Not sure what kind of safety helmet you need? Confused about which helmets comply with which standards? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Staying compliant with safety standards shouldn’t be a hassle, especially when it comes to something as important as head protection.
In this blog, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about U.S. and European safety helmet standards. We’ve done the research so you can focus on keeping your head safe!
Friendly Reminder: All safety helmets must have the following information marked on them:
- Safety Standard
- Manufacturer’s name
- Date stamp of manufacture
- Shell material
Understanding U.S. Safety Standards: OSHA & ANSI
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulates head protection in the workplace, ensuring that employees are protected from hazards. Employers are responsible for providing helmets when there’s a risk of falling objects, bumps, or electrical dangers.
To help employers, OSHA relies on ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standards, which outline exactly how helmets should perform. Helmets that comply with ANSI Z89.1 standards are OSHA compliant, so knowing what to look for is essential!
ANSI/ISEA Z89.1 Standard – U.S.A.
ANSI Z89.1 requires four performance tests that must be met in order to assign a safety helmet type and class, which are:
- Force Transmission
- Apex Penetration
- Flammability
- Electrical Insulation
Safety Helmet Types: There are two types of protective safety helmets under this classification system that refer to impact/penetration protection:
Type 1: Designed to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top of the head.
Type 2: Designed to reduce the force of impact resulting from a blow to the top, front, back, and/or side of the head.
Safety Helmet Classes: To improve comprehension and usefulness, there are electrical-protective classifications for helmets as follows:
- Class G – General Helmet: Designed to reduce exposure to low voltage conductors, proof tested at 2200V.
- Class E – Electrical Helmet: Designed to reduce exposure to high voltage conductors, proof tested at 20,000V.
- Class C – Conductive Helmet: Not intended to protect against contact with electrical conductors.
European Standards: EN 397 & EN 12492
EN397: The European standard code of practice (EN 397) provides guidance for manufacturers of safety helmets to ensure that minimum material grades are used. It also establishes the requirements for the testing of safety helmets, as safety helmets must be designed to protect the wearer from falling objects. Such protections safeguard the user against possible consequences such as brain injuries or skull fractures. The standard also includes protection against lateral deformation of the helmet.
The helmet is comprised of two integral parts – the hard outer protective shell and the inner harness. All helmets certified according to EN 397 must meet these requirements:
- Shock absorption, vertical.
- Penetration resistance (against sharp and pointed objects).
- Flame resistance.
- Chin strap attachment: The chin strap releases at a minimum of 150N (Newtons) and a maximum 250N.
EN12492: Helmets for mountaineers must provide protection against hazards that may occur during activities undertaken by mountaineers. Requirements include:
- Shock absorption, vertical, frontal, lateral, dorsal.
- Penetration resistance.
- Carrier element (chin strap releases at min. 500N).
- Strength of carrier element: Chin strap may exhibit a maximum elongation of 25mm.
- Carrier element effectiveness: Helmet must not slide from the head.
Making Compliance Easy
With so many options and standards, it can be overwhelming to know which helmet is right for your job. That’s where we come in! At Aurora Helmets, we offer a range of safety helmets, including our M02, M12, and M10 series, designed to meet your required country standards.
Need help finding the right helmet for you? We’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re looking for ANSI-compliant helmets or EN-certified head protection, we’ve got you covered. 📞+1 (714)-723-0340 – Hablamos Español tambien!
Please feel free to ask for a sample or reach out to our Solution Specialists today. Your safety is our priority—let’s make sure you’ve got the right helmet on your side!✉️info@aurorahelmets.com
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