The new EN 397:2025 Industrial Protective Helmet standard has been adopted in the UK and EU, introducing a new range of optional special application requirements.
Several tests are carried across from EN 397:2012, others have been updated for the 2025 standard. There are also some all-new options including electrostatic dissipative properties, enhanced visibility and off-crown penetration resistance.
Higher & lower temperature conditioning
Mandatory shock absorption and penetration resistance testing is carried out at +50°C and -10°C, as with EN 397:2012. The higher temperature option of +150°C has also been kept for the new standard.
However the limit on lower temperature testing has been removed for EN 397:2025, allowing helmets to be tested below -20°C.
In the past, our technical team had to write a custom technical specification to test JSP helmets at -40°C. EN 397:2025 now enables testing below -20°C as an option within the standard.
Electrical insulation
The previous 440 volt electrical properties option has been removed from EN 397:2025.
Electrical insulation requirements now fall under EN 50365. The electrically insulating helmet standard was updated in 2023, excluding vented helmets and expanding the scope to offer protection up to 17kV.
Molten metal splash
The molten metal splash test is unchanged, using the same method as the old standard.
Molten iron is poured on to the top of the helmet followed by a visual inspection to make sure it does not penetrate the helmet shell or burn for longer than 5 seconds.
Electrostatic dissipative properties
PPE covered by PPE Regulation 2016/425 is excluded from the ATEX Directive. However, as a new option in EN 397:2025, helmets can be tested to ensure they do not accumulate electrostatic charge.
Electrostatic dissipative helmets will have specific requirements and guidelines detailed in the user instructions – for example, the wearer must be earthed, and the helmet must be donned before entering and worn continuously while in the ATEX zone.
Enhanced visibility
The new enhanced visibility option sets separate requirements for visibility in daylight or dark conditions.
Helmets offering enhanced visibility in daylight conditions must meet chromaticity requirements, similar to ISO 20471 for hi-vis clothing.
For dark conditions, helmets also need to incorporate retroreflective material meeting certain surface area requirements.
Off-crown penetration resistance
Off-crown penetration resistance is another new option, allowing both Type 1 and Type 2 helmets to be tested for protection against pointed objects in a wider area.
This test is carried out with the same 3kg pointed striker used for the mandatory on-crown test, but the drop height is reduced to 375mm, equivalent to 11J of energy impacting the off-crown area.
Download the new EN 397:2025 Intro Guide
With new and updated options in EN 397:2025, it is important to check performance carefully when selecting a new helmet. In case you missed it, our recent webinar on the new Industrial Protective Helmet Standard is now available to watch on demand.
Our expert speakers will guide you through all the changes coming with EN 397:2025 including mandatory and special application requirements.
View EN 397 – New Industrial Protective Helmet Standard webinar
Introducing the new EN 397:2025 Industrial Protective Helmet standard
What is the difference between EN 397:2025 Type 1 and Type 2?