Head protection

Head protection PPE is designed to protect users from impact, penetration, electrical hazards, and injuries caused by falling or moving objects.

In the UK and Europe, head protection is regulated through harmonised standards that define performance requirements and testing methods. The most important standards are:

• EN 397 – Industrial safety helmets for protection against falling objects and top impact
• EN 14052 – High-performance helmets with enhanced impact and penetration resistance, including side impacts
• EN 812 – Lightweight head protection for minor bumps and scrapes (not suitable for falling objects)
• EN 50365 – Helmets designed to protect against electrical hazards
  .

Choosing the correct standard is critical, as different types of head protection offer very different levels of safety. In particular, bump caps and safety helmets are often confused, despite being designed for completely different risk levels.

This guide explains each standard in detail to help you select the most appropriate head protection for your application.

How to Choose the Right Head Protection Standard

Selecting the correct head protection depends on the specific risks present in the working environment:

• Falling objects → EN 397
• High impact or side impact risk → EN 14052
• Minor bumps only → EN 812
• Electrical hazards → EN 50365
• Working at height → EN 12492

Always base selection on a risk assessment, ensuring the chosen helmet meets the required level of protection for the task.

EN 397 is the core European standard for industrial safety helmets. It applies to helmets designed to protect against common workplace hazards, particularly in construction, logistics, and manufacturing.

What it covers

• Falling objects
• Impact to the top of the head
• Penetration

Key tests

• Shock absorption (vertical impact)
• Resistance to penetration
• Flame resistance

Optional requirements

• Electrical insulation
• Molten metal splash (MM)
• Extreme temperatures (-30°C / +150°C)
• Lateral deformation (LD)

Key limitation

EN 397 helmets are primarily designed for vertical (top) impact and offer limited protection against side impacts.

EN 14052 specifies helmets designed for higher-risk environments where standard industrial helmets may not provide sufficient protection.

What it covers

• High-energy impacts
• Falling and moving objects
• Penetration (higher resistance than EN 397)
• Lateral (side) impacts

Key differences vs EN 397

• Greater shock absorption
• Improved penetration resistance
• Mandatory side impact protection

Typical applications

• Heavy industry
• High-risk construction
• Environments with multi-directional hazards

Key insight

If there is a risk of side impact, EN 397 helmets may not provide adequate protection—EN 14052 should be considered.

EN 812 applies to bump caps designed for low-risk environments where users may encounter minor head impacts.

What it covers

• Minor bumps
• Scrapes against fixed objects

What it does NOT cover

• Falling objects
• High-energy impacts
• Penetration hazards

Typical applications

• Warehousing
• Maintenance
• Automotive and light industrial work

Critical warning

Bump caps are not safety helmets and must not be used where there is a risk of falling objects.

EN 50365 specifies helmets that provide protection against electrical hazards in low-voltage environments.

What it covers

• Electrical insulation
• Protection when working on or near live installations

Performance

• Typically protects up to 1000V AC / 1500V DC

Relationship with EN 397

Most EN 50365 helmets are based on EN 397, with additional electrical insulation requirements.

Typical applications

• Electrical installation
• Utilities
• Maintenance of live systems

Important note

Electrical protection is only effective when the helmet is used correctly and without contamination or damage.

EN 12492 applies to helmets originally developed for mountaineering but widely used in working at height applications.

What it covers

• Impact from multiple directions
• Falling objects
• Retention during falls

Key differences vs EN 397

• Stronger, mandatory chin strap
• Improved helmet retention (stays on during a fall)
• Better protection against side impacts

Typical applications

• Rope access
• Climbing
• Working at height

Key insight

For certain work-at-height applications, EN 12492 helmets may provide more appropriate protection than EN 397, depending on the risk assessment.