 2014 version)
- Some countries may have additional national requirements
- EU Regulation 2016/425 on PPE applies to these products
EN 16471 represents a critical safety standard for wildland firefighters, addressing the unique hazards of vegetation fires through specialized helmet design and testing requirements. Proper implementation requires understanding both the technical specifications and practical field considerations.
