BS EN 397-2025 PDF

Full title and description

STB BS EN 397-2025 — Industrial protective helmets. This is the 2025 European standard (adopted as a British Standard where applicable) that specifies design, performance, test methods and marking requirements for industrial protective helmets intended for general use in industry. It updates and replaces the previous EN 397:2012+A1:2012 edition and introduces revised test methods and new performance options.

Abstract

EN 397:2025 defines requirements and test procedures for helmets used to reduce head-injury risk from impacts in industrial environments. Key changes in the 2025 edition include the introduction of two helmet performance types (Type 1 — on‑crown protection; Type 2 — on‑ and off‑crown protection), revised impact testing based on drop velocity for improved reproducibility, and added optional provisions for electrostatic properties and enhanced visibility materials. The standard also references electrical insulation requirements from EN 50365:2023 for relevant applications.

General information

• Status: Published (European standard; adopted as national versions including BS where relevant).
• Publication date: 29 April 2025 (CEN publication / definitive text made available in 2025).
• Publisher: CEN (European Committee for Standardization); published/adopted nationally by national bodies (e.g., BSI for BS EN 397:2025).
• ICS / categories: 13.340.20 — Head protective equipment (PPE).
• Edition / version: EN 397:2025 (supersedes EN 397:2012+A1:2012).
• Number of pages: 55 pages (typical CEN text length; some national published copies show minor pagination differences).

Scope

This standard applies to industrial protective helmets designed to reduce the risk of head injuries caused by impacts in general industrial use (construction, manufacturing, mining, transport, etc.). It specifies helmet design and materials, shock absorption requirements, resistance to penetration, retention system performance, optional performance claims (for example, molten metal splash or resistance to ignition), marking and instructions for use, and optional requirements for electrostatic properties and enhanced visibility. The standard applies to helmets specifically claimed by the manufacturer for the covered protections; special application claims must be explicit.

Key topics and requirements

• Two helmet performance types: Type 1 (on‑crown protection) and Type 2 (on‑ and off‑crown protection with higher off‑crown impact requirements).
• Shock absorption testing: specified using drop velocity (rather than just drop height) to improve reproducibility; force transmitted limits remain to ensure headform protection.
• Resistance to penetration testing for crown (and where applicable off‑crown) areas to verify shell integrity under pointed impacts.
• Retention system strength and effectiveness requirements; chinstrap conditions vary by type (Type 2 retention/chinstrap performance is specifically required).
• Optional/conditional provisions: resistance to ignition and molten metal splash (for specific applications), electrostatic discharge control properties, and enhanced visibility (retroreflective materials) with associated test methods.
• References and harmonization: relationship to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 is described in Annex ZA; the standard cross‑references EN 50365:2023 for electrically insulating helmet requirements and other EN/ISO test method documents.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of industrial protective helmets use EN 397:2025 to design and certify helmets for sale in the European market and in countries that adopt CEN standards. Test laboratories and certification bodies apply the test methods to verify conformity. Safety managers, procurement officers, and compliance personnel use the standard to specify and select helmets appropriate to workplace hazards (construction, utilities, manufacturing, mining). PPE assessors, training organisations, and standards bodies also rely on the standard for guidance and regulatory alignment.

Related standards

EN 397:2025 is related to and references several other standards, including EN 50365:2023 (electrically insulating helmets for low and medium voltage live working), EN 13087 series (protective helmet test methods), EN 17353 (enhanced visibility test methods), and applicable ISO/EN test method and materials standards. It replaces EN 397:2012+A1:2012 and should be used alongside national adoption documents (e.g., BS EN 397:2025) and the EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 for conformity assessment.

Keywords

Industrial protective helmet, EN 397:2025, BS EN 397, shock absorption, impact testing, penetration resistance, retention system, Type 1, Type 2, electrostatic properties, enhanced visibility, PPE, head protection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: EN 397:2025 (adopted as BS EN 397:2025 where published nationally) is the 2025 European standard specifying requirements, tests and marking for industrial protective helmets used in general industry. It supersedes EN 397:2012+A1:2012.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers helmet design and construction, shock absorption (impact) tests for crown and—where claimed—off‑crown impacts, penetration resistance, retention system strength and performance, optional resistance to ignition/molten metal splash, electrostatic properties and enhanced visibility provisions, markings and manufacturer instructions. Test methods are standardized and include updated procedures (e.g., drop velocity measurement for impact tests).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Helmet manufacturers, product designers, test laboratories and notified bodies, procurement and safety teams in industry (construction, utilities, mining, manufacturing), and regulators/standards bodies. It is used both for type‑testing/certification and to inform helmet selection in workplaces.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: EN 397:2025 is the current CEN edition published in 2025 and it supersedes EN 397:2012+A1:2012. National adoptions (for example BS EN 397:2025) follow CEN publication and may show national publication dates; consult the relevant national standards body for the official national designation and availability.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of PPE/head‑protection standards managed by CEN/TC 158 and cross‑references detailed helmet test method standards (EN 13087 parts), EN 50365 (electrically insulating helmets) and other EN/ISO references used for materials and test methods. It complements other helmet standards such as EN 14052 (high‑performance industrial helmets) and regional/national specifications as applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Industrial protective helmet, EN 397, BS EN 397, head protection, impact test, penetration resistance, retention system, Type 1, Type 2, electrostatic, enhanced visibility, PPE.