Safety Helmet Impact Protection an explanation

Safety helmets are designed to provide protection against falling or projected objects. The level of impact protection offered by different types of helmets varies.

Shock absorption testing is carried out to assess how well the helmet can reduce the force transmitted to the wearer when struck by an object. Penetration resistance testing assesses the helmet’s ability to protect the wearer against sharp or pointed objects. 

Key differences between the main EN standards include the locations on the helmet where impact and penetration tests are carried out. 

The EN 397 industrial standard requires shock absorption and penetration testing on the helmet’s crown only, whereas EN 12492 and EN 14052 set out various tests for the side, front and rear of the helmet. 

In addition, there are important differences in the helmet’s position and impact energy required for each test. Read on to learn more about shock absorption and penetration tests carried out for different helmet types.

EN 397 – Industrial Safety Helmets

The industrial safety helmet standard includes shock absorption and penetration testing to the top of the helmet.

-       A 5kg hemispherical striker is dropped from 1m onto the crown of the helmet, creating an impact energy of 50J. The force transmitted to the headform must not exceed 5kN.

-       A penetration resistance test is conducted with a 3kg conical striker from 1m, must not contact the headform. 

There is no side impact test in this standard only a lateral rigidity test, which is a slow, progressive force loading, followed by measurement of any deformation.

EN 12492 – Helmets for Mountaineers

The mountaineering helmet standard includes shock absorption testing to the top, side, front and rear of the helmet, as well as penetration testing to the top of the helmet.

Shock absorption testing is conducted with two 5kg strikers.

-       A hemispherical striker is dropped from 2m onto the crown of the helmet, creating an impact energy of 100J.

-       A flat striker is dropped from 0.5m onto the front, rear and side of the helmet by tilting the headform to 30°, creating an impact energy of 25J.

-       In all impact tests, the transmitted force must not exceed 10kN.

Two penetration tests are performed within a 50mm radius of the helmet’s crown.

-       A 3kg pointed striker is dropped from 1m.

-       The striker must not contact the headform.

EN 12492 also sets out requirements for retention system strength. Learn more here.

EN 14052 – High Performance Industrial Helmets

This standard includes both shock absorption and penetration testing to the top, side, front and rear of the helmet.

Shock absorption testing is conducted with a 5kg hemispherical striker.

-       The striker is dropped from 2m onto the crown of the helmet, creating an impact energy of 100J. The force transmitted to the headform must not exceed 5kN.

-       The striker is dropped from 1m the front, rear and side of the helmet by tilting the headform to 60°, creating an impact energy of 50J. The deceleration of the striker must not exceed 300g.

Penetration testing is carried out with a 1kg blade striker.

-       The striker is dropped from 2.5m onto the crown of the helmet. The striker must not contact the headform and the transmitted force must not exceed 5kN.

-       The striker is dropped from 2m onto the side, front and rear of the helmet tilted at 60°. The striker must not contact the headform and the transmitted force must not exceed 15kN.

Expecting to see EN 812 on this list?