Learn About EN397 For Safety Helmet

EN397 is a European standard that outlines the requirements for industrial safety helmets. Here are some key details covered by the standard:

1. Scope: EN397 specifies the requirements for industrial safety helmets intended to protect the wearer’s head against impacts from falling objects and other hazards in industrial environments.
2. Construction: The standard specifies the construction of the helmet, including its materials, design, and components. Helmets must be designed to provide adequate protection while also being comfortable to wear.
3. Shock Absorption: Helmets must be capable of absorbing the energy of an impact to reduce the force transmitted to the wearer’s head.
4. Penetration Resistance: Helmets must be resistant to penetration by sharp objects or protrusions, such as nails or screws, to prevent injury to the wearer’s head.
5. Retention System: The standard outlines requirements for the chin strap and retention system to ensure that the helmet remains securely in place during use.
6. Temperature Resistance: Helmets must be able to withstand exposure to high and low temperatures without significantly affecting their performance.
7. Electrical Insulation: If specified by the manufacturer, helmets may provide electrical insulation to protect against electric shock.
8. Marking and Identification: Helmets that comply with EN397 must bear a CE marking, indicating that they meet the essential health and safety requirements set out in European Union legislation. The manufacturer’s identification, helmet size, and year of manufacture should also be marked on the helmet.
9. Testing: Helmets must undergo various tests to assess their compliance with the standard, including impact testing, penetration testing, and tests of the chin strap and retention system.

Comparison with Other Standards

• ISO 3873: The foundational international standard, but EN 397 adds electrical resistance and optional ergonomic features.
• EN 14052 (High-performance helmets): Covers multi-directional impacts (e.g., 100 J crown impact) and stricter lateral protection, unlike EN 397’s focus on vertical impacts.
• ANSI/ISEA Z89.1: Similar impact thresholds but includes Type II helmets for side impacts (30.6 J), which EN 397 lacks.

Ergonomics and User Compliance

• Fit adjustments: Helmets must accommodate head circumferences of 540–590 mm with adjustable straps and headbands.
• Comfort: Optional features like removable sweatbands or textile cradles improve wearability but are not mandatory under EN 397.
• Weight: Lightweight designs (<0.5 kg) reduce neck strain, critical for prolonged use.

Certification and Market Compliance

• EU Regulation 2016/425: Mandates EN 397 compliance for PPE sold in the EU, with certification by bodies like Tukes (Finland).
• Labeling: Certified helmets display EN 397, manufacturer details, and optional test marks (e.g., flame resistance).

Limitations and Future Trends

• Lateral impact gaps: EN 397 does not address side impacts, prompting calls for integrating EN 14052-like criteria .
• Smart helmets: Emerging designs integrate sensors for real-time impact monitoring, though these exceed EN 397’s scope.

Conclusion

EN 397 ensures baseline safety for industrial helmets but prioritizes vertical impact protection. For high-risk environments (e.g., construction with fall risks), combining EN 397 with chin straps (optional per EN 397 but recommended ) or opting for EN 14052 helmets may enhance safety. Always verify certification marks and consider environmental needs (e.g., temperature ranges) when selecting helmets.