Traditionally, EN 397 and EN 12492 safety helmets were designed for different environments, making it difficult to meet both standards with a single helmet. However, advances in helmet design now allow for dual certification, enabling wearers to benefit from the protection of both standards without compromising safety.

Impact Protection Differences

EN 397:2012 is the standard for industrial safety helmets, intended to protect against falling objects. It only requires impact resistance to the top (crown) of the helmet, tested at 49 joules.

EN 12492:2012, used for mountaineering and work at height, demands side impact protection and a higher crown impact resistance of 100 joules.

Helmets that pass EN 12492 testing will typically meet EN 397 impact requirements as well, due to the higher energy levels tested.

Chinstrap Conflicts
A key challenge in combining both standards lies in chinstrap performance:

• EN 397 chinstraps are optional but must release under a force of 150–250N, to prevent the helmet from becoming a strangulation hazard if snagged.
• EN 12492 requires a chinstrap that will not release or stretch under a force of 500N, ensuring the helmet stays in place during a fall or swinging impact.

These contrasting requirements meant that, until recently, workers often had to choose between the two, or carry multiple helmets.

Dual Protection with JSP DualSwitch™ Technology
JSP resolved this issue with its patented DualSwitch™ chinstrap system, which allows users to toggle between two retention settings:

• EN 397 mode: Chinstrap releases between 150–250N.
• EN 12492 mode: Chinstrap stays secure at forces over 500N.

This switchable system enables one helmet to meet both standards, without needing to change helmets or harnesses.

DualSwitch™ helmets are available across JSP's product ranges, including:

• EVO®5
• EVO®VISTA® (with integrated eyewear)
• EVO®ALTA™

These helmets are ideal for users working across environments that demand both industrial and mountaineering-style head protection.

Summary – Key Points:

• EN 397 requires top impact protection and a chinstrap that releases under load.
• EN 12492 requires side impact protection and a secure, non-releasing chinstrap.
• JSP DualSwitch™ technology allows users to switch between both standards.
• One helmet can now be fully certified to EN 397 and EN 12492.
• No need to change helmets or chinstrap systems for different tasks.

If you need further support, please contact our Technical Support Team using the email: technical@jspsafety.com or contact us via WhatsApp.