Head protection is designed to not only protect your head from falling objects, but also from impacts in confined spaces or other risks, such as protecting against sources of heat resistance and protection from sharp objects.

Standardization

There are different types of head protection, each with their own specific standards:

• Industrial safety helmets (EN 397): These helmets protect you from objects that fall from above and impact the helmet.
• Industrial bump caps EN 812: Protection against bumps and minor injuries, but offer no protection against falling objects.
• Electrically insulated helmets (EN 50365): Suitable for use on low voltage installations up to 1,000 V. These helmets must comply with the requirements of EN 397 or EN 443.
• Firefighters‘ helmets (EN 443): Available in type A and type B. Type A protects the head with the rim located above the ears, while type B also has a lower rim which protects the ears.
• High-Performance Industrial Safety Helmets (EN 14052): Protection against impact from above and from the sides. However, there are not many helmets of this type on the market.
• Mountaineering helmets (EN 12492): Provide protection against impact from falling objects and impact against structures when working at heights. They are equipped with a chin strap that prevents the helmet from coming off during a fall.

Risks

Each item of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to protect against specific risks. For example, a helmet can provide protection against an impact of up to 50 Joules. All PPE has its limitations, and there is no protective equipment that protects against all potential hazards. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the test methods and protection levels:

• Protection against falling objects or hitting your head: A helmet is the right choice in the event of falling objects, whereas a bump cap is appropriate in the event of a risk of minor injury or impact. The difference between this PPE lies in the specific tests they have met:
  • Helmets protect against impact from objects falling from a height of 1 metre.
  • Bump caps protect against impact from objects falling from a height of up to 0.25 metres.
• Heat resistant (flame resistance): The heat resistance of a helmet or bump cap is determined by the material of the shell. Here, the flame test is a crucial measure. In this test, the helmet is held in contact with a flame for 10 seconds. After the flame has been removed, the material must self-extinguish within 5 seconds.
  • For bump caps (EN 812), this test is optional and is marked with (F).
  • For helmets (EN 397 and EN 14052) this test is mandatory.
• Resistance to penetration: Indicates how effectively a helmet can withstand sharp objects able to penetrate the shell. This is tested by dropping a pointed weight onto the helmet from a specified height.
• In combination with other protective equipment: The helmet linkage system determines whether (and which) other PPE, such as earmuffs, can be attached to it. The standard slot is 30 mm, and is compatible with most accessories.

Safety

• Internal fittings: The helmet interior can have 4, 6 or 8 internal harness points. The more points, the better the impact forces are distributed across the skull.
• MIPS Technology: Multi-Directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology helps reduce the risk of serious head injury. This technology works by adding an extra layer between the head and the helmet, allowing the helmet to move and rotate slightly in the event of an impact. This helps reduce the power of the impact and the risk of traumatic brain injury.
• MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) technology reduces the risk of serious head injury by adding an extra layer between the head and the helmet, allowing the helmet to move and rotate in the event of an impact, reducing the impact force and the risk of traumatic brain injury. Be sure to read: The safety helmet reinvented: what is MIPS technology?
• Hi Viz/Retro-reflective material: Fluorescent and/or retro-reflective material provides better visibility

Work environment

• Weather conditions: The helmet material must be resistant to sunlight, rain and other weather conditions when used outdoors.
  • Peak: A helmet with a peak ensures that the eyes are shielded from direct sunlight.
  • Sunlight: The material must be UV-resistant to prevent damage from prolonged exposure to the sun.
  • Rain: A helmet with a rain gutter can be useful for draining rainwater and preventing the water from flowing onto the wearer's collar.
  • Neck protector: Consider a neck protector to protect the neck from the sun.

Tip: For architects, shipyard foremen and others: never leave your helmet on the back seat or parcel shelf of your car, where it can be damaged by the sun and quickly become unusable.

• Food: In the food industry, helmets must meet strict hygiene requirements. The material must be easy to clean and not retain dust or dirt.
• Cleanroom: Helmets should be dust-free and easy to sterilise.
• Chemicals: When exposed to chemical products, it is important that the helmet shell is resistant to chemical degradation. The chosen helmet materials must be chemically resistant or have undergone a special treatment to withstand aggressive substances.

The specific characteristics of the working environment mainly determine the material and the finish of the helmet shell.

Work activities

When choosing the appropriate helmet for specific jobs, it is important to consider the nature of the work.

In the case of working at height, such as in construction or maintenance of buildings, or wind turbines, ...

• Short peak: Helmets with a short peak are ideal for climbing, as they do not obstruct the field of vision and make it easier to look upwards.
• Chin strap: A chin strap ensures that the helmet stays firmly on the head and does not fall off during climbing or in the event of a fall.

Key features and additional accessories

Colour

The colour of a safety helmet can often indicate a specific function or company. Companies use different helmet colours to distinguish between employees with specific functions or subcontractors.

Be sure to check out our separate blog for more information on this topic: What does the colour of your safety helmet mean?

Wearer comfort:

Wearing head protection should go hand in hand with a comfortable fit. When choosing your head protection, look for compatible accessories to ensure that everything works well together and remains comfortable.

• Closure type: There are helmets with a swivel truss or slide closures, to ensure an accurate fit. A swivel truss is easier and more accurate to adjust than a slide system.
• Sweatband: The sweatband can be replaced and made of various materials such as leather or other highly absorbent materials. Changing the sweatband extends the life of your helmet.
• Rain gutter: Some helmets are equipped with a lateral rain gutter that collects and drains away the rainwater, preventing the water from flowing onto the collar.
• Ventilation holes: Certain helmets have holes for ventilation to enable cooling in warm environments. Often, these can be closed off using special plugs to keep out a cold wind. Ventilation holes are not permitted if the helmet is to protect against molten materials, liquids and electricity. Some helmets have adjustable ventilation.
• Material: The interior of the helmet has a huge effect on its wearing comfort. Textiles contribute to comfort, whereas plastics are more suitable for environments where hygiene is important.
• Internal fittings: The helmet interior can have 4, 6 or 8 internal harness points. The more points, the better the impact forces are distributed across the skull.
• Neck protection: Although no specific tests are performed on neck protection parts, some helmets provide additional neck protection against the sun.
• Lamp: For work in dark spaces where both hands are required, some helmets are fitted with a lamp adapter. Other helmets may be equipped with a lamp with an adjustable headband.

Helmet printing

Applying company logos to safety helmets can be done in two ways: Print applied by the manufacturer during production, or by applying stickers. However, it is important to note that not all stickers are suitable, as some stickers may affect the helmet shell.

Safety helmets are manufactured from materials that are very sensitive to chemical degradation. Many adhesives contain plasticisers that can damage the integrity of the helmet shell.

Do you want to have your helmets printed? Then have the shell printed by an expert. Only then can you be sure that the helmet will continue to protect you in accordance with the applicable standards.

Life cycle of safety helmets

Replacing a safety helmet depends on several factors:

• Manufacturer's instructions
• Date of manufacture
• Method of storage
• Damage due to falling or accident

Safety helmets last longest when correctly stored in their original packaging and not exposed to direct sunlight or heat. Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the correct information.

Replace a safety helmet immediately if it has been subjected to any impact (for example, due a fall) or due to an accident.

Below are some general guidelines for a maximum life cycle for safety helmets, depending on the material (please note that this information does not replace the information contained in the safety helmet’s user instructions):

• Thermosetting phenolic textiles: Maximum 8 years
• Thermosetting glass fibre reinforced polyester: Maximum 10 years
• Thermoplastic materials: Maximum 5 years

Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your safety helmet.