New EN 397 Helmet Safety Standards: What They Mean for Your Workplace PPE

A Clearer Standard for Safer Head Protection

When it comes to workplace safety, head protection is one area where “good enough” simply isn’t good enough.

Industrial safety helmets are designed to protect workers from falling objects, sharp impacts, penetration risks and serious head injuries. The EN 397 standard has long been the recognised benchmark for industrial safety helmets, setting out requirements for materials, design, performance, testing and labelling. The latest EN 397:2025 update brings clearer helmet categories, improved testing methods and a stronger focus on matching head protection to real workplace risks.

At Impact Workwear & PPE, we know regulations and standards can feel technical, but they matter. The right helmet, selected for the right task, helps protect your team, support compliance and give everyone on site confidence that their PPE is fit for purpose.

What Is EN 397?

EN 397 is the European standard for industrial safety helmets. It specifies how helmets should be designed and tested, including requirements around shock absorption, penetration resistance, flame resistance, chinstrap performance and product marking.

In simple terms, an EN 397 certified helmet is there to help protect the wearer from hazards such as falling tools, materials or debris that could cause head injuries or skull fractures.

The standard also allows manufacturers to test helmets against additional optional requirements, such as performance in very low or high temperatures, electrical insulation, molten metal splash resistance, electrostatic properties, enhanced visibility and additional penetration protection.

What’s New in EN 397:2025?

One of the biggest changes in the updated standard is the introduction of two helmet types: Type 1 and Type 2. This makes it easier for employers, safety managers and PPE buyers to choose helmets based on the risks workers actually face.

Type 1 Helmets

Type 1 helmets are designed to protect against impacts to the top of the helmet, also known as on-crown impact. These are most similar to traditional industrial safety helmets and are suitable for many general industrial, construction and warehouse environments where the main risk is falling objects from above.

Type 2 Helmets

Type 2 helmets provide protection against impacts to both the top and sides of the helmet, known as on-crown and off-crown impact. This makes them especially relevant for higher-risk environments, including working at height, where slips, trips or falls may result in impact from multiple directions.

This is an important step forward because it moves helmet selection away from a one-size-fits-all approach and towards more task-specific protection.

Key Changes to Be Aware Of

The EN 397:2025 update includes several important changes for industrial safety helmets.

1. Updated Impact Testing

Under the new standard, Type 1 helmets are tested for crown impact, while Type 2 helmets are tested for both crown and off-crown impact. This helps reflect more realistic workplace accident scenarios, particularly for workers operating at height or in areas where side impact is a risk.

2. Chinstrap Performance

Chinstraps now have different performance expectations depending on helmet type. Our trusted supplier Centurion Safety explains that Type 1 helmets must release above 150 N, while Type 2 helmets must release above 500 N to provide greater retention during a fall event.

This is particularly important for work at height, where helmet retention can be just as important as impact protection.

3. Electrical Insulation Changes

The 440V electrical properties option has been removed, and electrically insulating helmets now need to be tested to EN 50365:2023. Centurion Safety notes that helmets meeting clause 4.3 of EN 50365:2023 use a single-triangle symbol and apply to non-vented helmets only.

If your team works around electrical hazards, it’s essential to check the helmet markings and product certification carefully.

4. New Ignition Resistance Testing

The previous flammability test has been replaced with a 650°C heated-rod ignition test. This update is designed to provide a more modern assessment of ignition resistance for industrial protective helmets.

5. Improved Ergonomic Assessment

The updated standard also includes a new ergonomic assessment. Helmets are assessed using real wearer movements such as turning, bending and looking up or down, helping to check stability, comfort and compatibility with other PPE accessories.

This matters because PPE only performs properly when it fits well, stays in place and works with the other equipment your team needs.

Do You Need to Replace Your Helmets Straight Away?

No, there is no need to panic or replace all current helmets immediately.

Helmets certified to EN 397:2012+A1:2012 remain valid until their CE or UKCA certification expires, meaning existing compliant products can continue to be used within their certified lifecycle.

That said, now is a good time to review your current head protection and check whether it still matches the hazards on site. If your team works at height, uses helmet-mounted accessories or operates in environments with side-impact risks, Type 2 helmets may be worth discussing as part of your next PPE review.

What Should Employers Do Next?

The updated EN 397 standard is not just a technical change, it’s a useful reminder to make sure head protection is selected around real working conditions.

Here are a few practical steps:

• Check your current helmet certification and note whether products are certified to EN 397:2012+A1:2012 or EN 397:2025.
• Review your risk assessments, especially for working at height, side-impact risks, electrical hazards and hot work environments.
• Make sure accessories are compatible, including visors, ear defenders, face shields, lamps and chinstraps.
• Train teams on correct fitting and adjustment, as even the best helmet won’t protect properly if worn incorrectly.
• Plan ahead for future PPE purchases, particularly where Type 2 protection may better suit the job role or environment.

Impact Workwear & PPE Can Help

At Impact Workwear & PPE, we work with trusted suppliers, including Centurion Safety and JSP Safety, to help our customers choose reliable, compliant and practical head protection for the job.

Whether you’re updating your PPE range, reviewing site safety requirements or simply unsure which helmet standard applies to your team, we’re here to help you make the right choice.

Need advice on EN 397 safety helmets?
Get in touch with Impact Workwear & PPE and we’ll help you find head protection that suits your working environment, budget and risks.